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WILLIAM POOL. 



LANDMARKS 



OF 



NIAGARA COUNTY 



NEW YORK 



EDITED BY 

WILLIAM POOL 



D. MASON & COMPANY, PUBLISHERS 
1897 



^.l^a.% 



CONTENTS, 



CHAPTER I. 

1-4 
Descriptive of the Subject.. 

CHAPTER H. 

5-20 
Early Discoveries and Settlements - - - -," 

CHAPTER HI. 

20-29 
Continued Warfare— 1754-1763.. .. - "" 

CHAPTER IV. 

29-34 
On the Frontier— 1763-r< lO-- -- - 

CHAPTER V. 

The War of the Revolution— 1775-1812 - " 

CHAPTER VI. 
The War of 1812-1800-1825 ^^'^^ 

CHAPTER Vn. 

From 1825 to the War of the Rebellion.. - 

CHAPTER Vni. 

77-9*4 
The War Period in Niagara County - - 

CHAPTER IX. 

County Institutions and Civil List... 



IV 

CHAPTER X. 

vSubclivisions of the County — Towns and Villages ...100-103 

CHAPTER XI. 

City and Town of Lockport 103-174 

CHAPTER Xn. 

Town of Niagara, City of Niagara Falls, Suspension Bridge 174-240 

CHAPTER XHI. 

The Town of Cambria. 240-248 

CHAPTER XIV. 

The Town of Hartland 248-254 

CHAPTER XV. 

The Town of Porter.... 255-266 

CHAPTER XVI. 

The Town of Royalton 267-281 

CHAPTER XVII. 

The Town of Lewiston 281-301 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

The Town of Wilson 302-315 

CHAPTER XIX. 

The Town of Somerset... 315-321 

CHAPTER XX. 

The Town of Newfane 322-331 



V 

CHAPTER XXI. 

The Town of Pendleton -- - 331-336 

CHAPTER XXn. 

The Town of WheatHeld - - - 337-860 

CHAPTER XXni. 

The Bench and Bar of Niagara County --- - 360-384 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

A Brief History of the Medical Profession in Niagara County and of the 

Niagara County Medical Society. 384-392 

CHAPTER XXV. 

Free Masonry in Niagara County --- 393-402 



PART II. 

BIOGRAPHICAL - --- -- 403-448 



PART III. 

FAMILY SKETCHES - 1-218 

INDEXES. 

Parti - - 219-247 

Part n - -- 247 

Part III - 248-254 



VI 



PORTRAITS. 



Allen, W. L. , Dr facing 345 

Angevine, Jackson facing 438 

Armitage, James facing 103, Part III 

Babcock, Isaac H facing 32 

Baker, Flavins J., Dr.. facing 104 

Barnard, T. P. C, Dr facing 353 

Bentley, F. W., Dr facing 350 

Brush, Harlan W... between 356 and 357 
Brush, Walter S. . .between 356 and 357 
Chapman, Thomas M. between 354and 355 
Cobb, Willard A. ..between 124 and 125 

Corson, Fred W facing 122 

Cutler, John W facing 187 

De Kleist, Eugene Fr. T facing 342 

Dornf eld, Albert facing 340 

Dwight, A. N facing 308 

Felton, Benjamin F ..facing 3.58 

Flagler, Thomas T facing 16 

Gaskill, Joshua... facing 374 

Herschell, Allan... facing 207, Part III 
Herschell, George C. .facing 208, Part III 

Hodge, John facing 56 

Honeywell, Charles E ..facing 311 



Kaltenbach, Andrew facing 425 

La Bar, John W facing 436 

Landreth, William facing 435 

Lehon, William S., jr facing 348 

McKeen, Albert E facing 430 

Meseroll, Philip H facing 441 

Millar, David facing 360 

MuUanev, P. T., Rev facing 301 

Palmer, Charles N, Dr .facing 112 

Payne, Lewis S., Col facing 347 

Philpott, William A., jr facing 229 

Pierce, Henry F., Maj facing 415 

Pool, William frontispiece 

Rieger, Frank facing 439 

Schoellkopf, Arthur facing 423 

Shafer, John W facing 278 

Spalding, Linus ... facing 412 

Vogt, Jacob J facing 444 

Ward, Joseph A., .between 124 and 125 
Warner, Thomas E. between 354 and 355 

Whitnev, Solon M. N ..facing 408 

William's, Edward T facing 222 

Witmer, Joseph facing 443 



LandmarkvS of Niagara Countv. 



CHAPTER I. 

DESCRIPTIVE OF THE SUBJECT. 

Niagara county is the northernmost of the western tier of counties of 
the State of New York, and is bounded on the north by Lake Ontario ; 
on the east by Orleans and Genesee counties ; on the south by Erie 
county, and on the west by Niagara River. It was erected March ii, 
1808, and included what is now Erie county, which was set off April 2, 
1 82 I, leaving the present county with an area of 558 square miles. 

The first appearance of the word, Niagara, is, according to the ex- 
cellent authority of the late O. H. Marshall, on Coronelli's map pub- 
lished in Paris in 1688. it is the oldest of all the local geographical 
terms which have come down from the aborigines. Owing largely to 
the wide variance of pronunciation among the Indians, the word has 
been given almost unlimited forms of spelling. The Documentary His- 
tory of New York gives the following, besides the one now in universal 
use : lagara, lagare, Jagara, Jagare, Jagera, Niagaro, Niagra, Niagro, 
Oakinagaro, Ochiagra, Ochjagara, Octjagara, Ochinagero, Oneagerah, 
Oneigra, Oneygra, Oniagara, Ongagerae, Oniagorah, Oniagra, Oniagro, 
Onjagara, Onjagera, Onjagora, Onjagore, Onjagoro, Onjagra, Onnya- 
garo, Onyagara, Onyagare, Onyagaro, Onyagoro, Onyagars, Onyagra, 
Onyagro, Oneygra, Oneagoragh, Yagero, Yangree. 

The surface of Niagara county is generally level or gently undulating. 

It is divided into two distinct parts or terraces by a ridge extending 

east and west. The lake shore is a bluff ten to thirty feet in height, 

and from its summit the lower terrace slopes gradually upward to the 

1 



foot of an elevation called the Mountain Ridge, where it attains an ele- 
vation of one hundred to one hundred and fifty feet above the lake sur- 
face. This peculiar ridge extends east and '.vest through the north part 
of Royalton and Lockport, and near the center of Cambria and Lewis- 
ton, and forms the north declivity of the southern terrace. At its west- 
ern extremity it has an elevation of two hundred and fifty feet above 
the lower terrace, and is nearly perpendicular. This height gradually 
declines towards the east, having at the east line of the county an ele- 
vation of eight}- to one hundred feet. Through the central part of the 
county the ridge is divided into two declivities, separated by a plateau 
from a few rods to a half mile in width. The upper ridge is limestone, 
and for many miles presents the face of a nearly perpendicular clift". 
Throughout the county this ridge is too steep for much cultivation. 
The south half of the county extending south from the ridge is very 
nearly level. It has a slight inclination toward the south and terminates 
in the Tonawanda Swamp ; this whole inclination within the county 
does not exceed thirty feet. The Lake Ridge, which is supposed to 
have been, and probably was, the early shore of the lake, extends west 
from Orleans county through Hartland and Newfane, thence turns 
southwest and appears to terminate near Lockport city. It appears 
again farther west and at Cambria is divided into two parts, the north 
part extending northwest about three miles and gradually declining to 
the level of the ground surface in general, and the south part extending 
southwest and uniting with the mountain ridge four miles east of Lewis- 
ton. This deflection in the Lake Ridge was doubtless caused by a large 
bay that extended south towards Lockport, while the north branch of 
the ridge which terminates so abruptly in Cambria, was undoubtedly a 
bar extending into the lake. Two large streams probably discharged into 
this bay — one through the ravine in which the canal is located, and one 
through a ravine about two miles west of Lockport. The Lake Ridge 
is composed of sand, gravel, and the usual debris thrown up by the 
action of a large body of water, and differs essentially in character from 
the surrounding surface. It varies in height from five to twenty five 
feet, and is twenty to one hundred and fifty feet in width. 

The lowest rock in this county is the Medina sandstone, whith crops 
out in the ravines along the shore of the lake. It is the underlying rock 



of the west half of the count>-, and extends to the foot of the Mountain 
Ridge. This jidge is composed of the sandstones and limestones be- 
longing to the Niagara and Clinton groups, the heavy masses of compact 
limestone appearing at the top. The Onondaga salt group occupies a 
narrow strip along the south border of the count>'. Nearly the whole 
surface is covered with deep deposits of drift, the rocks appearing only 
on the declivities of the Mountain Ridge and in the ravines of streams. 

Springs of weak brine have been found in the northern half of the 
the county, which exude from the Medina sandstone. This stone, lying 
at the foot of the Mountain Ridge, has been quite extensively quarried 
at some points. Above the sandstone is a layer of impure limestone 
from which water cement has been made. The Niagara limestone fur- 
nishes an excellent building material and a good quality of lime. The 
stone exists along the whole course of the Mountain Ridge, and the deep 
cut through the ridge at Lockport is through this stiata ; the most ex- 
tensive quarries have been worked in that vicinit\', the stone for the 
canal locks having been taken from them. 

Niagara River, on the west boundary of the county, contains several 
small islands which belong to the count\', the principal ones being Ton- 
awanda, Cayuga, Buckhorn. and Goat Islands. The river itself and the 
great cataract need no detailed description in these pages. Tonawanda 
Creek flows along the greater part of the southern boundary of the count>' 
and along its course are the extensive marshes known as Tonawanda 
Swamp. This section contains valuable muck and marl, underlaid with 
limestone and gypsum, and where cleared and drained to some extent 
it is excellent for agricultural purposes. The other principal streams 
of the county are Four mile. Six mile. Twelve- mile and Eighteen- mile 
Creeks, so named from their respective distances from the mouth of 
Niagara River ; Fish and Golden Hill Creeks, all emptying into the lake ; 
Mud Creek and East Branch, tributaries of Tonawanda Creek, and Ca- 
yuga and Gill Creeks, tributaries of Niagara River 

The soil of this county is particularly well adaptea lo the raising of 
grain and for many years that was the principal occupation of the farm- 
ers Wheat, barley, oats, corn and potatoes were successfully grown, 
wheat especially being produced in great quatities until about 1850. 
Since that date it has received less attention, and fruit cultivation has 



4 

in recent years taken its place to a great extent. Large apple orchards 
were planted at some points by early settlers, particularly on the Niag- 
ara River below Lewiston, on the lake shore and in the vicinity of Lock- 
port. About 1845 ^ large demand for winter apples came into exist- 
ence in the west and elsewhere, which stimulated the farmers of this 
county, who had large orchards of inferior fruit, to begin grafting their 
trees. It began to be understood that soil and climate were fitted to 
produce the most perfect apples possible, as well as superior fruits of 
other kinds. Apple growing continued until Niagara county became 
known throughout the whole country for the excellence and quality 
of its product. Peaches, also, were gradually introduced and became 
an important product. The fruit industry still continues to receive a 
large share of the attention of farmers. 

The population of Niagara county has regularly increased in numbers 
as shown by each succeeding census, excepting between i860 and 1865, 
when it decreased about 1,000, a fact due, probably, to the influences of 
the war. The following figures show the number of the inhabitants at 
different periods since 1835 • 

1835 ...- 26,490 

1840 ...- 31,133 

1845 .34,550 

1850 42,370 

1855 48,282 

1860 50,399 

1865 49,283 

1870.... ,...50,437 

1875 - 51,399 

1880... ...54,173 

1890 .-62,491 

1892.... 63,878 



CHAPTER II. 

EARLY DISCOVERIES AND SETTLEMENT. 

No attempt will be made in this work to review the Indian history of 
the locality under consideration. It could add nothing to what has 
already been done in scores of historical volumes, and the subject is 
about exhausted. There is evidence that seems irrefutable to many 
that this region was occupied by a race of men far anterior to our na- 
tive Indians; whether this is true or not must be left for antiquarian 
speculation and treatment. Let it sufifice for present purposes to state 
that the first white comers hither found this immediate locality occu 
pied by a nation of Indians called by other nations, Kahquas, and by 
the French, the Neuter nation, because they were at peace with the 
fierce tribes around them. They were a numerous nation, but seemed 
to lack the valor and warlike spirit of the Iroquois. There were Kah- 
qua villages on both sides of Niagara River, but chiefly on the western 
side ; there was also one near the mouth of Eighteen- mile Creek in the 
present Niagara county, and possibly a few on the Lake Erie shore. 
The greater part of the shores of that lake were, however, occupied by 
the Eries, who were called by the French the Nation of the Cat. Up to 
about the middle of the sixteenth century, it is believed, the Kahquas 
maintained their neutrality amid the fierce strife of their neighbors; but 
not long after that, for some cause now unknown, the dreaded Iroquois 
fell upon both the Eries and the Kahquas and almost exterminated 
them. If any were left they were doubtless absorbed by their conquer- 
ors. From that time forward all of this immediate region was ruled 
over by the powerful Senecas, a nation that shared to some extent in all 
the warlike operations that constitute a part of the frontier history, and 
often in fierce opposition to the English, by whom they were at last con- 
quered. 

The Tuscaroras constituted the sixth of the famed Six Nations. Thev 



were seated in North Carolina when the Europeans came, where they 
numbered 1.200 wariors at the beginning of the eighteenth century. 
They were at war with the white settlers, 171 1 and 1713, and in the 
latter year were subdued and eight hundred of them captured. The 
remainder fled northward and joined the Iroquois league as the sixth 
nation. In the French and English war and the war of the Revolution 
they were loyal first to Great Britain and later to the Americans, and 
in the spring of 1781 located on a square mile of land on the mountain 
ridge in what is now the town of Lewiston, which the Senecas had 
assigned to them. Their domain was increased by a grant of two 
square miles and a purchase in 1 804 of 4,329 acres from tiie Holland 
Land Company; for the latter they paid $13,722, which was a part of 
the indemnity received by them for the extinction of their North Caro- 
lina interests. On their reservation the white settlers found in them 
warm friends and good neighbors. They have advanced in civilization, 
have excellent farms and are generally respected by the remainder of 
the community. 

Evidences strongly indicating prehistoric occupation of the territory 
of Niagara county have been found, while Indian relics and remains in 
great quantities and varied character tell of the former occupants of the 
region. The lines of their principal trails are well known and many 
have become our present roads. The most important of these trails ex- 
tended from the Hudson to the Niagara; it came from the east by way 
of the sites of Canandaigua and Batavia, emerged from the Tonawanda 
Swamp nearly southeast of Royalton Center, coming out upon the 
Lockport and Batavia road in the valley of Millard's Brook, and thence 
continued on the Chestnut Ridge to the Cold Springs. Following the 
route of the Lewiston road, with little deviation, it struck the Ridge 
road at Warren's. It followed the Ridge road until it passed the Hop- 
kins marsh, when it gradually ascended the Mountain Ridge, passed 
through the Tuscarora village and then down again to the Ridge road 
and on to the Niagara. From Lewiston to Oueenston was the princi- 
pal crossing into Canada, but a branch trail went down the river to Fort 
Niagara. This trail was improved about the close of the last century, 
so as to be passable by sleighs, the work being done by the Holland 
Company ; it was the first roadwaj^ north of the main road from Canan- 



daigua to Bufifalo. "The Ontario trail," according to Turner, which 
came westward from Oswego, via Irondequoit Bay, " followed the 
Ridge road west to near the west line of Hartland in Niagara county, 
where it diverged to the southwest, crosing the east branch of Eight- 
een-mile Creek and forming a junction with the Canada or Niagara trail 
at the Cold Springs." 

No less important than these trails was that which became and has 
always been known as the Portage road, extending from Lewiston 
around the Falls. It was thus described in a work written in 1718 : 

The Niagara portage is two leagues and a half to three leagues long, but the road, 
over which carts roll two or three times a year, is very fine, with very beautiful and 
open woods through which a person is visible for a distance of 600 paces. The trees are 
all oaks and very large. The soil along the entire length of that road is not very good. 
From the landing, which is three leagues up the river, four hills are to be ascended. 
Above the first hill there is a Seneca village of about ten cabins. These Senecas are 
employed by the French, from whom they earn money by carrying the goods of 
those who are going to the upper country. 

Upon the accession of the English the Portage road was greatly im- 
proved under direction of Sir William Johnson (1763) by John Stedman, 
the first permanent settler at Niagara. The following description of the 
route of this road is from the pen of O. H. Marshall : 

It commenced at the Lewiston landing, and followed the river until it reached the 
small depression just north of the present suspension bridge. Diverging from this 
it intersected the river a short distance above the Stedmau house, and followed its 
bank for about forty rods to the fort above. Midway between the house and fort 
were a dock, a warehouse and a group of square-timbered, whitewa.shed log cabins, 
used by the teamsters, boatmen and engagees connected with the portage. About 
half a mile below the Stedman house, the head of the present hydraulic canal, was 
the old French landing, where goods were transhipped when only canoes were used, 
and where the Portage road terminated before Fort Schlosser was built. All along 
the road between this fort and Lewiston blockhouses were erected about a mile 
apart, to protect the teams from disasters such as had occurred at the Devil's Hole. 

The vast importance of this trail and road through all this history of 
the Niagara frontier will be readily inferred and more clearly understood 
as we proceed. 

The early relations of this section of country to the l^^uropean pow- 
ers was of a very indefinite character. James I was on the English 
throne, and Louis XIII reigned over France with the great Richelieu 



as his prime minister. The immediate region of which this work treats 
was one of the earliest in the northern patt of America to be visited 
by European adventurers, missionaries and traders. Many years be- 
fore the landing of the Pilgrims, and only a little more than forty years 
after Columbus touched the shores of a new world, Jacques Cartier, a 
French explorer, sailed up the St. Lawrence in 1535 as far as Montreal, 
and learned something of the great country and lakes to the westward. 
He took possession of all the country in the name of his sovereign 
and made some attempts at colonization, but in 1543 they were all 
abandoned. In 1603 the celebrated French mariner, Champlain, came 
over and made permanent settlement at Quebec ; settlement at Mon- 
treal soon followed. A route was established across the country from 
the St. Lawrence to Lake Huron, where Cartier founded a mission and 
where Champlain wintered among the Indians in 161 5. The Hurons 
were at war with the Iroquois and Champlain invaded the Iroquois 
country with their warriors. Meanwhile Champlain had sailed up the 
lake that bears his name, lying between the present States of New 
York and Vermont, in 1609, fought a battle on its shores with the 
Iroquois, killed his first Indians and gave the natives their first per- 
ception of what they were to expect from the white man and his mur- 
derous gunpowder. In 1609, also, Henry Hudson sailed up the river 
that took his name and in the name of his Dutch employers took 
possession of an indefinite extent of territory. These claims, with that 
of the English made by the Plymouth colony, constituted three dis- 
tinct sources of pretended sovereignty over the soil of the new world, 
seen and unseen, and by 1625 there were three streams of emigration 
tending westward. For a long period the French held a measure of 
supremacy, in which they were abetted by those remarkable mission- 
aries, the Jesuits, some of whom were early in the vicinity of the Niag- 
ara frontier. F'ather Dallion was in some parts of the region in 1626— 
27, but there is no evidence that he visited Niagara. Fathers Brebeuf 
and ChauniDnot visited the Neuter Nation in 1641 and wrote a descrip- 
tion of the journey in which is found the first mention of Niagara. We 
quote : 

The river is that by which our great lake of the Huron, or fresh sea, is discharged, 
which first enters into the lake of Erie, or of the nation of Cat, from thence it enters 



the territory of Neuter Nation, and takes the name of Onguiaahra until it empties 
into Ontario or St. Louis lake, from which Hows the river which passes before 
Quebec. 

It is a singular fact that in an elaborate description of Indian villages 
and the river, no mention is made of the falls. The inference is that 
the cataract was not visited. In 1648, however, Father Ragueneau 
described the lakes Huron and Erie to Ontario, and the cataract of 
"frightful hight." The falls are also designated on Champlain's map 
of 1632, but there is no detailed description of the river and falls 
dating earlier than the arrival of La Salle and his company in Decem- 
ber, 1678. 

La Salle made his first voyage of discovery in 1669, sailing up Lake 
Ontario and reaching the Seneca settlements on Genesee River under 
Indian guidance, and hoping to be conducted thence to the Ohio River. 
This he accomplished after considerable delay and difficulty. His 
second expedition was approved by royal authority, but was fitted out 
at private expense by La Salle and his friends. The voyage was made 
in a brigantine commanded by La Motte, the expedition comprising six- 
teen persons, among whom were Louis Hennepin and Henri de Tonti. 
Hennepin was the first to visit the falls and left a detailed description 
of the great natural wonder. Embarking at Frontenac in two small 
vessels they sailed directly for the mouth of Niagara River. The voy- 
age was tempestuous and it was December 5 before they reached a 
point on the northern side of the lake, " lying about seventy leagues 
from Fort Frontenac." Of their movements the next day Hennepin 
wrote: 

We were obliged to tarry there till the 5th of December, when we sailed from the 
northern to the southern side, where the river Niagara runs into the lake, but could 
not reach it that day, though it was but fifteen or sixteen leagues distant, and there- 
fore cast anchor w-ithin five leagues of the shore, where we had very bad weather all 
the night long. On the 6th, being St. Nicholas day, we got into the fine river 
Niagara, into which never any such ship as ours entered before. 

The Iroquois had a little village at the mouth of the river and their 
astonishment at the advent of these visitors in such a craft may be 
imagined. The next day the voyagers went two leagues up the river 
in quest of a building site. They probably landed at the site of 
Queenston and thence proceeded as far as Chippawa Creek, in snow a 



lO 

foot deep. There is some uncertainty on which side of the river the 
journey was made. Capt. James Van Cleve, long a resident of Lewis- 
ton, insisted that they landed on the Queenston side at a point still 
known as Hennepin Rock, where, finding they could go no farther 
with their vessel, they crossed to this side at about the point of the 
old ferry landing, whence they walked to the falls. They returned the 
next day and on the iith Hennepin said the first mass in this part of 
the new world. To carry out their purpose of building some houses at 
the landing place, they commenced in the latter part of 1678 the first 
building on this frontier on the site of Lewiston. The vessel was towed 
up from below on the 15th of December. "The 17th, i8th and 19th," 
says the record, " we were busy making a cabin, with palisadoes, to 
serve for a magazine." The next four days were spent in efforts to 
save the brigantine, which "was in great danger of being dashed to 
pieces by the vast pieces of ice that were hurled down the river." 

These operations, as might have been expected, excited the jealousy 
of the Indians, and in order to allay it Hennepin, La Motte and seven 
others visited the Iroquois village in what is now Ontario county, and 
by gifts and flattery obtained the acquiescence of the Senecas. Return- 
ing they reached their brethren on January 14, 1679. It was a part of 
La Salle's purpose to continue his explorations westward, to accom- 
plish which he saw the necessity of having a vessel above the falls. He 
revisited Fort Frontenac and returned bringing with him supplies and 
rigging for the proposed craft, but his vessel was wrecked about 
thirty miles from the mouth of the Niagara, the anchors and cables 
being about all that was saved. On the 22d of January they made an 
encampment on the site of La Salle village, about five miles above the 
falls, and there on the 26th of January laid the keel of a vessel. There 
has been a great deal of speculation as to the exact place where this 
ship was built, and a few years since Cyrus Kingsbury Remington pub- 
lished a pamphlet upon the subject, to which the reader is referred. 
Hennepin said it was a most convenient place for the work. During 
the winter one Indian was employed in building a cabin and another 
supplied the party with venison. Tonti was left in command while La 
Salle made another trip to Frontenac, traveling over 200 miles through 
the snow with two men and a dog. The Indians made some trouble 



II 



i 



during the building of the vessel, threatening to burn it. Most of the 
Iroquois were away on the warpath and before their return the httle 
vessel was launched and safe from their attack. It was named Le 
Griffon (the Grififin). She was towed up the river to near the site of 
Black Rock and there left riding with two anchors. Hennepin and 
others then made a voyage to Frontenac in one of their vessels, for 
further aid in his religious work, and returned to Niagara July 30. On 
the 4th of August they made their way to La Salle and thence pro- 
ceeded to the anchorage of the Grififin, where they were warmly wel- 
comed. August 16 and 17 they returned to Niagara and brought the 
vessel in which they had sailed to Frontenac to Lewiston. From there 
their goods and supplies were transported around the falls to a point 
where they could be taken in small boats. Hennepin describes the 
tedious task of carrying these supplies up " the three mountains " and 
over the portage. 

The Grififin was a small vessel, only sixty tons, but was well supplied 
with anchors and other equipment, and armed with seven small can- 
non. There were thirty- four men on board, all Frenchmen but one. 
After several fruitless attempts to get the vessel up the river, it was 
finally accomplished by setting all sail in a favorable wind, and attach- 
ing a tow line upon which the crew hauled. This was upon August 7, 
1679. 

While this work was progressing Hennepin doubtless visited the falls 
more than once and has left to us his description, which may be found 
in the Documentary History of the State by the curious reader. So, 
also, may be read with interest the description of the cataract by Char- 
levoix, written in 1721. 

The great importance of this frontier was earl}' appreciated by both 
the French and the English, and no efiforts were spared by either to 
keep it within their control. It was the grand passage way of the Iro- 
quois warriors and the fur traders from the east to the west, and a mili- 
tary strategic point of great strength M. Le Febvre de la Barre was 
appointed governor of Canada in 1682 and received detailed instructions 
from his sovereign regarding a campaign against the Senecas, the main 
purpose of which was to prevent them from further warring against the 
Illinois and other western Indians. The rivalry that was to continue 



12 

aiasy rsars berween d>e Frecch a»i ti»e Es^feii ■©«■- developec, i:>d 
Go««r»a- Doegaca. ot X«»- Ycffi, vebeaaeBl^f protested i^iinst the 
F:::e3}C^ «Ba3;a^ axv iarsaoK afiro xfae Ixoqsofe covatzy i^^cc: ^ry r re- 
rex^ la lie s?wi^ of 16S4 tfe Ffcaci oScer recMnoiteKd tbe sccth- 
em ^Mxies of Lsks Oxixrid and tke Seseca cooatxy, hi preparatioa for 
iiK cacofk^x : bmr ioF so^ie rsisoc^ coTranBce 2xcK>iBg oSker d^r^es 

*: r ---—-: ------—„ aociiirij: ^rss acixcnpSsied flat needs 

ct :33ai icwx^c re fav^i^r :a Fiaaoe a»d oa 

Mzrei in. i6S5,-^ be 'was recalled asd lise Marqcs E^ XofivJuje mas sort 

. : _. _-c 3ri:j a b»»i« a»d expenesjced o5cer asd ptu»pth 

ri aieasErrs for Tigccoms acioai He Si3K5ed tse wboie atsa&oa 

ascL sf cocrse, "WTas inipressed -w-ttr ibe Mporss^ce of erectirrg: a ibrd- 

- — — - : -" — "* - r^^i. ar>d rr-geo- die matter cpr-n his 

^ , - - , r-d, i>oc =;'--y be a pTOtectaon a^:ai2st 

tie irociKjis : d grre the Fre:^^ tise de^r^ ooctnol of the rvas- 

- ' -- ' — _ i ^ ._ _ . , 5 cc 3>e2L "" esc^osew ^ - ^ : 

v-«i:jc errrsLT iose tie roac to the - C^srairss ' i^iiast tfcr . 






t:^^ h^xiti^ been : 1. i>£ }sooT-i_-c e^".- 



oc the :m t«: JrlT. 16S7- On the s?.— 



I 



'♦*---* 



-d growir.g -rop-i - 

i, reaching there oc th< 

' ''.rt 2Xid 
. :...-re days 



^O^ 



A sae 



struction was r.' ' ' - 
of c^rn, killed i" 

The army returne-f t: 
was now 5e' " - the 
ades were ci. , -^ i'i ■ 
considered "fn coniit'cr. 
for Montreal- A part or the regt:Iar troops Trere .eft an-oer . .] 

to complete the work, after wikich tr f 

Sienr de Troves with lOO men. Tbe :e 

in the vicinity of the fort and that it had to be carried rxp a hfX This. 

taken with De Nonville's =- - f 

vas not a novelty, " ST ncc S.^- .- _ -i_. , 

in mios since a year "when Serjeant La F 

driven away fc^ Indians. h^=. by socne writers been taJcea as proot tisat 

La Sallr - - . . '. _ - 

istoo ; b _^ 1- 

ter. Hena^n, bawe^er. does -z^zt i Sille was ca k^ war 

back to Fort Froatenac in ' -r -wzs. * ,: 

La Sa'Ie. he ** pretended *- ' -^ . . 

r.kd been promised for . ;- 

the moath of the river, s^ 

the chief post was at Le 

The littie garrison at ! _ 
i687-«. The 5eneca= kt't J: 
ventured firod the fort, * 
Provisioas were scarce, 1 
ness came on and by tht 
ten or t wd we ; this tiaie socne : 
survivors until :' 

In Ae oteao t 
French was rapidly gaining stre: 
must destroy the post at X:; _ 
erab^ correspondence De 2- . - 
works and abandoned the p-^st: 
o ccup i e d for nearly forty years. 



liv a tictise was erectec tisere. sot 






:: that the F 



It 



recordmg the 



FflcDeXoKT^ 



H 

ment is very full and formal. The cabins and quarters were left stand- 
ing. A cross eighteen feet high was erected in the center of the square 
bearing an inscription. Besides the five cabins, there was a bakehouse, 
a large storehouse, and another " large and extensive framed building 
having a double door furnished with nails, hinges, and fastenings, with 
three small windows," but the building had no chimney. The large 
storehouse was described as "covered with one hundred and thirty 
boards, surrounded with pillars, eight feet high, in which there are many 
pieses of wood serving as small joists, and partly floored with unequal 
plank. There is a window and a sliding sash." The other structures 
were also minutely described. There was also " a well with its cover 
above the scarp of the ditch." 

The vengeance of the Iroquois for De Nonville's invasion was swift. 
A large body of warriors started for the Canadian settlement, fell upon 
the Island of Montreal like demons, destroyed everything of value on 
their way, and reached the very gates of the city. A revolution in 1688 
placed William of Orange on the English throne, and war continued 
until 1697 with varying fortunes. The Five Nations continued friends 
of the English and engaged much of the time in harassing the French. 
Their authority over the whole west bank of the Niagara, and far up the 
south shore of Lake Erie, was unbroken, except when French troops 
were actually marching there. 

The treaty of Ryswick (1697) was imperfect and left the sovereignty 
of Western New York undecided. The English continued their claims 
to all the country of the Iroquois, while the French with equal energy 
persisted in setting up the authority of King Louis. Permanent 
peace under such circumstances was necessarily out of the question and 
Queen Anne's war broke out in 1702. During this struggle the Iro- 
quois, who had grown wiser in their generation, maintained neutrality. 
Both European powers feared them too much to wantonly attack them. 
Meanwhile Detroit and other strong posts were established by the 
French. In 1700, in going from Montreal to Detroit, the French were 
careful to avoid the Niagara route, so as not to give offense to the Iro- 
quois. But the great importance of having a fortified post at Niagara 
could not be overlooked. 

In 1706 proposals were made to the French court to take possession 



15 



of Niagara, before the English should accomplish the same avowed pur- 
pose. The most convincing reasons were given for such a course, 
which the reader can find in the Paris Documents. At this time Cha- 
bert Joncaire, for many later years a conspicuous figure on this frontier, 
appears on the scene It was proposed to take advantage of his inti- 
macy and influence with the Senecas to secure their good will. Jon- 
caire had a few years earlier been captured by the Senecas and when 
his life was threatened by them, had gained their lasting respect by an 
act of bravery in the face of death and been adopted into the nation. 
He married a squaw and was made a sachem. The French govern- 
ment appreciated the importance of Joncaire's influence and received 
the proposals to take the possession of Niagara. Instructions were, 
accordingly, issued to d'Aigremont to proceed to Niagara, among other 
points, and adopt measures to prevent its occupation by the English. 
De Vaudreuil, then governor of Canada, was to co-operate. The latter 
advised the promotion of Joncaire and gave him employment, leading 
to charges that the two were in league in maintaining the existing con- 
ditions so as to control the Indian trade for their own benefit. In 1708 
d'Aigremont reported the result of his mission. He states that he 
arrived at Niagara on June 27, 1707, where he met Joncaire by appoint- 
ment, " at the site of the former fort." They agreed that it was impor- 
tant to fortify the place ; that it would induce the settlement near by of 
friendly Iroquois, who would keep them informed of the movements of 
the English. This report was not favorably' received and M. De Pon- 
chartrain wrote d'Aigremont that the post at Niagara " is not expedient 
under any circumstances." The home authorities had, without doubt, 
been prejudiced against Joncaire ; this is indicated by De Ponchartrain's 
remarks when the decision was announced. Said he ; " I will have him 
watched in what relates to the avidity he feels to enrich himself out of 
the presents the King makes these Indians, so as to obviate this abuse 
in future." 

This postponement of the reoccupation of Niagara left Levviston 
again the principal point of settlement. In 1719 Joncaire persuaded 
the Senecas to permit him to build a trading post. In the following 
spring he had Indians at work on the structure, which De Vaudreuil 
called " a picketed house," at Lewiston. This alarmed tiie English 



i6 

and they endeavored to induce the Iroquois to order the destruction of 
the building. Nothing averted this but Joncaire's presence among the 
Senecas and the exercise of his great influence over them. The trad- 
ing house thus estabHshed, the French in Montreal sent on goods and 
Joncaire opened the first "' store " in Lewiston more than one hun- 
dred and seventy- five years ago. When the English soon afterward 
threatened to destroy the trading house, the customary correspondence 
ensued between Governor Burnet of New York and Vaudreuil. Burnet 
complained that " the French flag has been hoisted in one of the 
Seneca castles," and considered it "an ill observance of the articles of 
the Peace of Utrecht." To counteract these operations by the French, 
Burnet established some kind of a trading post at Irondequoit in 
1 72 1, but it probably remained only a short time. And so the strife 
went on.' 

The existing condition of affairs at this time led to the establish- 
ment by the English of a fortified post at what is now Oswego (called 
by the French, Choueguen) in 1725-6. This at once constituted a 
new and important factor in the strife, and the French felt the great 
necessity of having a strongly fortified work at Niagara. De Vaudreuil 
sent dispatches to his king that nothing could preserve their control at 
Lewiston and along the frontier but a strong fort at Niagara. In order 
to deceive the Indians as to their actual purpose, Vaudreuil proposed 
to have two vessels cruise on Lake Ontario in the interests of trade, 
and at the same time to carry materials for the " house," as he termed 
it, at Niagara. Joncaire reported to them that, while the Indians 
would not oppose their trading vessels nor the erection of a "house," 
they would not permit the erection of a stone fort. The French gov- 
ernment did not in that year furnish the means for either vessels or the 
" house." 

While these negotiations were in progress, Joncaire was increasing 
his trading facilities at Lewiston, making journeys to Quebec for his 
goods. In the spring of 1721 De Longueville and others were sent on 
from Quebec to negotiate with the Indians for building privileges. 
The party numbered about fifty and among them was Charlevoix, 

' For the corrcspundcnce of Burnet and Vaudreuil, and other details of the English and 
French operations of this period, see Doc. Hist., vol. IX. 




THOMAS T. FLAGLER. 



17 

who vvrote a letter from Levviston to Madame Maintenon, which has 
frequently been drawn upon by local historians ; but in reality it con- 
tained little of value. 

The first little store of Joncaire at Lewiston, which has been referred 
to in a document of 1721 as "a kind of cabin of bark where they dis- 
played the king's colors," soon gave place to a more pretentious struc- 
ture. It was described as a block house thirty by forty feet, inclosed 
by palisades, which were pierced with port holes. This building, how- 
ever, must have soon been neglected and left to decay, as it was fall- 
ing into ruin at the time of the erection of the stone fort. In 1627 
Louis XV proposed its rebuilding, but it was not done. This French 
sovereign evidently took a deeper interest in affairs on this side of the 
ocean than his predecessor. He sent out 29,295 livres for the erection 
of the fort, and 13,090 livres for the building of two barks to aid in 
transporting materials to Niagara. There are no recorded details of the 
construction of the fort, but it was erected in 1726 and with changes 
and improvements, remains to this day. 

The English were now alive to the importance of the French opera- 
tions on this frontier. The principal act of retaliation was the construc- 
tion of the fort at Oswego, which point became secondary only to 
Niagara. Burnet wrote of it to the Board of Trade : 

I depend upon its being of the best use of anything that has ever been undertaken 
on that side, either to preserve our own Indians in our Interest, or to promote and 
fix a constant Trade with the remote Indians. 

The Marquis de Beauharnois, then governor of Canada, took Burnet 
to task for building the fort at Oswego, and the usual paper wa fare 
continued, for which space cannot be spared in these pages. In 1728 
the French king wrote Beauharnois that the reconstruction of the house 
at the Niagara carrying place (Levviston) did not seem necessary, in 
view of the strength of the fort at the mouth of the river. Competition 
in trade with the Indians now entered into the contest and Beauharnois 
directed that Niagara be well supplied with goods and that they be sold 
at such prices as would prevent the Indians going to Oswego to trade 
with the English. In 1730 Sieur de Rigauville was placed in command 
at Niagara, Joncaire having been sent among the Senecas in the general 
interest of the French ; he took his son with him. For a period of 
3 



20 

rendezvous for the French and their allies on their way to and from the 
upper country. In 1751 Lieutenant Lindsay wrote from Oswego to 
Sir William Johnson that Indians from Niagara reported to him that a 
new fort had been built at the " Niagara Carrying Place " (at Schlosser) 
since they were there. Information also reached the English that the 
French, in July, landed at Niagara a force of nearly three hundred 
French and several hundred Indians, on their way to drive the English 
from the Ohio country. Against this movement the Iroquois raised 
opposition, a feeling which was cultivated by Johnson, who was more 
and more impressed with the importance of this frontier. He fre- 
quently urged his government to organize an expedition to secure its 
control. He insisted that the French had no right there whatever. 
The struggle that was to determine this question was at hand. 



CHAPTER III. 

CONTINUED WARFARE— 1754-1763. 

During the interval of peace that succeeded the war just described, 
both the French and the English continued their intrigues to gain the 
fealty of the Iroquois. It was apparent to both that the nation which 
succeeded in this effort would ultimately triumph. As a part of the 
measures of the English, they held at Albany in 1754, a "Congress" 
of commissioners from New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massa- 
chusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Marj^land, who prepared 
an address to the Iroquois, and there met some of the most famous 
chiefs, among them Hendrick, of the Mohawks The congress con- 
tinued in session about a month. The king sent presents for the In- 
dians and urged the utmost efforts to gain their friendship. Another 
council was held in the following year at Alexandria, Va., where Brad- 
dock was encamped, as the head of the army. General Braddock pro- 
posed an expedition against the French forts at Crown Point and 
Niagara. Sir William Johnson was commissioned as major-general to 
take command of the Crown Point expedition, and Gov. William Shir- 



21 

ley, of Massachusetts, a brave and capable officer, was to command 
against Niagara. A tliird expedition against Fort Duquesne was also 
planned. Shirley did not proceed farther than Oswego, as shown 
in the following quotation from Pouchot's Memoirs, volume I, page 45 : 

The regiments of Shirley and Pepperell, with the militia of New York and New- 
Jersey, according to the plan we have spoken of, arrived at the end of June [1755] 
at Oswego, from whence they conld equally menace both P"'rontenac and Niagara. 
Bad weather and a sickness that prevailed among them, prevented the execution of 
their designs. They employed themselves during this campaign, in forming an in- 
trenched camp around Oswego, and in building Fort Ontario on the other side of 
the river. They also undertook to build vessels to form a fleet upon the lake. 

It is a fact that Shirley did construct a sloop and a schooner of sixty 
tons each, and a large number of galle3^s and whale boats. In the 
mean time Johnson attacked and defeated the French in the battle of 
Lake George, l^raddock was defeated near Duquesne, leaving the 
French in still better condition to defend this frontier. They had not 
been idle, their instructions involving the building of vessels and 
canoes, a sufficient number of which <vere to be placed on the river 
at Schlosser to facilitate the passage of their troops back and forth to 
the Ohio. 

During the Ohio campaign reports of " horrible waste " at the Niag- 
ara portage were circulated, and as a consequence the transportation 
business was submitted to competition. The price agreed upon was 
fifty sous the piece, but M. Duquesne gave his opinion that the con- 
tractors could make no profit owing to mortality among the horses and 
other causes. He also stated that the site of the fort at Niagara was to 
be changed, as the lake was undermining it. Fears that Shirley would 
capture Niagara that season caused the French great anxiety, Vaudreuil 
writing that if the English attacked the fort, " 'tis theirs." Concerning 
its condition he wrote as follows: 

I am informed that fort is so dilapidated that 'tis impossible to put a peg in it 
without causing it to crumble; stanchions have been obliged to be set up against it 
to support it. It's garrison consists of thirty men without any muskets. Sieur de 
\'illiers has been detained with about 200 men to form a camp of observation there. 

Active measures were adopted to strengthen the post in anticipation 
of Shirley's expedition. Vaudreuil sent orders to Detroit for Indians 
to be sent here, and M de Foubonne came with the battalion of 



22 

Guienne, while Pouchot, the distinguished engineer, came to plan such 
entrenchments and other works as would place the fort in a good state 
of defence. After Braddock's defeat, the artillery captured there by 
the French was sent to Niagara, while Joncaire was busily employed 
among the Iroquois villages in vain efforts to counteract the influence 
of Johnson's emissaries. But all these preparations were temporarily 
unnecessary, on account of Shirley's failure. Had his plans been car- 
ried out, there is every reason to believe that Niagara would have fallen 
into the hands of the English in 1755. 

General Shirley summoned the provincial governors to another 
council at Albany in December, 1755, where he ardently advocated 
raising a force of 5,000 troops, who should rendezvous at Oswego, in 
the spring, to aid in the capture of Niagara and the conquest of the 
frontier. 

In the fall of that year Commissary Doreil gave the following dis- 
couraging description of the fort at Niagara: 

A house surrounded by a little ditch, with stockades or palisades seven or eight 
feet over the ground, but in such a bad state that most of them fall through rotten- 
ness, composes what is styled. Fort Niagara. 

During this winter the whole force at the fort comprised about 300 
men, who labored hard to strengthen the work. Now, in May, 1756, 
after two years of open hostilities, a formal declaration of war was made 
between England and France, and the last struggle for supremacy con- 
tinued. On March 27, 1756, Fort Bull, which guarded the great 
carrying place from the Mohawk River to Wood Creek, on the route to 
Oswego, was captured by a body of French and Indians, and a large 
quantity of stores destined for Oswego were destroyed. It was hoped 
that this would at least delay the operations of the English against 
Niagara. Meanwhile another battalion, Beam's, was sent here, and 
Vaudreuil took occasion to compliment Pouchot for placing Niagara, 
" which was abandoned, and beyond making the smallest resistance," 
in a state of defense ; he continued that " it had thus been made a 
place of considerable importance, in consequence of the regularity, 
solidity, and utility of its works." Montcalm, also, that brilliant P"rench 
military genius, was pleased with the improvements made, and called it 
"a good fortification," of "horn work with its half moon, covert- way, 



23 

and lunettes at tlie places iVarmes re entering from the covert- way. 
The front of the work is I20 toises." 

In the summer of 1756 the French gained in their cause through the 
capture of Oswego by Montcalm on August 14, thereby securing a 
large measure of respect and good will from the Indians.^ Moreover, 
the moral effect of the victory was disastrous to the English, and all 
offensive operations ceased for a time. It removed what the French 
regarded as the chief danger to their plans respecting the North Ameri- 
can continent, and left unbroken their possession of the valleys of the 
St Lawrence, the great lakes, the Ohio and the Mississippi. 

The campaign of 1757 terminated disastrously, leaving the affairs of 
Great Britain in America in a worse condition than at any former 
period. Fort William Henry, a strong work at the head of Lake 
George, fell before Montcalm's army in August, while the French still 
retained control of Fort Duquesoe and the Ohio region. But a change 
was at hand, which was brought about to a considerable extent by the 
succession of William Pitt to the prime ministry in England. He was 
a man of great ability and a devoted friend to the American colonics. 
He promptly gave assurance that ample forces should be sent over and 
recommended that the colonists raise as many men for their armies as 
possible. Lnrge bodies of soldiery were accordingly recruited by the 
colonies and made ready for the field in the spring of 1758. 

Only about 150 men garrisoned Niagara during 1757. The French 
seemed to believe that its capture by the English was not to be consid- 
ered at all. In the fall Pouchot went to Montreal where he reported 
that the fort was completed except some sodding. He had changed 
the location of some of the buildings. There were two large barracks, 
one church, one powder magazine, and one store for provisions and 
merchandise. He said more barracks would be necessary in the course 
of the winter. Captain Vassan took his place in command at the fort. 

Genera! James Abercrombie assumed command of the English forces 



'The capture of Oswego produced the greatest effect vipon all the Indian tribes, because the 
English had affected a decided superiority over us, and by their bragadocio on their power and 
courage, sought to make the Indians believe that we should not be able to resist them. The 
latter saw with what ease we took a post which had as many defenders as assailants, and their 
brisk cannonade, of which they had never heard the like, did not disturb the French troops. We 
may say, that since this event, they have redoubled their attachment and friendship for the 
French. --A>«cV/<)/'i' Memoirs, I'o/. /, /, 70. 



24 

in America in 1758, and extensive expeditions were planned. One of 
these was for the recapture of Oswego ; one against Louisberg, which 
was captured by Maj.-Gen. Jeffrey Amherst; another was against 
Crown Point and Ticonderoga, to be commanded by Abercrombie in 
person, who was defeated by Montcalm ; and another, which was suc- 
cessful, against Duquesne. During this year, or part of it, Niagara was 
left destitute, and measures were adopted for its relief Goods, provis- 
ions and artillery were to be forwarded, and in fear of the English 
armed vessels on the lake, M. de Montigue with 500 or 600 men and 
20,000 pounds of powder were sent here. But the final and more im- 
portant operations in this region were left to the succeeding year. 

The rapid increase of population in the English colonies and the 
facility with which they had enlarged their armies, gave the French 
great anxiety and led some of their authorities in the winter of 1758-9 
to express their conviction that it would prove a difficult task to defend 
Niagara against an attack. One writer declared that the French could 
not place more than 5,000 or 6,000 men in the field ; and they could 
not confidently count on their Indian allies. Among their strongholds 
Niagara was considered most tenable, but it was evident that against a 
determined assault it could not long hold out. Provisions became very 
scarce and costly, rations of bread being reduced to a pound and a half 
and of pork to a quarter of a pound. Horse flesh was issued for food. 
The courageous Montcalm foresaw the coming disaster and was dis- 
couraged. On August 12 he wrote from Montreal: 

Canada will be taken this campaign, and assuredly during the next, if there be 
not some unforeseen good luck, a powerful diversion by sea against the English colo- 
nies, or some gross blunders on the part of the enemy. The English have 60,000 
men, we, at the most, from 10,000 to 11,000. Our government is good for nothing; 
money and provisions will fail. . . The Canadians are dispirited; no confidence 
in M. de Vaudreuil or in M. Bigot. 

Nevertheless Vaudreuil provided for the defense of Niagara as best 
he could. Pouchot was to remain here with 300 Canadians, and call in 
all the forces from Detroit and other points. Orders also went to 
Toronto to send all the Indians possible from there. This made Pou- 
chot's force 486 regulars and militia, and thirty-nine employees, five of 
whom were women and children, besides the Indians. He went imme- 
diately at work to strengthen the works. This task was not completed 



25 



on July 7, when several barges of the enemy appeared but were driven 
off by cannon shots. These boats were a part of the expedition under 
command of Gen. John Prideaux, who had made his rendezvous at 
Oswego, with 2,ooo regulars and provincials, and where he was joined 
by Johnson with 1,000 Indians. This expedition left Oswego July i. 
Pouchot now sent out a scouting boat which reported that the English 
had landed in strong force at the " little swamp," now known as the 
mouth of Four- mile creek. Pouchot sent a courier to Chabert Jon- 
caire, in command at Schlosser, to cross the river in case he saw any of 
the enemy up here. A large body of French troops and Indians had 
made a rendezvous at Erie, by Pouchot's orders, and the courier was 
directed thither also to order them to fall back on Niagara, and in case 
Fort Schlosser (then called Little Fort) had been abandoned, to cross 
the river and go down on the other side. That night two Indians were 
sent from Fort Schlosser down to Niagara, whence they went out on a 
scout towards the English camp. The French kept an armed corvette 
cruising off the mouth of Four- mile creek and some shots were ex- 
changed. Joncaire at Schlosser burned the works there and removed 
his valuable property across to Chippawa. Both the Joncaire brothers, 
with about seventy others, went down to Niagara on the Canada side, 
arriving there on the loth. Some English accounts made the burning 
at Fort Schlosser follow the surrender of Niagara, but the French state- 
ments differ and are probably correct. 

The English soon had Niagara completely inv^ested on the land side, 
and on the 10th a brisk cannonade was kept up from the fort. On the 
I ith fighting took place between a body of French sent out to remove 
some stockades, and the English. During these operations Pouchot 
gave some of the Indians permission to go within the English lines and 
bring back some of their brethren for a conference. The visiting In- 
dians made extravagant promises to the French commander, but the 
gifts and allurements of the English were more than they could with- 
stand and Johnson was also on the ground with his immense influence. 
Day by day the English approached nearer the doomed fort. Annoying 
batteries were placed by them on the opposite side of the river, from 
which on the 22d red hot shot were fired, several limes setting on fire 
the wooden buildings. In the mean time General Prideaux was killed 
4 



26 



in the trenches on the i8th by the bursting of a cannon, and the com- 
mand devolved on Johnson. On the 23d some Indians came through 
the English lines with a white flag, having been sent from Fort Schlos- 
ser by the French officers in command of a force of 600 French and 
1,000 Indian reinforcements from the upper posts. This force came 
down the river in a vast number of canoes and reached Navy Island, 
where, according to some accounts, large French vessels were built and 
were stationed. From the island scouts were sent out to learn the 
position of the English, and from them Pouchot learned of the ap- 
proaching reinforcements ; but the English were equally well informed. 
Pouchot advised those in command of the reinforcements that if they 
did not feel competent to attack the English army, they should cross 
over to the Chippawa and pass down on the other side, drive the 
enemy out of the batteries just mentioned, and then recross. This 
counsel, for some reason, was not followed, and they came down on this 
side to Lewiston. The English were stationed in three divisions — one 
at the little swamp where they had first landed ; one at La Belle 
Famille about a mille above the fort on the river, and the other be- 
tween these two. M. de Lignery, in command of the reinforcements, 
was advised to attack and defeat one of these divisions, upon which the 
siege would probably be raised. The attack was made at La Belle 
Famille (the site of Youngstown village), on the 24th. In the mean 
time Johnson had laid an ambuscade to assail the French and Indians 
as they came down from Lewiston. The battle was short, sharp and 
decisive. The French were routed and fled to Schlosser, and thence 
across the river. When Pouchot was informed of this disaster he called 
a council of officers. The garrison was worn out and despondent ; 109 
men had been killed and wounded and thirty -seven were sick, leaving 
only 607 effectives. Further resistance was clearly unjustifiable and the 
officers unanimously advised surrender. This was done, but difficulty 
arose over the terms, Pouchot not being willing to accept Johnson's 
proposals. After discussing the matter through the night, Pouchot was 
about to stop the negotiations and take the chances of unconditional 
surrender, when the Germans, who constituted a majority of the gar- 
rison, mutinied and the entire force demanded capitulation. Terms 
were then agreed to by Pouchot. The articles were signed on the 25th 



27 



and on the following day the garrison marched out to the beach, laid 
down their arms and embarked for New York, according to the stipu 
lations. This account follows Pouciiot's record. 

French accounts state that those troops who escaped in the rout of 
the 24th fled to Navy Island, where a guard of about 150 had been 
left. They then proceeded to Detroit, and it is asserted that the vessels 
before mentioned were burned by them before they left. Both of the 
Joncaires were made prisoners. 

The foregoing story, derived from the French records, is necessarily 
largely confined to what took place in the fort. The English accounts 
of outside occurrences are interesting, and as this was the most im- 
portant event of a military character that ever took place on this fron- 
tier, it is of sufficient importance to give a brief account from the other 
point of view. 

When Johnson on the 23d learned of the approach of the French re- 
inforcements on the road from Lewiston, he at once disposed a part of 
his forces near the road and not far below the Five mile Meadows at a 
place now known as Bloody Run. Johnson had doubtless been kept 
advised of the movements of the French from the time they arrived at 
Navy Island. The action began early in the forenoon of the 24th and 
lasted about an hour. Captain De Lancey, son of General De Lancey, 
was in command of the advance sent up on the 23d. He threw up 
breastworks that night and early the next morning sent a sergeant and 
ten men to cross the river and bring up a six pounder. These men 
were attacked a short distance above De Lancey's line and were killed 
or captured. The French were nearer than they supposed. The Eng- 
lish were reinforced in the course of two hours so that they numbered 
600 regulars, 100 New Yorkers, and 600 Indians, when the battle 
opened about 8 o'clock. The French and Indians attacked with screams 
and war whoops, but the English and their Indian allies were accus- 
tomed to this. The battle raged fiercely for about an hour. Johnson's 
Indians attacked the French on the flank, and the English leaped over 
their breastworks and attacked so fiercely in front that the French were 
soon routed. It is said that their treacherous Indian allies left them in 
the hottest of the fight. The pursuit was continued some miles towards 
Lewiston (about five miles, according to De Lancey). Many were 



28 

killed and many officers and men taken prisoners. While some au- 
thorities state that this engagement took place as far up the river as 
Bloody Run, another statement was made that it was fought within 
sight of the garrison at Niagara. The latter statement is probably 
erroneous Many years afterwards pieces of muskets, axes, bones and 
other evidences of the battle were found on the field near Bloody Run ; 
but it was within hearing of the fort. D'Aubrey, in command of the 
French, was wounded and captured, as also was De Lignery. Marin, 
in command of the Indians, was also a prisoner. All three had been 
prominent some years in the border wars. This battle sealed the fate 
of the fort, as has already been shown. 

Johnson divided the prisoners and scalps taken in the engagement of 
the 24th (146, of whom ninety- six were prisoners). The officers he 
released from his Indian allies by ransom, but with some difficulty. 
The Indians were given all the plunder of the fort, said to have 
amounted to $1,500 to each man. Of the ordnance stores captured 
there were two fourteen pounders, nineteen twelve- pounders, one 
eleven -pounder, seven eight-pounders, seven six-pounders, two four- 
pounders, and five two-pounders, all iron, together with 1,500 rounds 
of twelve- pound shot, 40,000 pounds of musket balls, and other stores. 
The English found the buildings in good order and the fort in such a 
condition for defense that, had they stormed the work as was intended, 
there must have been much loss of life. The English loss was sixty- 
three killed and 183 wounded. That the Indians took quite good care 
of themselves during the siege is proved by the fact that, of the losses 
above given, only three Indians were killed and five wounded. After 
sending his prisoners to New York by way of Oswego, Johnson sent 
ofif his Indians in boats loaded with plunder. Soon afterward Colonel 
Haldiman arrived and claimed the command, but Johnson refused to 
give it up until General Amherst was consulted. Two French vessels 
cruising off Niagara prevented Johnson from leaving the fort for 
Oswego until the evening of August 4. He arrived at Oswego on 
the 7th. 

Thus passed the control of the Niagara River, which had been under 
French domination more than a hundred years, to the English. Soon 
the life-bought victory of Wolfe gave Quebec to the triumphant Eng- 



Ush ; but the French clung to their colonies with desperate, though 
failing grasp, and it was not until September, 1760, that the Marquis 
de Vaudreuil surrendered Montreal and with it all the other posts 
within his jurisdiction. This surrender was ratified by the treaty of 
peace between England and France in February, 1763, which ceded 
Canada to the former power. 



CHAPTER 



ON THE FRONTIER— 1703 TO ITTo. 



With the change fr^m French to English domination was inaugurated 
entirely new arrangements on the portage from Lewiston to Schlosser. 
A new fort was built a short distance from where Little Niagara had 
stood and named Fort Schlosser, from Capt. Joseph Schlosser, its first 
commander. It consisted simply of a line of palisades enclosing a few 
storehouses and barracks. A tall chimney, which is still a conspicuous 
object on the Porter farm beluw Gill Creek, and which had belonged to 
the French barracks burned by Joncaire, as before related, was used by 
the English in the construction of this new work. Meanwhile Fort 
Niagara was repaired and strengthened and served as an important 
base of supplies for the western country and the rapidly increasing In- 
dian trade. Comparative peace reigned in this region until Niagara 
was quietly surrendered to the United States in 1796, after the Revolu- 
tion ; but during this period of nearly forty years of possession by 
the English, nian}' interesting events took place that require descrip- 
tion. 

It was unfortunate that the Indians nearest to this frontier were the 
Senecas, for they had been more or less antagonistic to the English in 
the past years, and were prone to disregard Johnson's sovereignty as 
superintendent of Indian afifairs ; moreover, a lingering afifection for 
the French seemed to remain with them and they, with some of the 
western Indians, carried on marauding forays through the country, on 
some occasions carrying their depredations very near the gates of 



30 

Niagara, where they killed an Englishman whom they were trying to 
capture. Three others were killed near the mouth of Chippawa Creek, 
but in retaliation a party of Hurons were surprised at the mouth of the 
Niagara and one killed and six wounded. Most of the Iroquois, how- 
ever, remained united under the autocratic sway of Sir William John- 
son. It must be remembered that there was no Indian settlement 
between the Genesee and Niagara at this time ; only a few cabins re- 
mained at Lewiston where some of the Senecas aided in transporting 
goods over the portage. In July, 1761, Johnson started on a journey 
to Detroit, arriving at Fort Niagara on the 24th. Here he learned that 
the Senecas around the Genesee were jealous of the advance of the 
English beyond Niagara. The Indians already foresaw what finally 
took place — their expulsion from their hunting grounds and their ulti- 
mate extinction. This growing feeling led to later serious trouble on 
the frontier. Johnson passed a few weeks in this vicinity, visiting 
Schlosser, Navy Island, the former battle ground, exploring Chippawa 
Creek, visiting Lewiston (which he calls in his record, " Trader's 
Town "), the falls and other points, and left for Detroit on August 19 
Returning he arrived at Schlosser October 15 ; from there he went to 
Lewiston on horseback and thence to Niagara by boat. 

By this time the Indian fur trade had become a great industry 
through the activity of the English and Dutch merchants at Albany, 
and soon became a source of difficulty. White traders did not scruple 
to defraud and cheat the Indians, frequently first getting them drunk 
for the purpose. Competition was active, and honorable traders, who 
adhered to the methods prescribed by the authorities, found themselves 
hampered and their business injured by shameless adventurers Com- 
plaints on this subject from all quarters were made to Johnson at 
Niagara, all of which he endeavored, by exercising his well known 
diplomacy and authority, to adjust. A man named Stirling, it is re- 
corded, had placed " a great store of goods " at Schlosser, where he 
was cheating the Indians. General Amherst had also licensed Captain 
Rutherford and Lieutenant Duncan, with others, to settle on the port- 
age and, it was charged, had given them 10,000 acres of land along 
that road. The general's explanation was, that this permit was made 
subject to the pleasure of the king. In a letter of October, 1762, he 



31 



said that this grant was asked in the interest of trade and that great 
advantages would follow a settlement on these lands covering most of 
the territory between Schlosser and the mouth of Four Mile Creek and 
the river. The king disapproved of this permit and orders were issued 
to "put a stop to any se'tlement on the carrying place." 

In 1762 trouble arose with the Indians, said to have been occasioned 
by the murder of two traders who were passing through the Seneca's 
country. At a council held at Canaseraga in December of that year, 
the Senecas failed to attend, although special effort had been made to 
induce them to be present. The Tuscaroras were represented and the 
interpreter was William Printup, ancestor of the Tuscarora Printups of 
recent years. The Indians made profession of friendship and threw the 
blame for the murder of the traders upon some irresponsible strolling 
Indians. This was not believed by Johnson, who gave them to under- 
stand that they would be punished for any further depredations. Out 
of this and other causes grew the succeeding warfare on the frontier, 
and Pontiac's war in the west. The hostile movements of the Indians 
were kept secret until the western Indians and the Senecas were ready 
to strike. Detroit was besieged and the posts at Sandusky, Erie and 
on the route from Erie to the Ohio were captured ; settlements were 
destroyed and the settlers massacred. The Indians believed they could 
gain control of the whole country u^est of Oswego, out of which the 
French hoped to profit. It is a part of general border history that 
the Indians were severely punished and were glad to sue for peace in 
the following year. At this time the Seneca nation numbered nearly 
1,200 members. 

At this time the portage between Lewiston and Schlosser, extending 
most of the way through a forest, was especially exposed to surprise, 
and soldiers were kept at both ends of the road to accompany teams- 
ters. In September, 1763, one of these convoys was attacked by a 
large band of Senecas and many were killed. This wagon train started 
from Lewiston for Schlosser on the 14th of September, with supplies 
for Detroit. On the return with an escort of twenty five men, accom- 
panied by John Stedman, who had been in charge of this end of the 
portage since 1760, the attack was made in the thickets near the road 
and close to the Devil's Hole, by a large body of Senecas who were 



32 

hidden at that point. While the wagons and soldiers were moving by 
the declivity, the savages opened fire. It must have been a deadly 
volley, for it was at close range and very deliberate. The Indians at 
once sprang upon their victims with knife and tomahawk and com- 
pleted the slaughter. It is recorded that some of the teams were 
frightened over the precipice and that some of the English jumped over, 
preferring to take that desperate chance rather than be tomahawked or 
burned at the stake. One of these a, drummer boy named Matthews, 
fell into a tree top and descended in safety. He died long afterwards 
at Queenston at the age of ninety years. A wounded teamster is 
also said to have crawled into a secluded spot and escaped. Stedman 
was mounted and spurring his horse into a run, escaped through a 
shower of bullets to Schlosser. The firing was heard at Lewiston, and 
reinforcements immediately started for the scene. In some doubt these 
troops marched up the road to sure destruction. The Indians had 
finished the first massacre and, discovering the approach of the rein- 
forcements, again secreted themselves As the troops came up a 
deadly volley killed or wounded a large part of their number and the 
knife and tomahawk completed the bloody work. But eight men are 
reported as having escaped to carry the news to Lewiston and flee on- 
ward to Fort Niagara. The garrison turned out to meet the savages 
and with better knowledge of what had already taken place, they took 
greater precautions, but the Indians had gone. The soldiers found the 
remains of their stripped and mutilated comrades, broken wagons, 
wounded teams, etc., at the bottom of the precipice. This was the 
most terrible and bloody deed ever enacted in this immediate vicinity. 
The little stream close by, that some years ago supplied water for a saw 
mill, is known as Bloody Run, deriving its name from the massacre. 
Many thousands of tourists have visited the locality where, for many 
years, a charge was made for going down the declivity on rude steps. 
Along down the banks relics of this butchery were found by the pioneer 
settlers half a century later. 

To prevent further depredations reinforcements were sent on from 
Oswego. In November two soldiers were killed at Lewiston while cut- 
ting wood in sight of their quarters. General Amherst was in favor of 
punishing all the Senecas wherever found, but Johnson secured immu- 




ISAAC H. BABCOCK. 



33 

nity for two small villages that had remained pacific. Later in the sea- 
son, when news came from the west that the Hurons and others who 
had shared in the Pontiac war had offered to make peace, the Senecas 
hastened to Johnson with similar proposals. Johnson advised the Lords 
of Trade that the Senecas were undoubtedly sincere and advocated the 
exaction of the lands along the Niagara from the fort to Schlosser, 
with a guarantee from the Indians of its peaceable possession forever. 
Accordingly, when the Senecas to the number of four hundred met 
Johnson in April, 1764, they signed articles conveying to the English 
government all the lands on both sides of the river, two miles wide, 
from Lake Ontario to Fort Schlosser. At this meeting Johnson 
adopted measures to secure a general conference of all the Indian na- 
tions at Niagara. On the 8th of July he arrived here from Oswego 
with General Bradstreet and twelve hundred white men and six hun- 
dred Indians. Other western Indians had already arrived and more 
continued to come, the Senecas arriving last about August 1st. There 
were present at this council a little more than 2,000 Indians, seventeen 
hundred of whom were warriors. Some of the nations represented had 
been at enmity with each other, while others were deadly enemies of 
the English; consequently it required consummate diplomacy to avert 
trouble. But Johnson was equal to the occasion and much important 
business was transacted. The cession of lands by the Senecas, before 
noticed, was ratified and the boundaries thereof extended to Lake Erie, 
while they made Johnson a present of all the islands in the river. All 
of this cession Johnson turned over to the English crown. The sale of 
liquors to the Indians by traders, a practice full of evil results, was also 
discussed, and certain regulations made to restrict the sale. Lieutenant- 
Colonel Vaughn took command of Niagara about this time, and Nor- 
man McLeod was commissary at the fort many years. 

The conference ended early in August and Johnson left for Oswego 
on the 6th. Bradstreet erected a temporary defensive work at Buffalo 
and then marched to Schlosser where he embarked with his army for 
Erie and Detroit. On his return later in the season he encountered a' 
storm, lost many boats and stores, and about one hundred and fifty of 

his men were forced to traverse the wilderness; some of them died on 
5 



34 

the way and the remainder straggled on to Niagara in the cold months 
of the closing year. 

Johnson had now accomplished his purpose of making friends with 
the Senecas, and treaties with other nations gave the settlers a feeling 
of security they had not before entertained. Johnson continued to 
urge upon the Lords of Trade a policy of conciHation and kindness 
towards the Indians, and altogether wielded a powerful and beneficent 
influence. He set up the just claim that he had never received ade- 
quate compensation for his services, asked for title to the lands in the 
Mohawk valley given him by the Mohawks, and an increase in salary. 
He, however, continued to give much of his time to adjusting difficul- 
ties among traders, and regulating affairs on the several frontiers, 
among which Niagara was, perhaps, the most important. 

No very important events took place in which we are here directly 
interested during the period extending from the time under considera- 
tion to the breaking out of the Revolution. Settlement advanced very 
little beyond the various trading posts, everybody being intent upon 
making profit in the fur trade to the entire neglect of clearing away 
forests and tilling land. The English maintained the ship yard on Navy 
Island, and in the fall of 1766 one of two vessels there was burned, 
whether by straggling Indians or carelessness of workmen is unknown, 
but probably the latter. In 1767 Commissary McLeod called a small 
council of some Senecas and Canadian Indians at Niagara, occasioned 
largely by a drunken quarrel between parties of those Indians, some of 
whom were wounded. The matter was satisfactorily arranged. Other 
petty troubles were frequently the cause of complaints, but did not lead 
to serious difficulty. 



35 



CHAPTER V. 



1775 to 1813.— THE WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 



The Niagara frontier had very little connection with the stirring events 
of the Revolutionary war, though the post at Fort Niagara itself was an 
an important one in a military sense for either power to hold during 
that struggle. It remained in undisputed possession of the English 
throughout the war, but the great events of that contest which gave 
freedom to America, the story of which is well known, were enacted far 
from this region. 

In July, 1774, Sir William Johnson died at his home in Johnstown, 
leaving his estate and affairs largely in the hands of his son-in-law, Col. 
Guy Johnson, and Sir John Johnson, both of whom were active parti- 
sans of the English in the Revolution, until they were driven into Can- 
ada. During the period from 1759 to his death no man had wielded so 
great an influence over the destiny of the Iroquois Indians and New 
York as Sir William Johnson. His capacity for work was marvellous, 
and his diplomatic ability scarcely less so. 

After the actual outbreak of the Revolution, Sir John Johnson, who 
had been appointed superintendent of Indian affairs, persuaded the Mo- 
hawks to move westward with him and gained a strong influence over 
all of the Six Nations excepting theTuscaroras and the Oneidas. John 
Butler established himself at Niagara and organized a regiment known 
as Butler's Rangers, and he and thetwo Johnsons used all of their influence 
to induce the Indians to attack the Americans. The Senecas refused 
for a time, but in 1777 the prospect of gratifying their natural love of 
the war path and at the same time being paid for it overcame their 
scruples, and they made a treaty with the British at Oswego agreeing 
to serve the king throughout the war. From that time forward the 
Senecas, Cayugas, Onondagas, and Mohawks were active in the British 
interest, and Niagara became the key to this region, the Indians looking 



36 

hither for instruction and guidance. Here was the headquarters of the 
Butlers, Johnsons, Brant and other inveterate enemies of the country; 
here forays were planned ; prisoners were brought here from long dis- 
tances, where they were safely hidden from their far away friends. Sir 
John Johnson was driven out of the Mohawk valley in 1776, for his 
disloyalty to the American cause; he fled through the forest to Mon- 
treal, was made a colonel in the British army, and raised and com- 
manded a regiment called the Royal Greens. 

The campaign of 1776 was generally unfavorable to the Americans ; 
but none of its important events took place in this region. Complaint 
was made in the latter part of this year that large sums had been ex- 
pended at Niagara on the Indians gathered here, and that they had not 
participated in the war; but Butler's accounts were audited and settled 
at Quebec. He and his regiment of Rangers soon became infamously 
notorious in the border battles. 

Inspired by repeated successes, the British made extensive prepara- 
tions for their campaign of 1777, involving the invasion of New York 
by Gen. John Burgoyne with a large army from the north ; and an ex- 
pedition organized under Col. Barry St. Leger, composed of regulars, 
Canadians and Indians, to land at Oswego and penetrate and lay waste 
the Mohawk valley. The first of these movements was successful, and 
Ticonderoga was captured ; but St. Leger came to grief and was driven 
back from the valley to Oswego, whence he proceeded with his dis 
comfited troops and Indians to Montreal. Butler and Brant returned 
to Niagara. In 1778 occurred the massacres at Wyoming and Cherry 
Valley, the story of which has stained the records of British warfare 
ever since. To chastise the Indians in some measure for their repeated 
atrocities, an expedition was made against the Onondagas in the spring 
of 1779, under Cols. Van Schaick and Marinus Willett ; it resulted in 
the destruction of their dwellings and crops, but otherwise served only 
to further exasperate the savages. Later in the same year a similar 
but much more extensive expedition was organized with the same ob- 
ject in view — the punishment of the Indians. This expedition was di- 
rected against the Senecas, with the capture of Fort Niagara to follow. 

General Washington placed Gen. John Sullivan in command of about 
three thousand Continental soldiers, gathered in Wyoming valley, with 



37 



orders to march against the Senecas and leave nothing but desolation 
in his path. Sullivan arrived at Tioga Point August 22, and was there 
joined by Gen. James Clinton with sixteen hundred men. The expedi- 
tion was slow in its early movements, giving the British opportunity to 
send a force to the aid of the Indians. The latter fortified themselves at 
Newtown (Elmira) and a battle was fought in which the Americans 
were victorious. The march was then continued into the Genesee 
country. There he found an astonishing and beautiful region. The 
village contained one hundred and twenty-eight houses, " mostly large 
and very elegant," surrounded by a flat extending for miles, " over 
which extensive fields of corn were waving, together with every kind of 
vegetable that could be conceived," as the record has it. The torch 
and the axe were applied everywhere, and the beautiful scene was soon 
transformed into a picture of dreary desolation. The corn destroyed 
was estimated at one hundred and sixty thousand bushels. Orchards 
were cut down, one of which is said to have contained fifteen hundred 
trees. The Indians pursued their usual tactics in the face of such ex- 
peditions and fled. Sullivan and his army retraced their steps eastward, 
leaving Niagara untouched. Why he did not continue and capture the 
post is not known, for it could, without doubt, have been easily done. 
The Senecas were completely broken up by this disaster and fled to 
Niagara. It was in this campaign that the famous Red Jacket first ap- 
pears and, it is said, in favor of making peace with the Americans, in 
which he was opposed by Brant. 

Sullivan's expedition had important results. It forced the Six Nations 
to make the Niagara frontier their principal resort. Here they gathered 
in large numbers, claiming protection of the king and sustenance through 
the severe winter of 1779-80. In the latter year several important 
forays were planned and executed against the border settlements. In 
May Sir John Johnson made a raid into the Mohawk valley from Crown 
Point, and burned every dwelling in that region, except those of tories, 
slew many people, recovered some valuable plate he had buried at 
Johnstown, took his booty and prisoners and fled to Canada. Another 
foray was organized against the Oneidas, who were driven eastward to 
Schenectady, and their buildings burned. That nation remained faith- 
ful to the Americans through the war. 



38 

In April, 1780, Brant was again on the war path, his main purpose 
being a raid into the Schoharie country. Leaving Niagara in the early 
spring with his followers, he reached his destination and destroyed one 
village, another being saved by the cool falsehood of a prisoner he had 
taken, who represented that a large force of Continentals had just arrived 
there. Brant returned to Niagara, bringing many prisoners who had 
escaped torture and death, by agreeing to come to Niagara as prisoners 
of war. When the party reached the western part of the State, Brant 
sent a rumor ahead to apprise the Indians of his approach with prisoners. 
It is believed that his principal object in this was the humane one of 
having the garrison meet him at the Indian settlements, one of which 
was Lewiston, and thus protect his prisoners from the ordeal that was 
customary on such occasions. In any event British troops met the 
home comers and saved the prisoners from torture. They were, how- 
ever kept in confinement at Montreal, Quebec, and Halifax until 1783. 

Only a short time after Brant's arrival there was another party of cap- 
tives from the eastern end of the State sent on to Niagara. They were 
compelled to run the gauntlet here, but under favorable conditions, so 
that they escaped with little suffering. One of these captives was a 
Captain Snyder, who reported upon the condition of the fort, etc. He 
mentions Johnson, the Butlers, and Brant, and said the fort at that time 
was a structure of considerable magnitude, enclosing an area of six to 
eight acres, and of great strength. At the close of 1780, after an event- 
ful season of border war, the story of which belongs to the general his- 
tory of the times, the British and Indians settled down at Niagara for 
the winter. The forces here at that time consisted approximately of 
sixty British regulars, four hundred loyalists, and twelve hundred In- 
dians, including women and children. But the fort was then well sup- 
plied, and although there was a large force to feed, the Indians probably 
fared better than they ever had before. 

The war of the Revolution continued with its march of memorable 
events, but they possess little interest in this immediate connection. 
Brant made some desultory and unimportant forays from Niagara dur- 
ing the winter and spring of 1780-81 ; but beyond this the frontier was 
quiet. In 1782 hostilities between the two countries approached an 
end. Demonstrations of conciliation were made by England, but Wash- 



39 

ington prudently kept the country in a state of defense until the final 
declaration of peace. In 1782 Brant's residence was at Lewiston, a 
short distance east of the village. After the war he went to Quebec to 
arrange for the fulfillment of British promises regarding the Indians. 
There he was given a large tract of land on Grand River, and from him 
is derived the name of the village of Brantford. The grant of land was 
for the benefit of those Indians of the Six Nations who had lost their 
homes by their continued alliance with the British. In 1781 the Tus- 
caroras were given a square mile of land on the mountain ridge, to which 
they removed. There they have remained as steadfast friends of the 
white people. 

The arrangements for peace began with the agreement for the cessa- 
tion of hostilities made in Paris in November, 1782, and signed by com- 
missioners January 10, 1783. On March 24, 1784, a letter was received 
in this country from General La Fayette announcing a general peace. 
Congress issued a proclamation April 11, declaring a cessation of mil- 
itary operations on sea and land. But England submitted to defeat with 
bad grace. Under the treaty the boundary between the possessions of 
the two countries was to run along the 45th parallel, and in the middle 
of the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, Niagara River and Lake Erie ; 
but the mother country objected to the Americans occupying the posts 
on the fronlier south of this line. That country also set up a claim that 
the United States government had not the power to enforce observance 
of a commercial treaty, and therefore lefused to join in the execution of 
one. These matters, in connection with the fact that debts due to 
British subjects from Americans were in many instances left unpaid, 
and confiscated property was not returned to royalists from whom it 
had been taken by Americans, were made the basis of the astonishing 
condition of affairs that existed for thirteen years after the peace, during 
which period a nation unsuccessful in war, occupied and held fortified 
military posts within the lines of the victorious country. The frontier 
was not formally surrendered until July, 1796. 

In the mean time changes began to take place along the Niagara 
River. In 1793 United States Commissioners Lincoln, Pinckney, and 
Randolph came to Niagara on their way to a great council at Miami. 
At that time what is now Niagara, Ont., opposite Fort Niagara, was 



40 

the seat of jrovernment and there Governor Simcoe resided. With the 
cessation of hostihties and even before the actual surrender of the fron- 
tier by the British, a new era dawned ; a new class of traders came in, 
the vanguard of the pioneers from New Jersey, the New England 
States and eastern New York. It is recorded that the only white resi- 
dent at Lewiston in 1788 was one Middaugh, who kept a tavern for the 
accommodation of travelers and traders, but probably derived his 
greatest revenue from selling liquor to the Indians. Silas Hopkins was 
at Lewiston in 1788 buying furs, and subsequently settled on a farm on 
the Ridge road east of Dickersonville, where he lived to old age. 
He was grandfather of Silas and Willard Hopkins, of Lewiston. 

John Gould came on from New Jersey in 1788 and was occupied as 
a drover, selling cattle mostly to Butler's rangers on the Canada side. 
He was the pioneer of the Gould families, long prominent among the 
residents of Cambria. Both Hopkins and Gould were neighbors of 
Brant, the celebrated Indian chief. 

John Street, father of the late Hon. Thomas Street, had a trading 
place at Niagara, Canada, in 1790. Soon after receiving a visit from 
Hopkins and Gould, he was murdered near Warren's Corners, and the 
assassin and robber was not discovered. 

In 1792 a traveler from Boston westward wrote descriptions of the 
country through which he passed. He alluded to the comparatively 
easy task of cutting a ditch twenty- three miles and a lock by which a 
water course could be opened to carry commerce "through an extent 
of country capable of maintaining several millions of people." He de- 
scribed the Genesee fiats as very rich, clear of trees, producing grass 
ten feet high, mostly owned by Indians, and worth in his estimation 
;^2,000,000 sterling. Coming onward to Niagara, a distance of ninety 
miles, he found " not one house or white man the whole way." The 
reader will bear in mind that this was years after peace was declared at 
the close of the Revolution. The traveler evidently pursued his way 
across Tonawanda Swamp and went on to Fort Niagara. There he 
was passed over the river, where he found a public house. A regi- 
ment was garrisoned there which he said " had the honor of dancing 
Yankee Doodle on the plains of Cambridge, 19th April, 1775." He 
met Colonel Butler and one of the Johnsons. 



41 

Ontario county was formed in 1 790, and included all of New York west 
of the so called preemption line. The extinguishment of the Indian title' 
to most of the lands in western New York opened up a vast and valuable 
tract for settlement. In 1791 there was not a house on the site of Youngs- 
town. In that year Joshua Fairbanks arrived at Fort Niagara. He began 
keeping a tavern at Oueenston and made his house a favorite resort. 
He subsequently became a resident of Lewiston and was there a well 
known citizen. The Holland Company was in reality no company at 
all, at least in a legal sense ; it was merely a syndicate of Hollanders 
who sent over funds to agents in this country with which to purchase 
lands, having first been granted the privilege by our Legislature in 
1798. In the latter part of that year the American trustees conveyed 
the Holland purchase to its real owners. It was, however, transferred 
to two sets of proprietors, and one of these sets was afterwards divided 
making three in all. Each set held its tract as joint tenants ; that is, 
the survivors took the whole. The shares could not be the subject of 
will or sale, and did not pass by inheritance, except in case of the last 
survivor. But there was no incorporation and no legal company. For 
all details of this purchase, for which space cannot here be spared, the 
reader is referred to the well known work, Turner's Holland Purchase. 
It is sufficient for our purpose to state that the territory of Niagara 
county constituted a part of that purchase. The first general agent of 
the company was Theophilus Cazenove, who was sent over for that 
purpose. Previous to the extinguishment of the Indian title to the 
company's lands, Cazenove had employed Joseph EUicott to survey 



' When in the spring of 1764 the Senecas became fearful of the vengeance of the English for 
repeated depredations, about four hundred of them waited on Sir William Johnson at Johnstown 
and begged for peace. Johnson realized his power over them and did not hesitate to e.xercise it. 
The cessions agreed upon at that time were most important, the document containing the fol- 
lowing: "That they [the Senecas] cede to His Majesty and his successors forever, in full right, 
the lands from the Fort of Niagara, extending easterly along Lake Ontario about four miles, 
comprehending the Petit Mavais, or landing place, and running from thence southerly, about 
fourteen miles, to the creek above the Fort Schlosser or Little Niagara, and down the same to 
the river or strait and across the same, at the great cataract, thence northerly to the banks of 
Lake Ontario, at a creek or small lake about two miles west of the fort; thence easterly along the 
banks of the Lake Ontario, and across the river or strait to Niagara; comprehending the whole 
carrying place, with the lands on both sides of the strait, and containing a tract of about four- 
teen miles in length and four in breadth. And the Senecas do engage never to obstruct the 
passage of the carrying place, or the free use of any part of the said tract, and will likewise give 
free liberty of cutting timber for the use of His Majesty, or that of the garrisons, in any other 
part of their country, not comprehended therein." 
6 



42 

their tract in Pennsjdvania. He was a younger brother of Andrew A, 
Ellicott, then surveyor general of the United States, and had aided in 
laying out the city of Washington. As soon as the treaty was made 
with the Indians, Mr. Ellicott was employed to survey this tract ; with 
him was associated Augustus Porter, in the interest of Robert Morris 
These men, assisted by a force of surveyors, axemen, chainmen, etc., 
pushed ahead the work of surveying the great tract with energy. Elli- 
cott himself ran the east line of the purchase, known as the East Transit. 
The tract was first divided into ranges six miles wide, running from 
Pennsylvania to Lake Ontario and numbered from east to west. These 
were subdivided into townships six miles square, and these were further 
subdivided into sections and lots In the fall of 1798 Seth Pease ran 
the line of the State Reservation along the Niagara River. 

The lands of the Holland Company were placed on sale at $2,75 per 
acre ; but as lands were then selling in Canada for sixpence, and were 
offered very cheap in parts of this State nearer to advanced settlements, 
purchasers were very slow in accepting the terms of the company, as 
will presently appear. By request of the State surveyor, Ellicott 
selected Lewiston as a village site in 1798. The dwellers there in 1800 
were the families named Woodman, Gambol, McBride, Hustler (a tavern 
keeper), Hough, Mills, Middaugh, and Joseph and John Howell; Mc- 
Bride had a small tannery. In 1801 there were only forty sales to set- 
tlers on the Holland Company's lands; but the number rapidly in- 
creased after that. At the old Schlosser terminus was the Stedman 
place. The traveled routes from the Genesee to the Niagara were 
through what is now Genesee county, where they divided, one taking 
the ancient Indian trail across to the Ridge road at Warren's Corners, 
and thence to Lewiston ; the other continuing to Buffalo and from there 
down the river. The first named route passed through the Tonawanda 
Reservation, where there was then a large number of Indians. Philip- 
Beach, then living at Scottsville, near the Genesee, carried the early 
mail from Batavia to Fort Niagara, over the route by Warren's Cor- 
ners. There being no dwellings on the way, he was forced to camp out 
nights, the journey requiring several days. In 1801 he settled in what 
is now Niagara county. His brother, Jesse Beach, settled on the North 
Ridge near Molyneaux's, as also did Aaron Beach. 



43 

It will now be correctly inferred that at the beginning of the present 
century the frontier had seen little change from its condition during the 
long period of strife through which it had passed. Fort Niagara had 
only recently been surrendered to the United States; Lewiston and 
Schlosser were mere trading places ; and Buffalo gave little promise of 
future greatness. But important changes were at hand. Niagara 
county, then including what is now Erie county, was erected from 
Genesee March ii, i8o8, and the county seat fixed at Buffalo. There 
the first courts were held and the county buildings erected, but in fol- 
lowing the history of settlement and growth in Niagara county we shall, 
of course, confine ourselves to the present boundaries of the county. 
When the county was erected the territory now constituting Niagara 
county was all comprised in the town of Cambria, erected at that time 
from Willink. 

After the opening of the year the sales of land by the Holland Com- 
pany rapidly increased; in 1809 they were more than a thousand. 
During the first decade of the century settlement had been well ad- 
vanced in many localities within the boundaries of the county as it now 
exists; but no new towns were erected until 1812, as noticed further 
on. It was natural that the advantages of the Ridge road attracted the 
earliest settlers. Here, amid the primeval forest, above the swamps 
and avoiding hills, was a natural highway in every way inviting to the 
pioneer. From Warren's to Dickersonville it was always passable, 
while on either side, and especially on the north, it was almost impass- 
able except in winter and the dry months of summer. What are now 
the richest sections of the county were then avoided. Some settlements 
were made early near Lake Ontario, in what are now Wilson and New- 
fane, but along the river and the Ridge they were most numerous. 

The first town meeting in the new town of Cambria was held at the 
house of Joseph Hewitt April 5, 1808. Joseph Hewitt was elected 
supervisor; James Harrison, clerk; Robert Lee, Benjamin Barton, and 
Charles Wilbur, commissioners of highways; Lemuel Cook, Silas Hop- 
kins, and John Dunn, assessors ; Stephen Hopkins, collector ; Philemon 
Baldwin and Thomas Slayton, overseers of the poor; Stephen Hopkins, 
Ray March, Stephen A. Baldwin, and Alexander Haskin, constables ; 
Enoch Hitchcock and Thomas Hustler, poundmasters for the eastern 



44 

and western districts respectively. Sixteen overseers of highways were 
elected and assigned to districts. 

It was voted to pay a reward of five dollars for every wolf killed, on 
proof before a magistrate, accompanied with the skull and the entire 
skin attached. One hundred dollars was voted for wolf bounties. Other 
customary regulations were voted for the government of the great town, 
which embraced all of the present Niagara county. 

The most prominent settler to arrive here early in the century was 
Augustus Porter, who came in 1806 with his wife and three sons, A. H., 
P. B., jr., and A. S. Porter. Augustus Porter had represented the dis- 
trict of Ontario and Steuben in the Assembly of 1802. His brother, 
Peter B. Porter, represented Genesee and Ontario in the Assembly of 
1803, but did not come to this locality until several years later, and then 
from Black Rock. Augustus Porter had been here as early as 1795 and 
again in 1796, on his way to the Western Reserve of Ohio, as chief of a 
company of surveyors. The further extensive operations of the Porter 
family in this vicinity are described in the history of Niagara Falls in 
later pages. 

James Field became a settler in 1808 on the Porter farm ; he subse- 
quently kept a tavern. He was grandfather of the late C. W. Field. 
The town meetings were held at Field's tavern many years. In 1809 
Enos Broughton opened a tavern in the Stedman house, as it had then 
been vacated by Mr. Porter. 

Meanwhile settlers were locating at Lewiston. In 1802 came Capt. 
Lemuel Cook who had been a surgeon in the army ; sons of his were 
the well known prominent citizens of Lewiston, Bates Cook, afterwards 
comptroller, Lathrop Cook, afterwards the first sheriff of Niagara county 
after Erie was set off in 1821. Benjamin Barton came in 1809, having 
previously visited the frontier in 1787. Soon after came John Latta 
who built a tannery which he operated until driven out by the war of 
18 1 2. Jesse Beach, before mentioned, settled in 1803, and John Rob- 
inson in 1806. Asahel Sage settled in 1807. John Gould and a few 
others were then his neighbors. Aaron Childs settled on the Ridge 
in 1809, where he kept a tavern, and subsequently removed to Lewis- 
ton. Two years later Achish Pool removed from Massachusetts to a 
home where Dickersonville now is and where he lived to an old age 



45 



His son, the late Thomas F. Pool, who resided in Dickersonville until 
his death in 1886, and William H. Pool, who removed to Michigan, 
were sons of Achish and small boys at the time of the arrival of the 
pioneer. Their conveyance, like that of most of the earliest settlers, 
was a yoke of oxen ; they brought in, also, one horse. 

Col. Andrew Sutherland came from Sutherland Falls, Vt, in 18 10, 
with his family and settled on a farm east of Molyneaux Corners on the 
Ridge; the homestead was afterwards occupied by his son, Fletcher 
Sutherland, and now^ owned by the latter's daughters. Colonel Suther- 
land took part in the war of 1812. A tavern had been opened in 1806 
at Warren's Corners by John Forsythe. About this time Reuben Hurd 
settled on the North Ridge. 

In what is now the town of Porter settlement began early but was 
slower in progress than in Lewiston or Niagara. John Lloyd, who had 
been a soldier, settled near the old Peter Tower homestead in 1801. 
Others soon came in, among them the families named Doty, Hopkins, 
Zittle, Abijah Perry, and Cogswell, the first school teacher. Jonathan 
Lutts settled in 1806, Jacob Lutts in 1808,. and his brother Michael 
soon after. The town received its name from Augustus Porter and 
was thinly settled until after the war of 18 12. John Young settled 
in the town of Niagara in 18 10 with a large family in what has always 
been known as the Young neighborhood ; his sons were excellent citi- 
zens. In the same year John Witmer settled in the same neighborhood, 
purchased a farm, and built a saw mill which was in use many j-ears. 
These pioneers are more fully noticed in the later town annals. 

Jacob P'itts settled early in Somerset, where he was preceded by a 
Mr. Kemp. The Meade families were early and prominent in that 
town. In Newfane the early settlers were William Chambers, John 
Brewer, and a Mr. Cotton, in 1807. James Van Horn began operating 
a mill on Eighteen-mile Creek about 18 10. It was burned by the Brit- 
ish in 1813. 

In 181 1 the port of entrj', which had been at Fort Niagara since its 
opening in 1799, was removed to Lewiston, giving that village consid- 
erable added importance; it remained there until 1863 when it was re- 
moved to Suspension Bridge. In all the years that intervened between 
the close of the Revolution and the beginning of the war of 18 12, there 



46 

was little cultivation of friendly relations between the American settlers 
on this side of the river, and the people on the other side. The latter 
were largely composed of the members of Butler's Rangers, whose 
deeds were too fresh in the minds of our pioneers to render their 
friendly intercourse welcome. The British kept up a strong garrison, 
and there was a feeling of enmity not less strong because not publicly 
expressed, between the two sections. 

On the I St of June, 1812, three new towns were erected in the county ; 
these were Hartlaiid, Niagara (as Schlosser), and Porter, all taken, of 
course, from Cambria 



CHAPTER VI. 

1800 TO 1825— THE WAR OF 1812. 

The first quarter of the present century witnessed important changes 
and stirring events in what is now Niagara county. There was a large 
increase of settlers at some points; many acres of forests were cleared 
away and cultivation advanced on many farms ; mills and shops were 
built and manufactures inaugurated ; little hamlets had their inception ; 
churches and schools were established, and, finally, war was renewed 
which for two years paralyzed business and caused anxiety and suffer- 
ing along the frontier. 

At the beginning of the century the population of this State had 
reached 589,000, of which total about 60,000 dwelt in New York city. 
Alban}' was a considerable community, while at Utica, Rochester and 
Buffalo the foundations had been laid for the present thriving cities. 
Commerce on the lakes was just coming into existence. Matthew Mc- 
Nair, at Oswego, bought a sloop in 1803, rechristened it and began the 
forwarding business there ; and there was soon a small fleet of vessels 
trading and transporting freight along the lakes. The Ontario, the first 
steamer to enter the Niagara from Lake Ontario, was built at Sackett's 
Harbor in 1816, and was soon followed by others. Prospects of peace 
and plenty throughout the country were hopeful. 



47 

Early in the century began the acts on the part of England and France 
which resulted in another war. Through orders issued by Great Brit- 
ain and decrees made by the Emperor Napoleon, all American com- 
merce in neutral ships with either of these belligerent nations was sus- 
pended. American sailors, claimed as British subjects, were seized on 
American vessels; and the right to board American vessels for this 
purpose was one of the unjust claims set up by Great Britain. These 
and other outrages continued until they could no longer be borne in 
silence. Late in October, 1807, Congress opposed this action by lay- 
ing an embargo on all vessels in United States harbors. This measure, 
necessary as it may have appeared as a general polic}', was disastrous 
to the mercantile and shipping interests of the whole country. The 
embargo act was supported by a large part of the Democratic party, 
but was strenuously opposed by the Federalists. 

On June i. 181 2, President Madison sent a confidential message to 
Congress, in \vhich he reviewed the causes of complaint against Great 
Britain, and asked for a decision whether Congress would act upon its 
light and as duty dictated, or remain passive under accumulating in- 
justice. It was well known that the president favored open retaliation. 
By one party the president was urged by threats as well as ridicule to 
declare war, while the other, among whom were many whose personal 
interests were already suffering, bitterly opposed such action. The 
Committee on Foreign Relations made its report June 3, accompanying 
it with a bill declaring war against Great Britain. After prolonged de- 
bate and amid the greatest excitement throughout the country, Con- 
gress passed the bill on July 18, and Madison signed it. On the 19th 
the president issued a proclamation announcing the fact and calling on 
the people to support the government in its war policy. 

At no point in the country, perhaps, was this event discussed with 
deeper interest and more anxiety than on the Niagara frontier. In 181 1 
the port of entry for the Niagara customs district was located at Lewis- 
ton, having previously since its establishment in 1799 been at Fort 
Niagara. This gave additional importance to Lewiston. ^ 

' Thu office was retained at Lcvvi.ston until lK(i8, when it was removed to Suspension Hridge. 
Thus for half a century Lewiston was a political headquarters, the collectorship being the prin- 
cipal political office in this section. 



48 

During the period between the close of the Revolution and the war 
of 1 812 there was little cultivation of friendly relations between the 
settlers on opposite sides of the river ; the feeling on either side was that 
of enmity, the causes for which will be readily understood. The Brit- 
ish kept a strong garrison at Fort George, and the declaration of war 
meant constant menace and possible invasion at any time, with destruc- 
tion of the new-made homes and perhaps loss of life. The Tuscaroras 
and Senecas proved their friendship for the Americans and rendered 
valuable service ; but the Mohawks, who had been located in Canada 
by their British friends, remained our implacable enemies. To secure 
the co-operation of the Indians a council was held at Buffalo July 6, 
at which Red Jacket made speeches declaring in favor of neutrality and 
volunteering to send to the Mohawks and urge them to abandon the 
war path ; but the effort failed. Immediately upon the declaration of 
war Gen. Isaac Brock, commander-in-chief of the British forces in Upper 
Canada, took command of the Niagara frontier on that side and strength- 
ened its defenses; while similar action was taken on the American side, 
where Gen. William Wadsworth took command in person. By a gen- 
eral order issued by the War Department on April 21, 18 12, the de- 
tached militia of this State had been arranged in two divisions, eight 
brigades and numerous regiments. In June the first detachment of the 
militia quota of New York was placed under command of General 
Brown, who was charged with the defense of the northern frontier from 
Oswego to Lake St. Francis. A regiment under Col, C. P. Bellinger, 
was stationed at Sackett's Harbor. 

The chief purpose and hope of the war enthusiasts on this side of the 
Niagara frontier, was the conquest of Canada Detroit was early cap- 
tured by Brock, whose forces, thus relieved, came hither and threatened 
an invasion. They took possession of Grand Island ; but nothing of 
importance took place until the fall of 18 1 2, v. hen Stephen Van Rens- 
selaer established his headquarters at Lewiston, while Brock faced him 
across the river. There was at that time probably not as many troops 
under Van Rensselaer as would make one full regiment, and he called 
for reinforcements. By October he had gathered about 2,500 men, 
while at Fort Niagara there was a regiment of infantry and about 300 
light artiller3^ There was a considerable force at Buffalo and a regiment 



49 



at Schlosser under command of Lieut.- Col. Winfield Scott. At Oueens- 
ton were two companies of infantry , while at Fort George and near by 
was a disciplined force of 2,000 soldiers. Batteries opposed each other 
at favorable points on either side. An invasion of Canada was the chief 
topic of discussion ; there were the usual predictions of what would be 
accomplished by the Americans in such an event ; but when it came to 
the point of crossing the river the raw militia shrank from the danger, 
and the burden of taking the initiative fell upon the regulars from the 
fort. On the morning of October 13, a crossing was effected without 
much difficulty, until the march began upon up the slope to Oueenston. 
There determined opposition was met, the Americans were driven back, 
and a few lives were lost. Soon afterward, with reinforcements from 
this side, Capt. John E. Wool (later a distinguished general) stormed 
the heights, drove back two companies stationed there and captured a 
battery. The uproar of the battle was heard at Fort George and Gen- 
eral Brock hastened to the front with a larger force. In his heroic 
effort to recapture the heights Brock was killed and his troops were re- 
pulsed in disorder. The decisive moment had arrived when, had the 
remainder of the Americans promptly crossed the river, a permanent 
victory would have been assured ; but the militia could not be prevailed 
upon to cross, and Brant, with five hundred Mohawks, made his appear- 
ance on the field, and in spite of the gallant defense of the little army 
under Scott, they were defeated ; many were killed and wounded and 
a large number were marched to Fort George as prisoners. During the 
progress of the battle a brisk bombardment of Fort Niagara from Fort 
George caused Captain Leonard to abandon the works. This closed the 
campaign on the immediate frontier. 

During the year 18 13 the march of military events was rapid and 
eventful on the frontier. General Van Rensselaer resigned his command 
soon after the battle at Queenston and was succeeded by Gen. Alexan- 
der Smyth, of the regular army, who had been in this vicinity a short 
time as inspector -general. He was a Virginian who in 1808 had aban- 
dt)ned his profession and resigned from his State Legislature to accept 
a colonelcy in the army and had been promoted to brigadier- general. 
Immediately on taking command he began the concentration of troops 
at Buffalo and Black Rock, preparatory to an invasion of Canada. He 
7 



so 

also had scows built for the river transportation of artillery. On the 
1 2th of November General Smyth issued a flaming address declaring 
among other things that within a few days his troops would plant the 
American flag in Canada. Other still more bombastic addresses fol- 
lowed. The attempt to cross the river was made November 28, and 
several detachments were sent over ; but owing chiefly to the imperfect 
arrangements and want of concentration, the movement was almost a 
ridiculous failure. Derision and ridicule were heaped upon the com- 
mander by the troops and subordinate officers. One of the latter was 
Gen. Peter B. Porter, a brave and competent officer, who was out- 
spoken in condemnation of the operations. This led to a duel which 
was fought on Grand Island, but neither of the participants was injured. 
The army now went into winter quarters. 

The conquest of Canada was still the hope of the Americans in the 
campaign of 1813. The government had gathered quite a fleet of 
vessels on Lake Ontario, which were placed under command of Com- 
modore Isaac Chauncey, who made his headquarters at Sackett's Har- 
bor. He successfully defended that port against the operations of Sir 
James L. Yeo, commanding the British squadron, in May, 18 13, and 
thereafter practically controlled the lake. Toronto h?d been captured 
in April, and measures were adopted looking to the capture of Fort 
George. General Henry Dearborn was in command of the department 
and took part in the capture of Toronto. That victory prevented the 
British from sending reinforcements to Fort George when the time 
arrived for its capture. For this event troops and war munitions were 
landed at Four- mile Creek and a large number of boats were built at 
Five- mile Meadows, a few miles below Lewiston, and taken down the 
river to the rendezvous. A cannonade was opened from both sides, 
and early on the morning of May 27 the troops embarked and the fleet 
of Commodore Chauncey took its position. The heavy fire from Fort 
Niagara and the vessels drove the enemy from one battery, enabling 
the Americans to make a landing. A sharp engagement followed a 
little distance from the beach, which merged in a combined assault and 
the enemy was driven back through the village, while Fort George was 
deserted. Preparations had been made to blow up the work and one 
magazine exploded, throwing Col. Winfield Scott from his horse, but 



51 

without seriously injuring him. The enemy was pursued several miles 
by Scott, but he was recalled just as he felt confident of their capture. 
The victory was a decisive one, all the positions at Niagara (which then 
bore the name of Newark) being in possession of the Americans, while 
the British losses were nearly three times as many as ours. On the 4th 
of July an unimportant raid was made on Schlosser by a lieutenant and 
a small British force, surprising the guard there and capturing a field 
piece, some arms, provisions, etc. 

It would seem that territory on the frontier which had been captured 
by the Americans should have been held ; but such was not to be the 
case. Up to midsummer of this year no Indians had been taken into 
the service of the United States. In the spring the warriors of the 
Six Nations had been solicited to come into the American camps, and 
a few hundred did come, under lead of the veteran Farmer's Brother ; 
but they requested that they be allowed to remain and take no part for 
the present in military operations. When in the early part of July a 
skirmish took place near Fort George in which an American lieutenant 
and ten men were captured and never heard from, leading to the con- 
clusion that they had been massacred by Indians, General Boyd ac- 
cepted the services of the Indian warriors. 

Gen. James Wilkinson succeeded General Dearborn and proved an 
efficient officer ; but by some mistaken policy most of the American 
troops were withdrawn from this frontier. Colonel McClure garrisoned 
Fort George with only sixty men, and in November a British force 
marched to recapture the work, upon which McClure abandoned the 
fort and crossed the river on the loth of December. But before he 
embarked he made the fatal mistake of firing the British village of 
Newark. 

On the 1 8th of that month, a strong force of British and Indians 
landed at or near Five-mile Meadows in the night. The regulars 
marched on towards Fort Niagara wath the intention of storming it ; 
but this was not necessary. They captured the pickets without giving 
an alarm and found the gates of the fort open several hours before sun- 
rise. A slight defense was made from the blockhouse and the barracks, 
and Colonel Murray, the British commander, was wounded. The gar- 
rison of four hundred and fifty men was captured, and it is recorded that 



52 

about eighty soldiers and hospital patients were murdered after the 
surrender, but this is believed to be exaggerated. The loss of this fort 
at that time and the terrible operations that rapidly followed were mo- 
mentous events. Colonel McClure had left the fort and gone to Buffalo 
to announce the alarming situation at the mouth of the river, leaving 
the fort in command of Captain Leonard. The latter, for some un- 
accountable reason, was at his house several miles above Youngstown. 
Charges of treason, more particularly against Leonard, were freely made, 
and that officer found his residence for some years after at Five-mile 
Meadows a most undesirable one, if the opinions of his neighbors affected 
him. He was always held in contempt, which he doubtless merited, 
for even a meager defense would have given the people alarm and en- 
abled them to avoid the calamities that followed. ' ' As soon as Niagara 
was captured, McClure, who did not escape blameless, retreated with 
his regulars to Batavia, against the vehement protest of the inhabitants 
of Buffalo, leaving that village wholly unprotected. The British forces 
now on this side of the river proceeded to burn the few houses at 

1 While this was common talk among those who had been driven from their homes, and thus 
found a place in local historical sketches as truth, there are reasons for believing that Captain 
Leonard was unjustly accused. He was not at Five-mile Meadows, probably did not then own 
the place— not far below Lewiston— but had gone to attend his sick wife at Four-mile Creek, leav- 
ing a subordinate in command. It had been known two or three weeks that an invasion was be- 
ing planned, and with this knowledge Colonel McClure had gone to Buffalo to secure aid for 
defense. Full preparations had been made to defend the fort, guns placed, etc., and a battery on 
the brow of the mountain, overlooking Lewiston and the river below, was in charge of an officer 
instructed to watch for any attempted crossing and signal the fort by firing three cannon shots. 
This signal was given as the enemy crossed not far from Five-mile Meadows. If unheard at the 
fort it is evidence in support of a well authenticated report that the garrison slept after a drunken 
debauch, and that accounts for the easy capture. Robert Fleming, father of William Fleming 
(born in Lewiston in 1817, and now living in Buffalo), was stationed at the battery and related the 
particulars to his son years afterwards. He was subsequently a m.ember of the State Legislature, 
and was always on the most friendly terms with Captain Leonard when he afterwards resided at 
Five-mile Meadows. The Bartons and other prominent Lewistonians were also intimate friends 
of Captain Leonard, and as all these were intensely patriotic, they must have known the truth in 
the matter. Captain Leonard was one of the first trustees of the Lewiston Academy, organized 
only about ten years after, and this is evidence in his favor. It was natural for the pioneer set- 
tlers to accept suggestions of disloyalty. My father and grandfather had to flee and suffer ac- 
cordingly, and often repeated these common reports. Turner says Captain Leonard was tried 
and dismissed the service, but we can find no evidence in proof and it probably cannot be had 
outside of the War Department. It is believed to be erroneous. The late Hon. W. H. Merritt, 
father of Hon. J. S. Merritt, of St. Catherines, had command of part of the British forces, but did 
not participate in the invasion, being sick at his home. In his memoirs published by his son, it is 
stated that Captain Leonard was captured and sent to Quebec. In my youth I heard much of the 
bitter feeling among pioneer settlers on the frontier. Suspicion easily grew to positive statement, 
and of such too much history made. In this note I desire to do justice to a townsman of my 
youth and therefore this extended note.— William Pool. 



53 

Youngstown, and then separated into raiding parties and desolated the 
unprotected frontier. A body of Indians crossed the river from Queens- 
ton, joined those from below, and Lewiston was plundred and partly- 
burned, the inhabitants fleeing away on the Ridge road. The first 
alarm to the settlers at Dickersonville and beyond was given by the 
Tuscarora women who were hurrying along that road towards a place 
of safety. Reaching the brow of the Mountain Ridge the faithful Tus- 
caroras there obtained a view of the road below. The pursuers were 
mounted and were coming on in hot haste after the fugitives. Then 
the Indians stood their ground and so delayed the enemy that many 
were enabled to escape. It was in midwinter, the ground was covered 
with snow, and the sufferings of the flying people were intense. Many 
incidents of capture, massacre, and other terrible details are related of 
that memorable day. Thomas F. Pool, son of Achish Pool, then a lad 
of thirteen, heard the alarm and hastily hitched a team to their convey- 
ance and aided in snatching a few necessary articles from the house and 
loading them on. While thus engaged an acquaintance came from 
towards Lewiston and warned them to waste no more time in securing 
their valuables or they would surely be overtaken and killed. Mrs. 
Pool had a restless babe and the last thing secured was a bottle of milk 
which she determined to take along for her ofispring. The road was 
crowded with fugitives, the larger part of whom were squaws and their 
children, and all were frightened beyond measure. The inhabitants 
were out of the way none too soon. It was only a little while before 
the red allies of the British came on with tomahawk and torch to wreak 
their vengeance for the burning of Newark. The pursuit continued a 
little beyond Dickersonville, one fugitive being killed a mile beyond 
that place. At Howell's Creek, where a well known tavern was kept 
many years afterwards, was a quantity of arms and ammunition and 
there a stand was made by some of the retreating men. This gave the 
fugitives safe opportunity to continue their flight to the Genesee, where 
the remainder of the winter was passed amid great privation. 

At Lewiston a small volunteer force had been recruited a few days 
earlier for such protection to the frontier there as they could give ; but 
they were taken by surprise with the rest of the settlers. Solomon 
Gillet was a member of the band, and when coming up the street from 



54 

Benjamin Barton's, where he had been after cartridges, met a party of 
Indians and supposed them to be friends. Farther on he met another 
party and entered into conversation with them. A white man with the 
party dressed and painted Hke an Indian, asked Gillet where he was 
going with his gun. Answering that he was going to drill, he was 
asked if he did not know that the fort had been taken. Gillet at this 
juncture saw the British soldiers near at hand and was soon captured. 
Meanwhile his son Miles met the first party of Indians at a different 
point, and promptly shot and killed a chief Attempting then to fly he 
was shot through the head and instantly killed. Among the other 
slain were two men named Tiffany and Finch, Thomas March, Jarvis 
Gillet (only seven years aid who was trying to escape with his mother), 
and Dr. Alvord, the pioneer physician. The latter had just mounted 
his horse at his door and started to ride away, but was shot before he 
had gone far. Reuben Lewis lived at the foot of the mountain and had 
agreed with a neighbor that he would not be taken alive by the Indians. 
He was attacked and fought until wounded, when he fell down behind 
a log. In that position he continued to load and fire until the Indians 
came up and tomahawked him. The killed at Lewiston numbered 
about a dozen. John Robinson lived three miles east of the village on 
the Ridge road, heard of the invasion about nine o'clock and hurriedly 
gathered up some of his property and placed it on a sled, which he took 
to the site of Pekin village. Meanwhile his wife took their children and 
crossed the mountain to a place south of the Indian Reservation where 
she remained concealed in the woods three days. After removing his 
goods Robinson returned to his house and was captured, but escaped 
and afterwards discovered his wife and children. 

Lathrop Cook had recently had his leg amputated. He was placed 
on a sled and accompanied by his brother, the late Hon, Bates Cook, 
was taken along the Ridge ; but they were overtaken a few miles on 
their way by some Indians. Bates Cook took "up his gun and shot one 
of the Indians. He then ran and escaped unharmed from two shots 
that were fired after him. Some Tuscarora Indians, hearing the firing, 
hastened to the place, repulsed the enemy and took the sled and its 
invalid burden to a place of safety. 

Aaron Childs, one of the settlers on the Ridge, was on guard at the 



55 

Meadows the previous night. When Mrs. Childs saw the approaching 
fugitives she ran out and inquired for her husband. She was told that 
all on the river were killed and for some time she believed her husband 
was among the slain. He finally returned uninjured and they made 
their escape. Aaron Childs was father of VV. H. Childs, long a well 
known resident of Niagara Falls. 

During the progress of these events disaster of no less importance 
was falling upon the settlers at Black Rock and Buffalo. Other parties 
of the enemy burned everything along the river towards Tonawanda, 
at which place the guard house and the few dwellings, with one excep- 
tion, were destroyed. Near midnight of the 29th a detachment of 
British landed near Black-Rock, and during the remainder of that night 
and the next day scenes were enacted there and at Buffalo which were 
a counterpart of those at Lewiston. The torch was applied indis- 
criminately, the inhabitants fled eastward, and many were killed, wound- 
ed or captured. 

Such was the retaliation of the British for burning of the small vil- 
lage of Newark by McClure, where not a life was sacrificed. The feel- 
ings that inspired the British at the time are indicated by the following 
extract from a letter written (as believed by Lossing, the historian, by 
General Drummond) while the work of devastation was in progress : 

A war-whoop from five hundred of the most savage Indians (which they gave just 
at dayhght, on hearing of the success of the attack on Fort Niagara) made the 
enemy [at Lewiston] take to their heels, and our troops are in pursuit. We shall not 
stop until we have cleared the whole frontier. The Indians are retaliating the con 
flagration of Newark. Not a house within my sight but is in flames. This is a 
melancholy but just retaliation. 

The succeeding winter was one of great suffering to the fugitives 
from the frontier. Of this period Turner, the historian of the Holland 
Purchase, wrote as follows: 

It is impossible now to give the reader such an account of the condition of things 
in western New York during the ill-fated winter as will enable him to realize the 
alarm, the panic, the aggregate calamities that prevailed. On the immediate fron- 
tier all was desolate; the enemy holding possession of Fort Niagara, detached 
marauding parties of British and Indians came out from it, traversed the frontier 
where there was nothing left to destroy, and made incursions in some mstances in 
the interior, enlarging the theater of devastation and spreading alarm among those 
who had been bold enough to remain in a flight. West of a north and south line 



56 

that would pass through the village of Lero)-, more than one-half of the entire popu- 
lation had been driven from their homes by the enemy or had left them in fear of 
extended invasion. Entire backwoods neighborhoods were deserted, hundreds of 
log cabins were desolate, and the signs and sounds of life were mostly the deserted 
cattle and sheep, lowing and bleating, famishing for the lack of fodder there were 
none left to deal out for them. 

In commenting upon the enormity of the acts of this invasion, Lossing 

says : 

Fearful was the retaliation for the destruction of half-inhabited Newark where not 
a life was sacrificed ! Six villages, many isolated country houses, and four vessels 
were consumed, and the butchery of innocent persons at Fort Niagara, Lewiston, 
Schlosser, Tuscarora village, Black Rock and Buffalo, and in farm houses, attested 
the fierceness of the enemy's revenge. 

The winter sufferings of the fugitives from the frontier were greatly 
alleviated by the generosity of the State. The Legislature voted 
$40,000 to the devastated district, besides $5,000 to the Tuscarora 
Indians and a like sum to residents in Canada who had been driven out 
on account of their friendship for the Americans. Albany voted $1,000, 
New York $3,000, and other contributions came from other parts of 
the State. 

The campaign of 18 14 was conducted with more vigor and judgment 
by the Americans, with the conquest of Canada still the chief object in 
view. For these pages we are concerned principally with two con 
spicuous events, the battles of Chippawa and Lundy's Lane. Lieuten- 
ant- General Drummond was in chief command of the British forces 
while General Riall remained in authority at Fort George and Queens - 
ton ; but when the latter heard of the arrival of the Americans at 
Buffalo under Scott, he established his headquarters at Chippawa, and 
established a fortified camp. At the close of June, Maj.-Gen. Jacob 
Brown arrived at Buffalo and assumed chief command. His command 
consisted of two brigades commanded respectively by Generals Scott 
and Ripley, to each of which was attached a small body of artillery ; 
there was also a small troop of cavalry. These regulars were well dis- 
ciplined and in high spirits. There were also volunteers from Pennsyl 
vania and New York and about six hundred Indians, who had been 
awakened to action by the eloquence of Red Jacket. The volunteers 
and Indians were under chief command of Gen. Peter B. Porter, who 




and 




57 

was then quartermaster- general of the New York militia. On the 
1st of July Brown was ordered to cross the river, capture this fort, 
march on Chippawa, menace Fort George, and if he could have the co- 
operation of Commodore Chauncey's fleet, to seize and fortify Burling- 
ton HeiGjhts. Brown made his plans for General Scott and his brigade 
to cross the Niagara in boats a mile below the fort, while Ripley's 
brigade was to be landed a mile above the work. This accomplished, 
the boats were to return and carry over the remainder of the army, 
with the ordnance and stores, to the Canada shore. The order for this 
movement was given July 2, and w^as promptly carried out by Scott on 
the 3d ; Ripley was dilatory, and when Scott had pressed forward to 
invest the fort, he found that Ripley had not crossed ; but no time was 
lost in hurrying over the ordnance and stores Seeing these energetic 
preparations for action, the weak garrison surrendered. The prisoners 
were sent across the river, and the campaign on the Canada side con- 
tinued. 

Early in the morning General Riall had sent forward a body of Royal 
Scots to reinforce the garrison at Fort Erie ; but they were too late. 
At Chippawa he heard of the surrender of the fort, upon which Riall 
determined to make an immediate attack upon the American forces. 
Learning that reinforcements for him were on their way from York 
(Toronto) he finally deferred the attack until the next morning. To 
meet Riall's troops General Brown sent forward Scott with his brigade, 
accompanied by Towson's artillery, on the morning of the 4th. Ripley 
was ordered in the same direction with his brigade, \mt was again slow 
and not ready to move until afternoon. Scott marched along the river 
skirmishing nearly all the way and driving in the enemy's advanced 
detachment. The main portion of Brown's army reached Scott's en- 
campment on the south side of Street's Creek that night and on the 
morning of the 5th the opposing forces were only two miles apart. At 
about noon Scott was joined by General Porter with his volunteers and 
Indians. The British had also been reinforced. 

Operations began at daybreak on the morning of the 5th with petty 
attacks on the American pickets for the purpose of diverting the atten- 
tion of the American commander from his center, upon which the Brit- 
ish were to make an assault. This part of the plan did not succeed. 



58 

The American commander felt sure of his position and strength and 
gradually drew in his pickets, and the British were thus led on to gen- 
eral action. The Indians behaved gallantly under Porter and Red 
Jacket, and the British advance was forced back in flight towards Chip- 
pawa, with heavy slaughter. Porter's command followed, but on reach- 
ing the edge of the forest and there meeting the main British army, his 
men, unaccustomed to the battle field, were disconcerted and fled in 
confusion. 

The American commander, apprised of these operations only by the 
reports of fire arms, now discovered at a distance a cloud of dust which 
heralded the approach of the British, and rode on to General Scott and 
ordered him to bring his brigade into the field for action. At the same 
moment he sent his adjutant- general to Ripley, who was in the rear 
with his brigade, and ordered him to march by the left through the 
wood and fall on the enemy's right flank for the purpose of cutting off 
his retreat; but the promptness with which Scott obeyed the order to 
to advance on the enemy, prevented Ripley's forces from participating 
in the oncoming struggle. The American commander accompanied 
Scott's brigade into the field and took his position on the left in front 
of the enemy's right flank, from whence he posted a battery of artillery 
opposite the center and further directed the operations. The British 
came into the field and were promptly attacked by Scott's forces, which 
persistenly advanced, fighting desperately for every step gained. He 
crossed Street's Creek in face of a heavy cannonade and then the battle 
raged along the whole line. Several times the British line was broken 
and closed up again. Finally a flank movement and a furious charge 
was made by Major McNeill with Colonel Campbell's regiment, and a 
terrific fire on the British center, forced it to give way. The whole 
British force broke and fled to the intrenchments below Chippawa 
Creek. The fugitives destroyed the bridge, thus cutting off the imme- 
diate pursuit of the victorious Americans. The battle, though an insig- 
nificant one when compared with the sanguinary struggles of more 
modern wars, was nevertheless an important one at that time and place 
and exerted a large influence in the closing scenes of the war. The 
American loss was 355 in killed, wounded and missing ; the British loss 
604, of whom 236 were killed. A gentle shower fell on that hot July 



59 

evening, mitigating the horrors of the bloody field. The succeeding 
few days were spent in burying the dead. 

On his retreat General Riall fled down the borders of the river to 
Queenston, placed a part of his troops in Fort George and made his 
headquarters near the lake twenty miles to the westward. Drummond 
was deeply mortified by this defeat of his veterans by what he deemed 
a raw body of the despised Americans and resolved to wipe out the dis- 
grace. He drew most of his troops from Burlington Bay, Toronto, 
Kingston and Prescott, for the purpose of organizing an army that 
would drive the invaders out of Canada. With a force about one-third 
greater than that of General Brown, Drummond now pressed forward 
to meet the Americans. In the mean time Brown had moved forward 
to Queenston and menaced Fort George, expecting to bring on a battle. 
He anticipated the finding of Chauncey's fleet on Niagara River, ready 
for co-operation with the land movements, but at that time the fleet 
was blockaded at Sackett's Harbor and the commodore was ill in bed. 
When it became apparent that there was no hope of naval co-operation 
General Brown fell back to Chippawa for supplies, intending to then 
march across the country to Burlington Heights and meet the en- 
emy. But in the mean time the British reinforcements arrived and 
they occupied Queenston Heights. On the 24th Brown received intel- 
ligence that Drummond, with a thousand troops, many of them Well- 
ington's veterans, had landed at Lewiston with a view, no doubt, of 
seizing the American stores at Schlosser. To defeat this movement 
General Brown determined to attack the British at Queenston. Gen- 
eral Scott was given the advance, and was not forced to march to 
Queenston to find his enemy. The opposing forces soon came to- 
gether to fight the battle of Lundy's Lane.^ Waiting only to dispatch 
intelligence to his commander, Scott began the attack. Gen. Brown, 
apprised by the report of musketry and cannon of the contest that had 
commenced, ordered the second brigade under Ripley to follow him, 
and, accompanied by his personal staff, hastened to the field of battle. 



' It is proper to state that this account of the battle is largely drawn from the writings of 
one " Cimoii," in the New York S/ii/esma/i, published soon after the war. Who the writer was is 
not generally known but it is believed he was present in some capacity in that campaign. The 
general accuracy of his descriptions has never been seriously questioned, except in unimportant 
details. We use much of his language, without quotation marks. 



6o 

Meeting on the way the messenger dispatched by General Scott, he 
ordered him to continue his route to camp and bring up the whole force. 
General Brown, perceiving that Scott's brigade was much exhausted by 
severe action, as soon as Ripley's brigade reached the field, interposed 
a new line between the enemy and Scott's brigade, thereby disengaging 
the latter and holding it in readiness, after recovering from its exhaus- 
tion, for a new conflict. The enemy now falling back took a new posi- 
tion and rested his right flank on a height commanding the whole sur- 
face of the contiguous plains on which his own and the American 
forces were displayed. Colonel McKee and Major Wood had, by order 
of General Brown, reconnoitered the enemy's position, and reported to 
him that this height must be carried or the engagement could not be 
prosecuted with any probability of success. McKee was ordered to de- 
tach Colonel James Miller with the 21st Regiment for the duty, and to 
advance the remainder of the second brigade on the Queenston road to 
divert the enemy's attention from his right, on which the attack was to 
be made. General Brown rode in person to Colonel Miller, and ordered 
him to assail the heights and seize the artillery.^ It was instantaneously 
and gallantly done. The enemy retired before the line of bayonets 
with which he was assailed, leaving his cannon and several prisoners in 
possession of the assailants. General Ripley's brigade had advanced 
and encountered the enemy on the right of Colonel Miller's operations, 
and a part of it under his own command was broken by the enemy's 
fire, but it was soon reformed and brought again into action. 

It was at this moment that Major Jessup, who had been detached 
from General Scott's brigade, to act independently on the right of the 
American army, after capturing and sending to camp General Riall and 
several other British ofificers, had made his way toward the height as 
far as the Queenston road. Here he encountered a body of the enemy, 
which dispersed and fled after receiving a single discharge. General 

1 Perceiving the key of the British position to be the battery on the hill, he turned to Col. 
James Miller, of the 2~th regulars, and asked, " Can you storm that work and take it ? " " I'll try," 
was the prompt reply. With 300 men he moved steadily up the hill in the darkness, along a fence 
lined with thick bushes that hid his troops from the view of the gunners and their protectors who 
lay near by. When within short musket range of the battery, they could see the gunners with 
their glowing lintstocks, ready to act at the word, fire. Selecting good marksmen, Miller di- 
rected each to rest his rifle on the fence, select a gunner, and fire at a given signal. Very soon 
every gunner fell, when Miller and his men rushed forward and captured the battery. — LossiNG. 

Colonel Miller was given a medal by Congress for his heroism in this campaign. 



6i 



Brown, who had removed to this part of the field, joined Major Jessup, 
and ordered him to advance up Lundy's Lane, and form on the right 
of General Ripley's brigade, the left of whicli was resting upon the 
height defended by the captured cannon. General Porter had arrived 
with his command, and was formed on the left of General Ripley. 

The enemy had now been reinforced by fresh troops from F'ort 
George and Oueenston, and advanced in strong force on the new line 
formed upon the ground from which he had been driven. He was re- 
ceived with a general discharge at a distance of about five rods, and 
fled in the utmost confusion. In twenty minutes he made a second 
attack, which he contested more obstinately, but was again driven down 
the height after two or three volleys. During the second attack. Gen- 
eral Brown rode to the left of the American line and ordered General 
Scott to advance with his brigade, and take a position in rear of the 
enemy's right flank in order to assail him in reverse. In executing it. 
General Scott, after passing in front of the American line, was assailed 
by a concealed party of the enemy while he was in open column, and 
his command severed in two parts, one passing to the rear and the 
other immediately towards the main force of the American army. 
Both were again in action in a few minutes with the main body and 
participated in the repulse on the third and last desperate assault of the 
enemy. General Brown at the moment of the attack on Scott's com- 
mand, received a severe wound from a musket ball, but still kept his 
seat on his horse. The enemy had now closed with the main body of 
the Americans and a most desperate conflict ensued. General Brown 
in passing up the left of his own line, received a second wound in his 
side, but continued to direct the movements of the battle, though so 
enfeebled by the loss of blood as to require occasionally to be supported 
on his horse. The hostile lines were several minutes at the point of the 
bayonet, struggling for victory, and the carnage was appalling. The 
enemy at length gave way in great disorder, leaving many prisoners, 
and reappearing no more. During this last attack from the enemy 
General Scott, animating his command by his own example, received 
a wound which utterly disabled him and was borne from the field. The 
British thus repulsed, the Americans fell back to Chippawa, with orders 
from General Brown to General Ripley (on whom the command de- 



62 

volved) to return after a brief rest and occupy the battlefield. The 
dilatory Ripley, however, continued to remain at Chippavva. In 
three days after the battle the British received large reinforcements by 
way of the lake, which Chauncey's illness left substantially open, raising 
their forces to a great superiority in numbers over the Americans. 
Ripley now broke his camp and fell back to the ferry opposite Black 
Rock, intending to cross the river and occupy BufTalo — the position 
held by the army before the invasion began. Learning of this meas- 
ure. General Brown stopped its consummation by ordering Ripley to 
plant his force in Fort Erie. This was done on the 28th of July. In 
the battle of Lundy's Lane the American loss was about eight hundred 
killed, wounded and missing, nearly one-third of the whole force ; the 
British lost 878. A part of the battlefield is now covered with the vil- 
lage of Drummondville. 

From the 7th to the 14th of August Fort Erie was besieged by the 
British, subjected to a fierce cannonade, and repeatedly assaulted. But 
the heroic Americans bravely held the work. Finally at the end of the 
fifth desperate assault, a bastion which had been captured by the British 
was blown up, causing frightful destruction. This was followed by a 
fierce cannonade from the remaining American guns, and the British 
fled to their intrenchments, leaving 221 killed, 174 wounded and 186 
prisoners ; the American loss was less than one-half these numbers. 

After the explosion both sides prepared for a continuation of opera- 
tions; but it was more than a month before the next important event 
took place. Hearing that Drummond's forces were greatly weakened 
by sickness contracted by lying on the low grounds along the river, 
General Brown, now recovered and in command, resolved upon a sortie 
from the fort. The date set for its execution was September 17. For- 
tunately on that day a thick fog prevailed. The movement was begun 
about noon, the troops passing out of the work in three divisions — one 
under General Porter, one under Gen. James Miller, and the third under 
General Ripley. Porter reached a point near the British right about 
three o'clock and still unobserved. He immediately made an assault 
and the startled British fled. The batteries were then stormed and cap- 
tured within twenty minutes. This victory was quickly followed by the 
capture of the block house in rear of the batteries. The garrison were 



63 



made prisoners, the cannon destroyed and the mai^azine blown up. 
Meanwhile Miller had carried two other batteries and block houses in 
their rear. Within forty minutes after Porter and Miller began opera- 
tions, the whole line of British intrenchments was in possession of the 
Americans. Fort Erie was saved, with Buffalo and the stores on the 
frontier, by this successful sortie. Congress presented medals to Porter, 
l^rown and Ripley, and public honors were bestowed upon them. 
These events were not only important in themselves, but have local 
significance from the fact that General Porter bore so conspicuous a 
part in them. He was a brave and loyal citizen and greatly distin- 
guished himself. He was grandfather of Col. P. A. Porter who lost his 
life at Cold Harbor in the war of the Rebellion, and father of P. A. and 
George M. Porter, prominent citizens of Niagara Falls. General Porter 
was brevetted major-general of militia soon after the events here de- 
scribed. 

The practical results of the campaign of 1814 were not especially 
advantageous to the American cause. Battles were won, and officers 
and troops fought bravely and successfully ; but at its close in Decem- 
ber the British were still in full possession on the Canadian side. Two 
months later, in February, 181 5, news reached this country of the treaty 
at Ghent. Under this treaty each country agreed to surrender all 
places captured during the war, leaving the boundaries as they formerly 
existed. This closed hostilities on this frontier. The closing events 
of the war in the south are well known and constitute a part of general 
history. 

At the end of the war the whole country was left poor. Trade of all 
kinds was broken up, specie was almost unobtainable, banks were with- 
out credit, and general depression prevailed. But the resources of the 
country were great and recovery was rapid. Niagara county, as at 
present bounded, was still almost an unbroken forest. Along the river 
and on a few of the principal roads, clearings had been made; all else 
was woodland. But the pioneers were made of stern stufTand when the 
clouds of war had cleared away they returned and took up the work of 
making their homes. Settlement continued to advance with consider- 
able rapidity during the first quarter of the century, and in 1821 a di- 
vision of the great county, which then included all of what is now Erie 



64 

county was made by an act of the Legislature in 1821, Niagara retain- 
ing the original name and Erie county the organization. The sub- 
divisions of Niagara county which took place before and after the erec- 
tion of Erie county are summarized later on. Lewiston was then 
the most prominent village in the county and practically the county seat, 
continuing thus until 1822. It was the terminus of the daily lines of 
stages that had been established to connect with Rochester; and a tri- 
weekly line ran to Buffalo. These lines were the natural avenues of 
travel between the east and the west and for many years and even after 
the advent of the first railroads, were largely patronized. Taverns were 
numerous along the routes, and hamlets came into existence to supply 
the rural districts with goods. 

In the mean time the great work of constructing the Erie Canal, 
which was to prove of so much importance to this county, was progres- 
sing. There is no excuse for giving a detailed history of the under- 
taking in these pages, for it is at everybody's hand in scores of places. 
The herculean task of cutting through the Mountain Ridge at Lockport 
was the last work done on the waterway, and the series of locks at that 
point were finished and the canal opened on the 26th of October, 1824. 
One of its most important results as far as this county was concerned, 
was the building up of the thriving village and later city of Lockport, 
and of the less important village of North Tonawanda. 

The Legislature of 1823 passed an act for laying out the territory of 
the jail limits and the erection of a court house in Lockport, a full 
account of which is given in a later chapter. It was in that session, 
also, that an act was passed incorporating the Niagara Canal Company, 
the avowed object of which was to construct a ship canal from the 
mouth of Gill Creek to Lewiston. The application to the Legislature 
was signed by Benjamin Barton, Jacob Townsend, N. Leonard, William 
Hotchkiss, Rufus Spalding, Silas Hopkins, and Bates Cook. Nothing 
was accomplished in this canal scheme, but the project has at different 
times been discussed ever since. At about the same time application 
was made to the Legislature for authority to construct a turnpike road 
from what is now Wright's Corners to Warren's Corners. An im- 
passable swamp lay between the two places, but a good road was made 
across it. 



65 



Immediately after the erection of the new county, pohtical affairs 
were active and much complicated. In 1822 Judge Silas Hopkins was 
earnestly pressed to accept the candidacy for the Assembly. He then 
resided in Niagara, but subsequently removed to a farm in Lewiston, 
where he lived to an old age. He declined the proffered nomination, 
giving as the reason that his circumstances would not permit him to make 
the sacrifice involved in the service Reuben Wilson was nominated in 
his stead. Augustus Porter was candidate for Congress, Lothrop 
Cooke for sheriff and Oliver Grace for county clerk, on the same ticket. 
The canvass was active, jealousy of the growing importance of Lock- 
port entering into the contest. The total vote of the county was less 
than 1,500 and the candidates above named were badly defeated. 

Those who suffered from the raids of the British and Indians in the 
war of 18 1 2 held many meetings thereafter to press their claims for 
reimbursement of their losses. At the meeting of December, 1822, 
Rufus Spalding, Benjamin Barton and Bates Cook were appointed a 
committee to take charge of the matter. The meeting resolved not to 
employ any lobby aid. Some years later a partial reimbursement of 
losses was made, but not sufficient to satisfy the sufferers, 

This chapter may be interestingly closed with the following from the 
Lewiston Sentinel of 1824, probably written by Oliver Grace, and 
treating somewhat upon the travel created by the attractions of the 
falls and other causes : 

We of the frontier who are supposed by many to dwell on the very borders of the 
west, but who in fact live some hundreds of miles cast of a well cultivated and civil- 
ized portion of America, have witnessed so far this season more of the traveling 
mania than in any one year within our remembrance. Eastern and southern travel 
appears to be rapidly increasing from year to year. The great perfection to which 
the means of transportation has been brought in this State has obviously contributed 
much to this increase. The regular lines of daily stages, excelled by none in the 
State for superior carriages and teams, which ply the Ridge road as well as the 
Buffalo route, are but little adequate to the travel that is now passing to the great 
center of attraction — the falls of Niagara. But to make good any deficiency in this 
respect, the stage proprietors have provided their lines with ample extra convey- 
ances, so that no passenger need delay a moment's time on any part of the route 
from Albany to this frontier, and on returning the same facilities await him. Our 
steamboat, too, which scours the eastern shores of Ontario is in no way behind hand 
in point of accommodation, and is the means of imparting pleasure and of affording 
facility for the traveler, and we are happy to see that she is gathering a good share 
9 



66 

of the patronage of the fashionable as well as increasing in her commercial and for- 
warding transactions. In fact, there is a sensible revival of trade and of business in 
general on this frontier, and when a few more improvements which are now in 
progress, are accomplished — when the Ridge Road is made perfect by the construc- 
tion of a turnpike through the Eleven-mile Woods, and the waters of Erie are pass- 
ing through the Mountain Ridge— the spot where Brock fell, and the splendid monu- 
ment now erecting to his memory — the stupendous rock over which the unfortunate 
Colonel Nichol was precipitated, and the battle grounds of Queenston, Lundy's Lane 
and Chippawa — these, we say, with the great natural curiosity as the center, will 
furnish attractions for which we may challenge the world for a parallel. 



CHAPTER VII. 

FROM 1825 TO THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 

From the close of the first quarter of the present century to the be- 
ginning of the great Civil war, Niagara county as a whole kept abreast 
of other parts of this State in its general development. Population in- 
creased from 26,490 in 1835, to 31,132 in 1840; to 34,550 in 1845 '■> to 
42,276 in 1850; and to 50,399 in i860. During this period every 
town in the county increased its number of inhabitants, though in 
recent years, in common with most other sections, some of the rural 
towns have declined in this respect Lockport grew from 6,000 to 
more than 13,000; but in i860 the whole town of Niagara had only 
6,603 inhabitants, to which number it had grown from about 2,000 in 
1835. The great days of Niagara Falls were yet far in the future. 
All the towns in the county had been erected before 1825, excepting 
Pendleton and Wheatfield — Lockport and Newfane in 1824. The orig- 
inal forest had been largely cleared away, the log houses of the pioneers 
superseded by frame dwellings ; commerce on the lakes had reached 
large proportions, contributing its share to the prosperity of this 
region; manufactures had been establislied in some localities, with 
newspapers, schools, and churches, and general progress was manifest- 
ed on every hand. 

Going back for a moment in the course of this record it should be 
noted that commerce and trade between the East and the West was 



67 



greatly facilitated early in the present century by the improvement of 
waterways by the Western Inland Lock Navigation Company, which 
was incorporated by the Legislature March 30, 1792, its purpose being 
stated as "to encourage agriculture, promote commerce, and facilitate 
intercourse between the citizens of the southern, northern and western 
parts of the State." The company was promptly organized, and in its 
operations followed the old route. It constructed a short canal with 
locks at Little Falls ; another across the portage from Rome to Wood 
Creek, from which Oneida Lake was easily accessible, and made im- 
provements in the Oneida, Seneca and Oswego Rivers. However im- 
perfect this navigation was as compared with that of the Erie Canal, its 
influence upon the prosperity of the State, and the early settlement of 
Western New York was incalculable. The company did a profitable 
business for some years, but later for several reasons it became un- 
profitable and its property and rights reverted to the State when the 
Erie Canal project was assured. The latter waterway had a still greater 
influence on the development of Western New York than its predecessor. 
The detailed history of its construction is familiar to all intelligent 
readers. The initial steps were taken early in the century, and the re- 
port of commissioners made in March, 181 1, recommended the work 
on the route selected by Engineer James Geddes. On the strength of 
this report the Legislature continued the commission and voted $15,- 
000 for further operations. A year later, it having been found impos- 
sible to obtain an appropriation from Congress, the Legislature author- 
ized the commissioners to borrow $5,000,000 on the credit of the State 
for the work. The war of 18 12 delayed the enterprise, but it was re- 
vived in 1815 and in 1817 the actual construction commenced. The 
work was divided into three sections, eastern, middle and western, this 
county belonging, of course, in the latter. James Geddes was appoint- 
ed engineer of the western division and made a survey in 1815, but no 
work was done thereon until 1820. In that year he was succeeded by 
David Thomas, who made some changes in the route, the most im- 
portant of which was in the point at which the mountain ridge should 
be crossed, and which determined the site of Lockport. Mr. Geddes's 
line crossed the Ridge in the gorge a mile west of Lockport. The 
whole western division of the canal was placed under contract in 1821. 



68 

During the fall of 1823 the navigable part of the canal was extended 
west to Brockport and Holley, and in the following season to the foot 
of the Ridge at Lockport. In 1824, also, the adaptation of Niagara 
River and Tonawanda Creek for canal purposes was completed and the 
channel excavated east to Lockport, leaving the great rock cutting 
and lock construction at that point as the last work to be done on the 
canal. 

Meanwhile the old stage lines flourished. The line from Canan- 
daigua west by way of the Ridge Road, which has before been alluded 
to, to Lewiston and the Falls, was established in 18 16 and was im- 
mensely popular. The coaches were met at Wright's Corners by a 
wagon from Lockport carrying mail and passengers for the stage pro- 
prietors. These stages Avere kept running up to near the middle of the 
century. In 1828 a company of men who were opposed to running 
stages on Sunday, established the Pioneer line, their coaches leaving 
the Ridge road at Wright's Corners for Lockport and thence to Niag- 
ara Falls and Buffalo. Competition was active, rates of passage were 
lowered and the Pioneer Company, failing to get a mail contract, suc- 
cumbed to its rival after about two years. With the advent of railroads 
the old stages gradually disappeared. 

The intimate connection between this county and the celebrated case 
of William Morgan, the abducted Free Mason, entitles it to brief notice 
here, though the general facts are well known. Morgan was a resident 
of Batavia and had written and threatened to publish a book revealing 
all the secrets of the Masonic order. After numerous attempts to in- 
duce him to abandon his purpose and give up his manuscript of the 
book, all of which failed, he was arrested on a trifling charge and con- 
fined in the Ontario county jail. A day later he was released by ad- 
vice given to his wife by several Masons, and on reaching the street 
was seized and placed in a closed carriage and driven rapidly westward. 
He was accompanied by three Masons, and was taken on through Roch- 
ester and via the Ridge road and Lewiston, and thence down the river 
to Fort Niagara, which was reached near midnight of the 13th of Sep- 
tember, 1826. He was there confined in the magazine until the 19th. 
The following paragraph is from Capt. James Van Cleve, who was fully 
conversant with the facts of the case : 



69 

lu September, 1820, many Free Masons came up the lake on board the steamer 
Ontario [on which Van Cleve was clerk] from Rochester to participate in the instal- 
lation of Col. William King as Knight Templar at Lewiston. On the steamer's re- 
turn she landed by request at the government wharf at Fort Niagara, and many 
Masons went into the fort for the purpose of seeing William Morgan, who was then 
confined there by the Masons. Col. Samuel Denison, the managing owner of the 
Ontario, who was a Ma.son, told me at the time that he was requested to go into the 
fort and see Morgan, but he declined, believing such high-handed measures in viola- 
tion of the law would in the end lead to much trouble, which proved true. 

On the 19th Morgan disappeared. Arrests and trials for his abduc- 
tion followed. Eli Bruce, then sheriff of Niagara county, the com- 
mandant at Niagara, and several other prominent Masons were tried at 
Lockport and Canandaigua, and a few were convicted. Bruce was 
fined and imprisoned for contumacy and deposed from office. The 
trials extended over a period of four or five years. It came to be 
generally believed that Morgan was drowned in Niagara River, and 
the stream was dragged, but without finding his body, and it is not 
even now positively known what became of him. 

The event created intense excitement throughout the country, and 
especially in this State ; it finally crept into politics and gave birth to 
the Anti- Masonic party which for some years was a powerful political 
factor. It drew large numbers of adherents from the other parties and 
in the election of 1829 its candidate for State senator in the Eighth dis- 
trict was elected by the unprecedented majority of 8,000. In 1 830 in 
a poll of 250,000 votes it failed of electing its candidate for governor 
by barely 8,000, while in 1832, when the poll was 320,000, it was de- 
feated by less than 10,000. In Pennsylvania it elected its candidate for 
governor in 1835, and carried large strength in some other States. 
Much of this power was attained through the skillful manipulation of 
politicians, at the head of whom was Thurlow Weed in this State ; it is 
now clear that there was no real and permanent foundation for such 
a great organization, and it gradually passed out of existence. 

After the building of the first railroad in this country, farseeing men 
realized that a line from the metropolis of this State northward and 
westward would, sooner or later, become one of the most important and 
probably the most profitable in the country. Between 1835 and 1840 
the several roads that were consolidated into the New York Central in 
1853, had their inception, and one of the very early branches was built 



70 

in this county. In 1835 the Lockport and Niagara Falls Company be- 
gan the construction of its road ; it started from the corner of Chapel 
and East Market streets in Lockport (known as Lower Town), whence 
it ran southwesterly a short distance, turned across the canal and 
thence extended to the end of Glenwood street ; along that street it 
wound its way up the mountain side, and after turning to the south to 
pass the head of the gorge a mile west of Lockport, it bore away to 
the west through Pekin to Cleghorn's, thence a branch down the moun- 
tain grade to Lewiston, the main line continuing to what is now Sus- 
pension Bridge, whence it ran on to the Falls along the cliff that over- 
looks Niagara River. The roadway itself comprised mudsills laid 
lengthwise, across which were laid ties and upon these were lines of 
4 by 6 oak timbers on which flat iron rails were spiked. The cars 
were small affairs on four wheels, holding either sixteen or twenty-four 
persons, the former class being divided into two and the latter into 
three compartments, with seats crosswise. These cars were drawn by 
horses about two years, when light locomotives came into use. 

Meetings were held in Lockport in 1835 ^^ consider the building of 
roads to Batavia and Buffalo, which projects were favorably discussed, 
but nothing further was then accomplished. 

In July, 1836, the Niagara Falls Journal announced that the road 
from Lockport to that place was rapidly approaching completion, and 
that the Buffalo and Niagara Falls road was also in a far advanced con- 
dition, cars being then running on some parts of it. It was then ex- 
pected that the track would be ready for use between the Falls and 
Schlosser and between Black Rock and Buffalo by August i, when 
these two sections would be connected by a steamboat ; both boats were 
to be ready in September. The Buffalo road was surveyed in 1834 
and part of the grading done in 1835. The road road bed was similar 
to the above described. In the winter after the road was opened, frost 
so heaved the sills and track that the engines were taken off and horses 
substituted for motive power. Some years later the road was recon- 
structed and the route somewhat changed. In the latter part of Au- 
gust, 1836, the Buffalo Courier announced that the first locomotive had 
been put on the track between Tonawanda and Black Rock, and a 
speed of about fifteen miles an hour attained. The first engine was 
called Little Buffalo, and the second, Niagara. 



71 



On December lO, 1850, the Rochester, Lockport and Niagara Falls 
Railroad Company was organized. It purchased the interest of the 
Lockport and Niagara Falls Company in 185 i, and the track of the 
latter company was abandoned and taken up. None of the first direc- 
tors of this company was from Niagara county. Regular trains began 
running on this line June 30, 1852, and the road was joined in the 
consolidation of the New York Central in May, 1853. The branch 
from Lockport Junction to Tonawanda was built by the Rochester, 
Lockport and Niagara Falls Company in 1852, and began business in 
January, 1853. 

At the time of the consolidation of the Central roads there was or- 
ganized a company which constructed the Canandaigua and Niagara 
Falls road. This line was opened to the Falls July i, 1853, and to 
Suspension Bridge, October i, 1854. In March, 1857, it was purchased 
by a syndicate of individuals, most of whom were in Europe, to whom 
it was heavily mortgaged, and the name was changed to the Niagara 
Bridge and Canandaigua Railroad ; it was then immediately leased to 
the Central. 

On the 9th of September, 1852, the Niagara Falls and Lake Ontario 
Railroad Company was organized to build a line from Niagara Falls to 
Youngstown. Benjamin Pringle was president; John Porter, vice- 
president ; Bradley D. Davis, secretary, and William S. Mallory, 
treasurer. The construction of this short road involved an immense 
amount of rock cutting along its picturesque route on a shelf of the 
cliff that overhangs the river between the Devil's Hole and Lewiston ; 
it was graded and opened to Lewiston in 1854, and a train ran over 
the road to Youngstown October 21, 1855. Soon afterward work on 
that part of the road was suspended and the track taken up. The re- 
mainder of the road was leased to the New York Central. The open- 
ing of these railroads changed the conditions of trade, made com- 
munication between distant points more easy and frequent, and broad- 
ened the social life of the community. 

Niagara county had its share in the financial distress and panic that 
swept over the country in 1836-7 and again in 1857. During the 
year 1836 speculation and extravagance ran riot through the country; 
land values were carried far beyond their legitimate limits, while the 



72 

disorganized condition of the currency and the banks produced results 
that might have been foreseen. The western part of the State, espe- 
cially at and near Buffalo, suffered severely when the revulsion came. 
Among the prominent speculators of that city was Benjamin Rathbun, 
who went down in the crash with many others. He operated exten- 
sively in real estate and made large purchases at Niagara Falls and its 
vicinity, built a large addition to the old Eagle Hotel and laid the 
foundation for another large public house on the square now occupied 
by the International Hotel. Under his enthusiastic and visionary 
manipulation the village plan was extended and he began the sale of 
lots at auction. But in the midst of his operations the tide turned and 
he was overwhelmed. There was great depression for a time and the 
village at the falls suffered severely. But recovery from the effects of 
both the periods of stringency referred to was more rapid than in 
many localities. Niagara Falls village has always had within itself a 
source of considerable wealth, while Lockport was then just beginning 
to feel the beneficent effects of the great water power supplied at the 
locks in the canal, which eventually made the place prominent in the 
manufacturing centers of the State. 

In 1837-8 took place what has become known as the Patriot war, in 
which many American citizens along the frontier were engaged, in associ- 
ation with residents in Canada in redressing wrongs more or less imagi- 
nary which they had suffered from that country. As a result of the work 
of emissaries of the Canada insurgents in this State, secret organizations 
were formed, the membership of which, with outside sympathizers, was 
very numerous. About the middle of December, 1837, ^ ^^^ hundreds 
of these crossed from Schlosser to Navy Island armed with weapons 
furnished by contribution or stolen from a State depository, among the 
latter being a number of cannon. Preparations were made on the isl- 
and for an invasion of Canada. The leader of this party was Rensse- 
laer Van Rensselaer. Another officer was Gen. Thomas Jefferson 
Sutherland, having many relatives in Niagara county. On the 29th of 
December a small steamer, the Caroline, belonging to William Wells, 
of Buffalo, made several trips between Schlosser and the island, carry- 
ing the men and equipments, and finally tied up at the Schlosser land- 
ing. That night a party of British crossed the river and after a fight in 



73 



which one New York man was killed and several wounded, set fire to 
the Caroline, cut her loose, and she drifted over the falls. About 
twenty- five men were on the boat at the time of the attack, some of 
whom were missing after the firing of the vessel. The burning of the 
Caroline was an unjustifiable proceeding and constituted an invasion 
of United States territory, and it created intense excitment throughout 
the country ; for a time it was feared that complications might arise 
from the event which would lead to war between the United States and 
England. This act, moreover, rapidly added to the ranks of the self- 
styled patriots and gave them a new excuse for their proposed invasion. 
The Niagara frontier was the most important point to the insurgents, 
though they were active farther east and particularly near Ogdensburg. 
General Scott was now sent to Niagara, and was accompanied by Gov- 
ernor Marcy. A considerable force of troops, including Randall's bat- 
tery of artillery, was collected at Buffalo, and in January, 1838, marched 
to Schlosser. Finding nidtters quiet there they returned to Ikiffalo, 
and a few days later were stationed at Black Rock. After the burning 
of the Caroline, the patriots brought the Barcelona down from Buffalo 
for use as their ferry boat, but General Scott nullified their efforts by 
hiring the vessel for ihe United States government and on the i6th 
ordered her back to Buffalo The boat had been carefully watched by 
the British authorities, who had stationed three armed schooners just 
above Grand Island with the purpose of attacking her on her return 
trip. A force of the British were also under arms on the Canada side. 
On the preceding day Scott had notified the English commander that 
he was ful'y prepared to restrain any further demonstration by the pat- 
riots and that if the British fired on the Barcelona, he should consider it 
a breach of neutrality and a hostile demonstration against his govern- 
ment. This warning was repeated on the morning of the i6th. In the 
mean time Scott had posted his men and planted his cannon on this 
side of the river, where the gunners stood ready to fire on the British if 
they attacked the vessel. They wisely let her pass unmolested, thus 
averting difficulty that might have led to international war. On the 
previous day, when Van Rensselaer saw that he was to lose the Barce- 
lona, he abandoned the island, returned to this side and dispersed his 

patriots. The entire foolhardy scheme was soon afterward abandoned. 
10 



74 

It is time that a paragraph should appear in these pages in reference 
to the Niagara ship canal project, which at various times received rnuch 
attention in Western New York and especially in this county. A com- 
pany having in view the construction of a ship canal from the naviga- 
ble water above the falls to navigable water below, was incorporated as 
early as 1798. In 1808, in pursuance of a resolution of the Senate, the 
secretary of the treasury submitted to that body an able and elaborate 
report on the subject of roads and canals in general, and among those 
that might require public aid he mentioned a canal around the falls at 
Niagara. In 1823, while the Erie Canal was in process of construction, 
and a sort of canal fever prevailed throughout the State, there was a 
wide-spread belief that a canal should be built around the falls, which 
resulted in the organization of a company in April of that year. 
Among the provisions of the charter was one giving power to "open 
navigation from the Niagara River above the falls thereof to the heights 
near the village of Lewiston." The company was largely composed 
of prominent citizens of Lewiston and vicinity, Nathan Roberts, an 
experienced engineer who had been connected with the Erie Canal from 
its commencement, was engaged by the company to make a survey for 
the proposed work. He began at the mouth of Gill Creek, two miles 
above the falls, and ran a line nearly due north to a point on the moun- 
tain just above Lewiston. He made full and careful reports in which 
he demonstrated that the canal could be constructed on that route, 
with a single lock, for a little less than $1,000,000. As this sum could 
not be guarantied, the project was temporarily abandoned. Before the 
lapse of another decade this subject had assumed more extended im- 
portance. In 1836 Capt. W. G. Williams, topographical. engineer of the 
United States army, was sent on by President Jackson to make surveys 
" preparatory to the construction of a ship canal around Niagara Falls," 
One of the routes surveyed was that followed by Mr. Roberts, and the 
estimated cost, including locks, was $3,000,000, the difference in the 
estimates of the two engineers being occasioned principally by the in- 
creased cost of labor and materials. The undertaking again failed, 
largely on account of the financial crisis of 1836-7. The whole project 
remained at rest until 1863, when it was brought before the president 
and Congress, and a new survey was ordered in 1868, The reports 



75 



made upon the several surveys ordered at this time were laid before 
Congress, but when the matter was brought to a vote it was lost by a 
small majority. Although this subject has never lost its interest and is 
still frequently discussed, nothing further has been done regarding it, 
except the submission of a report by a U. S. commission recently (1897) 
which favors the project in connection with other projects making a 
ship route from the Hudson to the lakes and Chicago. 

During this first half of the present century commercial affairs on 
the lakes grew to considerable proportions. The first vessel built on 
the New York side of Lake Ontario after the Revolution was built by 
Eli Granger, at Hanford's Landing, on the Genesee River, in 1797, and 
named Jemima; it was a craft of thirty tons. In 1798 Augustus and 
Peter B. Porter bought this vessel, and the bill of sale is still in posses- 
sion of the Porter family. In 1 803 the sloop Niagara was built at 
Cayuga Creek. The Niagara Portage Company was early formed and 
owned or controlled many vessels engaged in transporting Onondaga 
salt, merchandise, etc., to pass over the portage. Among them was 
the schooner Niagara, another called the Ontario, and the Charles and 
Ann. Other vessels not owned by this company sailed in connection 
with it between Oswego and Lewiston. Among the firms and in- 
dividuals connected either directly or indirectly with the portage be- 
tween Lewiston and Lake Erie were the following, according to state- 
ments of the late Capt. James Van Cleve : Archibald Fairchild owned 
two vessels in Oswego ; Matthew McNair, the founder of commerce on 
the lake at Oswego, owned several ; Townsend, Bronson & Co., and 
Sharp & Vaughn, of the same place, owned one or more vessels; 
Henry Eagle, of Oswego, owned two or three vessels, and John T. 
Trowbridge and Capt. Joseph Whitne}' owned the Mary Ann. Other 
vessels were owned at various lake ports, all contributing to the volume 
of transportation at the portage. 

The first steamboat, the Ontario, which has already been mentioned, 
was the first on the great lakes ; Captain Van Cleve was clerk on this 
boat in 1826-30. She was built at Sackett's Harbor in 18 16, and made 
her first trip in April, 18 17. She was greeted with enthusiasm at the 
different ports on the lake and St. Lawrence River, and demonstrated 
the fact that such vessels could be successfully navigated on the inland 



76 

waters. In 1817 President Monroe visited Niagara county, landing at 
Fort Niagara from Sackett's Harbor, whence he came on the United 
States brig Jefferson. 

The first Enghsh steamer built on Lake Ontario was the Frontenac, 
which appeared in Niagara River in 1818, under command of Capt. 
James McKenzie. The steamer Canada, built at Toronto in 1826, by 
Capt. Hugh Richardson, ran as a packet between that city and the 
Niagara River. The steamer Oueenston, built in 1824, sailed in the 
next year under com.mand of Capt. Joseph Whitney. The Transit, 
owned by Captain Richardson, ran as a packet between Lewiston and 
Toronto from 1835 ^o 1842. The steamer Chief Justice Robinson, with 
the same owner, made the same run from 1842 to 1852 The steamer 
Great Britain, 500 tons, came out in 1831 under command of Capt. 
Joseph Whitney; she ran ten years between Lewiston and Prescott. 
Other prominent vessels that came to Lewiston were the Zimmerman, 
the Southern Belle, the United States, the St. Lawrence, the Oneida, 
the Lady of the Lake, the Rochester, the Vandalia, the Cataract, a 
second Ontario, the Bay State, the Northerner, the New York, and 
others of less note. Besides the captains thus far mentioned, others 
who were conspicuous on the lake were Capts. Thomas Dick, Andrew 
Estis, R. J. Van Dewater, William Williams, John Evans, J. J. Taylor, 
George S. Weeks, H. N. Throop, Rufus Hawkins, R. F. Child, R. B. 
Chapman and others. 

Soon after the close of the war of 18 12, the timber and lumber trade 
began to assume large proportions in Western New York along the 
lake and river. Lewiston and Youngstown were large markets for 
timber and staves, which were drawn thither from various places along 
the lake within Niagara county. Concerning this business Turner's 
Holland Purchase has the following : 

In 1817 and 1818 it was extended along the lake to Niagara river; the mouths of 
Oak Orchard, the Eighteen [milej, the Twelve [mile], Youngstown, and Lewiston 
were the principal depots. The trade was at first in butt staves; ship timber fol- 
lowed and contmued until the fine groves of oak between ridge and lake pretty 
much disappeared. As soon as the canal was completed as far west as Lockport 
the commerce in ship timber and staves commenced upon it. Daniel Washburn 
and Otis Hathaway first engaged in the business at Lockport, under a large con- 
tract with the eminent ship builder, Henry Eckford, of New York. The fine oak 
that grew in the immediate vicinity of Lockport was used to fill their contract. 



77 

This timber and stave business finally declined and gave way to an 
immense trade in sawed lumber that for many years constituted the 
most important part of the business of Tonawanda. 

All these various public improvements and institutions, and enter- 
prising private industries served to place Niagara county in the pros- 
perous condition that existed at the time of the rising of the war cloud 
that appeared on the horizon in 1859-60. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



THE WAR PERIOD IN NIAGARA COUNTY. 

It is a fact easily substantiated that when in April, 1861, the enemies 
of the government and the Union fired upon the American flag, no 
county in the Empire State exhibited more prompt and universal pa- 
triotism, size and number of inhabitants considered, than Niagara, and 
none more promptly and freely met the several calls of the president 
for volunteers, and of the various organizations for relief to soldiers and 
their families. With the fall of Fort Sumter an3 the president's call for 
75,000 troops, the wildest enthusiasm prevailed. The Union flag leaped 
from hundreds of buildings, the sound of drum and fife were everywhere 
heard, and the ordinary pursuits of life were almost abandoned for 
military discussion and action. Measures for the relief of the families 
of the early volunteers were prompt and generous. The first public 
meeting was held in Lockport on the 18th of April, and the second on 
the 20th, at which more than $8,000 was subscribed and subsequently 
collected and paid to volunteers and their families. These were followed 
by similar gatherings in other villages of the county, in all of which en- 
thusiastic and generous action ruled. These efforts to relieve the terrors 
of war continued in this county throughout the struggle, and funds 
raised in those days which did not seem to be pressingly needed and 
were held over, have in recent years been devoted to the erection of a 
memorial to the military heroes of the county. 

So prompt was the response to the first call of the president that on 



78 

the i8th of April, i86i, Capt. Elliott W. Cook had a recruiting office 
open in Lockport, and in two days 140 men had enlisted ; within the 
succeeding few days five companies of volunteers were organized in this 
county. They were commanded respectively by Captain Cook, and 
Captains W. W Bush, William H. H. Mapes, H. H. Paige, and Theo- 
dore P. Gould. These companies were joined by two from Orleans 
county, under Captains Erwin A. Bowen and Hardie, and onecompany 
each from Genesee, Ontario and Sullivan counties, to form a regiment. 
The organization was number 28, and mustered in at Albany May 22. 
On the 25th of June it departed for Washington and was attached to 
General Patterson's command at Martinsburgh. On the iith of July, 
while on a scouting expedition, Isaac Sly, of Lockport, was killed. The 
principal engagements in which the 28th participated were Winchester. 
Cedar Mountain (where the loss was 207, killed, wounded and prison- 
ers), Rappahannock Station, Antietam, and Chancellorsville. In all of 
these the organization earned an excellent record. The regiment re- 
turned to New York in May, 1863, ^"^ ^^^ mustered out. 

In the 49th Infantry Company H, commanded by Capt. Charles H. 
Moss, of Lockport, was composed of Niagara county men and officered 
as follows : 

Captain, Charles H. Moss, Lockport; first lieutenant, Andrew W, Brazee, Lock- 
port; second lieutenant, Henry D. Hall, Lockport; first sergeant, William D. 
Boughton, Lockport; second, Otis B. Hayes, Somerset; third, Charles A. Murphy, 
Lockport; fourth, William Tindall, Lockport: first corporal, Frank Baker, Lock- 
port; second, Isaac N. Porter, Lockport; third, Jay Silsby, Lockport; fourth, Henry 
E. Barlow, Lockport; fifth, Michael Hutchinson, Lockport; sixth, William Levan, 
Lockport; seventh, George W. Pixley, Somerset; musician, Schuyler S. Ballou, 
Lockport ; wagoner, Ludolphus W. Fuller, Lockport. 

The 49th was raised in response to the call for 300,000 volunteers in 
1861, and was mustered in on August 22, of that year. It was com- 
manded at the first by Col. Daniel D. Bidwell, of Buffalo. It arrived 
at Washington in September and was soon attached to Gen. " Baldy " 
Smith's division. The regiment remained in camp most of the fall and 
winter of 1861-2, participating meanwhile in an engagement at Draines- 
ville. In the spring of 1 862 the 49th shared in the peninsular campaign, 
taking part in the battles of Yorktown, Williamsburg, Golding's Farm, 
Savage Station, White Oak Swamp, and Malvern Hill. Later engage- 



79 



ments in which the 49th won renown were Crampton's Gap, Antietam, 
Mary's Heights, Salem Heights, Gettysburg, Rappahannock Station, 
Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Fort Stevens, Ope- 
quan, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek. Company H, however, did but 
little fighting after the engagement at Malvern Hill, having been de- 
tailed at division headquarters as provost guard. Captain Brazee acting 
as judge advocate. 

The regiment itself suffered terribly in the battle of the Wilderness, 
where every officer was either killed or wounded. Captain Moss re- 
turned home sick with fever in 1862 and died on the 25th of March. 
The regiment was mustered out June 27, 1865. 

A battery and a regiment of light artillery were largely composed of 
Niagara county men. These were the 23d Battery and the ist Regi- 
ment, both recruited in the summer of 1861. The 23d Battery was 
raised by Capt. Alfred Ransom, of Newfane, associated with Samuel 
Kittenger of Cambria, and Lewis B. Manning, of Wheatfield. The 
battery was mustered into service October 16, 1861, and ordered to 
Albany, where about half of a Warren county company was assigned to 
it, raising it to the required strength. Proceeding to Washington the 
battery was armed and on April 28, 1862, reached Newbern, N. C. to 
reinforce Burnside. During that summer and the first half of the suc- 
ceeding winter the 23d was engaged in operations near Newbern and 
Morehead City. In December it shared in the engagements at Kins- 
ton, Whitehall and Goldsboro. In the spring of 1863 the battery aided 
in preventing the enemy from capturing Newbern and Washington, 
N. C. At the latter place the battery then remained until April, 1864, 
taking part in numerous raids and skirmishes. The battery was sta- 
tioned at Newbern most of the summer of 1864 and until the spring of 
1865, and was mustered out July 3, 1865. F'ollowing is an official 
record : 

Captain, Alfred Ransom; first lieutenant, Samuel Kitlenger; first lieutenant, 
Thomas Low (promoted to captain) ; second lieutenant, Nelson Cornell ; first sergeant, 
Lewis B. Manning; quartermaster sergeant, Joseph Kittenger; sergeants, John K. 
Swick, Newfane, enlisted November 11, 1861, mustered out November 10, 1864; Ed- 
gar C. Balcom, Frederick F. Palmatier, Newfane, enlisted October 22, 1861, mus- 
tered out November 10, 1864; George W. Sprout, Newfane, enlisted October 10, 1SG2, 
died in 1865; Amos Parker, Orlin S. Hays; corporals, Chai-les T. Saxton, William 



8o 

Sage, William M. Smith, Simeon H. Talbot, Newfane, enlisted November 11, 1861, 
mustered out November 10, 1864; Sylvester Perry, Edmond T. Ackerman, Edwin 
Saxton, James McDonald, Almon Bliss, William H. Merville, Philip Simmons, 
Stephen Flynn; buglers, Clark Anderson, William J. Porter; artificer, William L. 
Warden ; blacksmith, Jedediah Biggins, Newfane, enlisted August 25, 1862, mus- 
tered out July 24, 1866; wagoner, Perry McKenzie. 

Of the 1st Regiment of Light Artillery only Company M was from 
this county; it was officered as follows: Captain, George VV. Cothran, 
Lock-port; first lieutenant, C. E. Winegar, Medina; second, James H. 
Peabody, Olcott ; third, George B. Eggleston, Wilson; fourth, John D. 
Woodbury, Wilson. The regiment did service by batteries and was 
mustered out in the same manner. Battery M joined the regiment at 
Elmira and was mustered in from August 30, 1861, to November. 
Proceeding to Washington, the regiment joined General Banks at Fred- 
erick in January, 1862. In the succeeding campaign and up to Au- 
gust, 1863. the battery was actively engaged and participated in the 
battles of Antietam, Second Bull Run, Cedar Mountain, Winchester, 
and Gettysburg. In August, 1863, the battery marched to Chatta- 
nooga and fought at Lookout Mountain and Wahatchie Valley. In the 
following winter the regiment went to Bridgeport, Ala., and its term 
having expired the members re- enlisted and joined Sherman. Battery 
M was assigned to the late 12th Corps under General Thomas. After 
the capture of Atlanta by Sherman the battery was a part of the force 
of that commander until the close of the war, when it returned to Wash- 
ington and shared in the grand review. It was mustered out 'June 23, 
1865. 

The 8th Cavalry, commanded by Col. Samuel J. Crooks, of Roch- 
ester, mustered in from November 28, 1861, to October 4, 1862, con- 
tained one company {li) from Niagara county and chiefly from Hart- 
land and Royalton. It was raised by Capt. Benjamin F. Foote ; Alpha 
Whiton, of Royalton, first lieutenant. It is impracticable to follow 
with any pretense of detail the movements of a cavalry organization in 
the field, but it may be briefly stated that this regiment performed gal - 
lant and meritorious service in the battles of Winchester, Antietam, 
Upperville, Beverly Ford, Gettysburg, Locust Grove, White Oak 
Swamp, Opequan, Cedar Creek and Appomattox Court-house. At 
the battle of Beverly Ford, June 9, 1863, Captain Foote was killed. 



8i 

The original members of the regiment were mustered out at the close of 
their term and the regiment, composed of veterans and recruits, was 
retained in service until June 27, 1865. 

Company E of the 15th Cavalay was composed largely of Niagara 
county men mostly from Lockport. Officers in this company were the 
following: F.irst sergeant, Orlando K. Dickerson ; commissary sergeant, 
George A. Bond; sergeant, Edward Bragden ; corporals, George Fra- 
zier, Walter VV. Smith, Royalton, enlisted July 13, 1863, discharged 
August 9, 1865; Robert Hamilton; farrier, John G. McLean; black- 
smith, John Jacobus. The regiment was mustered in from August, 
1863, to January 14, 1864. It was consolidated with the 6th N. Y. 
Cavalry June 17, 1865, the new organization becoming the 2d N. Y. 
Provisional Cavalry. 

The 3d Cavalry, raised in 1 86 1, contained thirteen men from Royal - 
ton ; three from Newfane, and seventeen who enlisted at Tonawanda. 

In July, 1863, public announcement was made that Col. John Fisk, 
of Niagara, had been authorized to raise a regiment for three years' 
service to be known as the Governor's Guard. Capt. William P. War- 
ren was to act as adjutant with headquarters at Lockport. This regi- 
ment, it was announced, was to go as mounted rifles. Enlistments 
began, the first three being Henry F. Pierce, of Niagara Falls ; Dr. 
Robert T. Paine, of Lockport ; William P. Warren, Lockport. Dr. 
Paine was mustered as surgeon, and Warren as adjutant. The first 
company filled was Capt. Joseph V. Rushmore's, of Lockport ; this was 
quickly followed by the companies of Capts. William H. H. Mapes and 
Henry G. Stebbins, both of Lockport. In F"ebruary, 1864, twelve 
companies were ready for muster. The regimental officers were as 
follows : 

Colonel, John Fisk, Niagara Falls ; lieutenant-colonel, Jasper N. Rajmiond, New 
York; lieutenant-colonel, Joseph H. Wood, 2d Regular Cavalry; major, William H. 
H. Mapes, Lockport; major, John D. Newman, Lockpoi-t; major, John H. Fralick, 
Little Falls; adjutant, William P. Warren, Lockport; adjutant, Franklin Rogers, 
Buffalo; quartermaster, Henry F. Pierce, Niagara Falls; commissary, Joseph A. 
Briggs, Buffalo; commissar}', John M Hill, Lockport; surgeon, Robert T. Paine, 
LocKport; assistant surgeon, Hugh McGregor Wilson, Lockport; assistant surgeon, 
Eli Woodvvorth, Allegany; chaplain, Washington Stickney. 

The regiment was stationed in Fort Porter, Buffiilo, where it re- 

11 



82 

mained until March, 1864, whence they proceeded to Washington. 
There instead of being armed and equipped for the servnce in which 
they had been enlisted, the men were assigned to a provisional brigade 
of dismounted cavalry and heavy artillery, in the 9th Corps under 
Burnside. The regiment participated in the battles of Spotsylvania 
and the North Anna, suffering slight loss. Its losses at Tolopotomoy 
were more severe, and the next day at Bethesda Church some fifty or 
sixty were killed and wounded. In the battle of Cold Harbor the 
loss was not heavy, among the wounded being Lieut. Charles Flagler. 
Proceeding across the James to the Petersburg front, the regiment 
soon became actively engaged. In the capture of the Weldon Rail- 
road, June 18, a heavy loss was sustained Lieut. James B, N. De- 
long was among the killed ; he was from Lockport. In the further 
operations before Petersburg this regiment was constantly engaged, 
losing men almost every day, and taking part in the terrible assault 
following the explosion of the mine on July 30. At Pegram's Farm, 
Major Mapes, Captain Stebbins and about fifty others were taken 
prisoners and the killed and wounded numbered more than fifty. Lieu- 
tenant Casey, of Lockport, was among the killed. After the battle of 
Hatcher's Run, in which the regiment lost slightly, it proceeded to City 
Point and there received the long promised horses, with orders to re 
port to Gen. Charles H. Smith, of the 2d Brigade, 2d Cavalry Division. 
A raid to Stony Creek followed ; the Weldon raid in December, 1864 ; 
the second Hatcher's Run engagement, and the final pursuit of Lee, 
came in their order, in all of which the regiment earned an excellent 
record. After service at Appomattox in the closing scenes, the brigade 
including the 22d was detailed to escort Grant from Appomattox to 
Burkeville Junction. Pending negotiations between Sherman and 
Johnston the regiment was ordered to North Carolina ; there it was 
learned that Johnston had surrendered, and the 22d went on provost 
duty until August, 1865 ; it was mustered out at Buffalo August 10 

In the infantry branch of the service the organization containing the 
largest proportion of Niagara county men was the 151st Regiment. Of 
this. Companies B, F, and H, the larger part of K, and a part of G 
were from this county. It was recruited by Col. William Emerson, of 
Albion, in the summer of 1862, and was ready for inspection about the 



83 

middle of October. On the 22d of that month they left Camp Church 
at Lockport for Baltimore, being armed at Elmira on the way. The 
regimental officers were as follows: Colonel, William Emerson ; major, 
Thomas M. Fay; adjutant, James A. Jewell; quartermaster, John K. 
McDonald ; surgeon, A. A. Leonard ; assistant surgeons, John R. Cotes 
and D. \V. Onderdonk ; chaplain, E. M. Buck. The 151st was assigned 
to a division under General Emory, then stationed at Baltimore and 
preparing for service in the Gulf Department. The regiment remained 
at Baltimore through the winter, and on the 22d of April, 1863, was 
ordered to West Virginia ; during the next sixty days they were almost 
constantly on the march, going to Clarksburg, Martinsburg, Berlin, 
Monocacy and to Maryland Heights. About the 1st of July the 
Heights were abandoned and the troops were ordered from there to 
Frederick City, and there held in reserve during the battle of Gettys- 
burg. At noon of July 4 dispatches from General Meade announced 
the repulse of the enemy and ordered the forces of which the 151st 
was part to march to South Mountain Pass, sixteen miles distant. On 
the 8th General Hooker arrived with the Army of the Potomac and all 
the troops marched through the pass. The 151st now constituted a 
part of the 3d Corps. The succeeding immediate operations of Lee 
were such that Meade was compelled to follow him into Virginia, and 
after a most arduous march in the heat of summer, the 15th of July 
found the army again in camp at the foot of Maryland Heights. The 
remainder of the campaign of 1863 was a series of maneuvres without 
much actual fighting. It has been described as follows: 

Crossing the Potomac from the Middletown valley the route lay on the eastern side 
of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In the latter part of July the 151st passed through 
Warrenton and went into camp at Bealton, where it remained about six weeks. Here 
nearly every man in the regiment was sick, and many died. Lee's movements 
compelled the army to fall back to Centreville. He was trying to get to Washing- 
ton, and the division to which the 151st belonged was trying to head him off. The 
two armies marched almost side by side for a time, when Lee finally abandoned the 
project and fell back to the Rapidan. The Union forces under Meade followed, 
never halting until Lee was driven to the south side of the river. On the 26th of 
November Meade took his forces across the Rapidan, with a view to attacking Lee, 
and, if successful, marching on to Richmond. On the night of the 26th the army bi- 
vouacked on the south side of the river. On the 27th the division to which the 151st 
belonged engaged with Johnston's division of Ewell's corps, and for two hours was 
in one of the sharpest musketry duels of the war at Mine Run. It was hei'e that the 



84 

gallant officer Captain Wilcox, of Gasport, Niagara county, was killed. The infernal 
yell of the rebels as they rushed into the fight, the sharp thud of the bullet striking 
the flesh, lent fury to the struggle. This was the first severe engagement in which 
the 151st participated. The troops remained on the south side of the Rapidan about 
a week without any further engagement. Thej- then recrossed the river, and went 
into winter quarters at Brandy Station. The 151st encamped on the farm of the 
somewhat famous John Miner Botts. During the winter the men cut down and 
burned twenty-five acres of timber for Botts. It does not appear, however, that they 
were ever paid for it. 

In the spring of 1864 Grant came into command of the Army of the 
Potomac and on the 5th of May crossed the Rapidan to begin the mem- 
orable battle of the Wilderness. In that conflict the 151st made an 
honorable record and suffered its heaviest losses. Subsequently at 
Spotsylvania and Cold Harbor the regiment participated in the bloody 
struggles and saw more of. its members fall. 

On the 15th of June the 151st joined the movement across the James 
and became a part of the Union troops that invested Petersburg to be- 
gin the closing scenes in the great struggle. On the 1st of July the 
regiment was part of the force sent to head off Early in his movement 
towards Washington ; its services not being long demanded in that 
direction, it marched to Baltimore and thence to Monocacy. After the 
battle at that point it returned to Baltimore and went into camp near 
where it first wintered A few weeks later it was in the Shenanhoah 
valley with Sheridan, participated in the engagements of Opequan, 
Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, and in November was ordered back to 
the Army of the Potomac in front of Petersburg, where it went into 
camp for the winter. In the later well known campaign which ended 
the war the 151st performed an honorable part. The regiment mus- 
tered out only 306 enlisted men. 

In the 78th Infantry Company I was raised in this county and was 

commanded by Capt. Peter M. T. Mitchell, of Suspension Bridge ; 

most of the men were from Lewiston and Niagara. The record of the 

ofificers is as follows : 

Captain, Peter M. T. Mitchell, Suspension Bridge, killed at Antietam ; first lieu- 
tenant, Henr}"- F. Pierce, Suspension Bridge; second lieutenant, Myron E. Dunlap, 
Suspension Bridge ; first sergeant, Henry Stearns. Suspension Bridge ; sergeants, 
Thomas Mayberry, Suspension Bridge; James H. Cleveland, Niagara City; corpor- 
als, Cornelius Mitchell, William O. Butler and Henry Williams, Su.spension Bridge ; 



85 

George H. Whitman, Lewiston; James Jones, William H. Seely, James Foster, and 
John B. Church, Suspension Bridge. 

The regiment participated in the battles of Wahatchie, Lookout 
Mountain, Resaca, Dallas, Lost Mountain, Pine Knob, Kenesaw, Peach 
Tree Creek, and Atlanta. The date of its muster was October, 1861, 
to April, 1862. 

Companies B, D, and H, of the 105th Regiment were largely com- 
posed of Niagara county men. This regiment was organized at Roch- 
ester and mustered in in March, 1862, was consolidated with the 94th 
in March, 1863, tlie latter organization being mustered out July 18, 
1865. The first battle in which the 105th participated was at Cedar 
Mountain, and it subsequently performed good service at Rappahannock 
Station, Thoroughfare Gap, Second Bull Run, Chantilly, South Moun- 
tain, Antietam and Fredericksburg. 

Several other infantry organizations contained larger or smaller num- 
bers of Niagara county men, and there were also, of course, many in- 
dividual enlistments of which no record can be given. The 96th mus- 
tered in February and March, 1862, contained a few men from this 
county. The looth regiment, mustered from September, 1861, to Jan- 
uary, 1862, contained nearly lOO men, mostly from Wheatfield. The 
i32d, mustered October 4, 1862, contained over thirty Niagara men 
and officers and left a gallant record. Company B of the 164th was 
almost wholly from this county, under Capt. William Maroney of Lock- 
port. The regiment was mustered in November 19, 1862. Company 
G of the 194th was from this county and nearly all its members were 
from Lockport ; it was mustered in from February to April, 1865. A 
few men in Company A, 178th regiment were from this county and a 
still smaller number in the 179th and 187th regiments. 

Niagara county was honored in the artillery branch of the service, 
and especially so by the gallant career of the 8th Heavy Artillery. 
The companies of which this regiment was composed were raised in 
Niagara, Orleans and Genesee, by Col. Peter A. Porter, and was mus- 
tered in at Lockport, August 22, 1862. Companies B, D, E and F 
were principally from Niagara county. The regiment was officered as 
follows : 

Colonel, Peter A. Porter, Niagara Falls; lieutenant-colonel, W. W. Bates, Orleans 



86 

county; major, James M. Willett, Batavia; First Lieutenant E. L. Blake, adjutant, 
Lockport; First Lieutenant George B. Wilson, quartermaster, and Major James M. 
Leet, surgeon, Lockport; First lieutenant H. C. Hill, assistant surgeon, Somerset; 
Captain Gilbert De La Matyr, chaplain, Albion. 

The officers of Niagara county companies were as follows : 

Co. B — Captain, Joel B. Baker, Cambria; first lieutenant, James Low, Cambria; 
second lieutenant, Eli S. Nichols, Lockport; sergeants, Fayette S. Brown, D. L. 
Pitcher, Romeo G. Burns, W. H. Crowley, N. Z. Paterson; corporals, T. C. Ed- 
wards, L. C. Harwood, Lyman A. Pyle, John Root, W. H. Bennett, Newfane, en- 
listed July 23, 1862, mustered out February 25, 1865; Alexander Pvobb, Newfane, en- 
listed August, 1862, killed at Cold Harbor; Walter L. Martin, Job Cornell; musicians, 
Williams. Pike, H. W. Olmstead; wagoner, C. Gardiner. 

Co. D— Captain, James McGinnis, Lockport; first lieutenant, William Gardner; 
second, M. R. Blodgett, Lockport; first sergeant, John E. Owens, Royalton, enlisted 
August 22, 1862, discharged March 17, 1866; second, Arthur L. Chase; third, Horace 
J. McDonald; fourth, William F. Spalding, Royalton, enlisted in August, 1862, dis- 
charged in March, 1865; fifth, Charles B. Lackor, Royalton, enlisted August 6, 
1862, discharged October 6, 1864; sergeant, W. H. H. Brown, Royalton, enlisted 
August 4, 1862, discharged June 5, 1865; first corporal, Almon Van Wagner ; first 
corporal, J. Cooney, Royalton, enlisted August 1, 1862, discharged June 22, 1865; 
second, William George; third, Stephen H. Sim; fourth, John E. Carnngton; fifth, 
Henry Murray; sixth, Alfred Wakeman; seventh, Hiram Carpenter; drummer, John 
Greber. 

Co. E — Captain, J. W. Holmes, Niagara Falls; first lieutenant, R. Baldwin, Wil- 
son; second lieutenant, H. R. Swan, Suspension Bridge. 

Co. F — Captain, William J. Hawkins; first lieutenant, Samuel Sully; second lieu- 
tenant, George W. Rector — all of Lockport. 

This regiment was organized as the 129th N. Y. V., but was changed 
to the 8th Heavy Artillery in February, 1863, by order of the secretary 
of war. Two additional companies, L and M, were raised for the regi- 
ment in 1864. The regiment served from the time of its muster until 
the spring of 1864 in the defenses of Baltimore, with a short campaign 
to Harper's Ferry. On May 15, 1864, the regiment arrived in Wash- 
ington under orders for the field. Two days later it was on the 
march for Fredericksburg, and was soon connected with the Army of 
the Potomac. On the night of the 19th the men had their first en- 
counter with the enemy, meeting with a loss of thirty-two killed, 
wounded and missing. Between May 20 and June 2 the 8th per- 
formed arduous duty at Milford Station, the North Anna, and on the 
march to Cold Harbor. On that fateful day the sun went down for the 
last time to thousands of heroes. No organization did more gallant 



87 

service in that memorable battle than the 8th Artillery and its ranks 
were thinned. Colonel Porter fell, Major Willett was wounded, and a 
large number of line officers were killed or wounded. The body of 
Colonel Porter, who had fallen at the head of his troops, was not found 
until the next day. It lay midway between the two lines of troops, 
and was brought away by Le Roy Williams (afterwards lieutenant of 
Co G), and Samuel Traverse, of Co. B, at the risk of their lives. In 
that action the 8th lost in killed nine officers and 146 men ; wounded, 
140 officers and 323 men ; missing, one officer and twelve men. From 
that time to the surrender the regiment participated in the operations 
around Petersburg, losing in the several more important engagements 
thirteen officers and sixty-five men killed ; fifteen officers and 230 men 
wounded ; four officers and 238 men missing. On June 4, 1865, Com- 
panies G. H, I and K were transferred to the 4th N. Y Artillery; 
Companies L and M to the loth N. Y. Infantry, and the remaining 
six companies were mustered out June 5, 1865. Following is a record 
of official casualties: 

Lient.-Col. Willard W. Bates died June 25, 1864, of wounds received in action; 
and Lieutenant-Colonel Blake died June 19 and Capt. George A. Hoyt, July 5, from 
the same cause. Capt. James McGinnis was killed at Ream's Station, August 25, 
1864; Capt. William J. Hawkins died of wounds, June 23, 1864; Capt. Eldridge F. 
Sherman died of disease at City Point, July 30, 1864; Capt. Alexander Gardner was 
killed at Cold Harbor; Capt. Thomas Lowe died April 25, 1865, of wounds; First 
Lieut. Charles H. West, jr. was killed at Ream's Station ; First Lieut. Henry R. 
Swan died of disease at Cold Harbor, June 14, 1864; First Lieut. George W. Rector 
was killed at Hatcher's Run, October 29, 1864; First Lieut. A. G. Clapp died of 
wounds November 21, 1864; Second Lieut Fayette S. Brown was killed at Cold 
Harbor; Second Lieut. Arthur L. Chase was killed at Cold Harbor; Second Lieut. 
Walter P. Wright, in action before Petersburg, June 16, 1864; Second Lieut. Joseph 
W. Caldwell, Wallace B. Hard, Oliver M. Campbell and George W. Gladden were 
killed at Cold Harbor. 

The 1 2th Battery of Artillery was organized at Albany by Capt 
William H. Ellis, of Troy, but it contained many Niagara county men. 
It entered the service January 14, 1862, for three years and at the close 
of its term the original members were mustered out and the battery, 
composed of veterans and recruits, was retained in the service until 
June 14, 1865. The principal engagements in which this organization 
took part were Petersburg, Reams's Station, Kelly's P'ord, Mine Run, 



88 

North Anna, Tolopotomoy, and Cold Harbor. Following is a list of 

Niagara county ofificers in the battery : 

First lieutenant, Walter Shaw, Newfane, enlisted October 7, 1801, honorably dis- 
charged March 31, 1863; orderly sergeant, Elijah Ewing, Newfane, enlisted in Au- 
gust, 1861, mustered out with regiment; sergeants, RoUin G. Steele, Newfane; 
George Outwater, Newfane, enlisted October 11, 1861, mustered out December 19, 
1865; corporals, William T. Slocum, Cambria; Cliarles Frink, 'Wilson ; Matthias 
Hoffman, Hartland ; bugler, Charles H. Newell, Newfane, enlisted October 12, 1861, 
mustered out July 21, 1865; carpenter, Elijah Dodge, Newfane, enlisted August 18, 
1862. 

In 1862, when the prospects of the Union cause were most depress- 
ing and the president had issued a call for 300,000 more men, of whom 
about 50,000 were to be raised in this State, Capt. William Stahl, of 
Lockport, began an effort early in August to enlist 142 men, as the 
19th Independent Artillery. He was successful and before the end of 
September he found himself in command of 162 men, more than one 
hundred of whom were farmers; the excess over 142 was transferred 
to other organizations. The battery left its camp at Lockport on Oc- 
tober 23, proceeded to Washington and there went into the camp of 
instruction for the winter. In April, 1863, it shared in the operations 
around Suffolk, Va., and in general service during the remainder of 
that season. In September, 1863, Capt. Stahl died of fever near Wash- 
ington, and the command devolved upon Lieut. E. W. Rogers. In 
April, 1864, the battery joined the Army of the Potomac, in Burnside's 
Corps. In the terrible battle of the Wilderness the battery bore a con- 
spicuous part, and from that time forward until the surrender of Lee in 
April, I865, was constantly employed in arduous service, suffering much 
in the operations around Petersburg, especially in the defense of Fort 
Steadman, March 25, 1865. After Lee's surrender the battery went to 
Alexandria, and remained to June 8, participating meanwhile in the 
grand review of June 5. This battery was officered as follows: 

Captain, William H. Stahl, Lockport, died September 15, 1863; first lieutenant, 
Edward W. Rogers, Lockport, promoted captain October 23, mustered out June 17, 
1865; second lieutenant, Peter McGraw, Lockport, discharged September 29, 1863; 
first sergeant, Henry J. J. Fassett, Lockport, discharged in January, 1863; quarter- 
master sergeant, George N. McCoy, Lockport, died December 9, 1862; sergeants. 
Henry H. Moore, Lockport, promoted to lieutenancy; Michael Long, Lockport, pro- 
moted to lieutenancy; Gardner Corliss, Pendleton, wounded and discharged; corpo- 
rals, Aratus F. Pierce, Lockport; Alvin B. Baker, Lockport, deserted; James Rich- 



89 

ards and Willard Heath, Lockport; John W. Haskell, Porter; Lockwood S. Sher- 
wood, Loekport. killed July 29, 1864; W. Scott Hovey, Newfane, enlisted August 16, 
1862, died December 8, 1862, at Washington; musicians, Richard A. Perry, Porter; 
Charles A. Bowen, Lockport, deserted Februarys, 1863; artificers, Elijah Dodge, 
Newfane, enlisted August 18, 1862, discharged August, 1863; W. C. Beck, Lockport. 

Other batteries of artillery containing more or less Niagara county 
volunteers, were the 14th and the 25th. There were also many indi- 
vidual enlistments in various other organizations, the detail of which 
may be found in the State muster rolls in the various county clerk's 
offices. 

In providing the large sums necessary to pay bounties to fill the quo- 
tas under the several calls, the supervisors of this county acted with 
patriotic promptness and liberality, and the brave deeds of the soldiers 
are remembered with gratitude. 

An act of the Legislature was passed April 16, 1872, incorporated 
the Soldiers' Monument Society The passage of the act was procured 
through a request which was signed by thirty prominent citizens of the 
county. The purpose of the society was to erect a suitable monument 
in commemoration of the deeds of Niagara county soldiers. A consid- 
erable sum of money was on hand which had been accumulated during 
the war for miscellaneous relief objects and not used. The law made 
this available for the erection of the monument. The conmiissioners 
named to carry out the provisions of the law were T. G. Hulett, Will- 
iam Samways, Benjamin Flagler, A. \V. R. Henning, S. T. Murray, 
George S. Harris, and T. V. Welch. An imposing monument was 
purchased by the commissioners and erected at the intersect! n of Falls 
and Canal streets. Its dedication took place on August 22, 1876, the 
same day on which was held the reunion of the 8th Heavy Artillery, 
Col. Peter A. Porter's regiment. The dedication ceremonies consisted 
of a procession, with music, the singing of "America" by a chorus of 
ladies representing the States of the Union, and addresses by T. G. Hu- 
lett, Colonel James M. Willett, T. V. Welch and others. 

There is little to add to the history of Niagara county during the 

period since the war that is not included in subsequent chapters and 

town histories in this work. The country at large at the conclusion of 

the great civil struggle, was enjoying a high tide of apparent prosperit}' 
12 



90 

The destructive and costly war had demanded immense issues of cur- 
rency, which, although greatly depreciated, was comparatively easy to 
obtain, through high wages, business activity in every direction, rising 
markets and general inflation. These conditions led to the almost 
reckless establishment of many industries, public and private, extrava- 
gant ways of living, the free circulation of the debased money, and ul- 
timately caused the financial stringency of 1872-3. This apparent tide 
of prosperity was, of course, largely illusory and fictitious. In later 
years every community was forced to suffer for it, as industries of every 
nature and all values gradually assumed their normal condition. 

Among the public improvements inaugurated in this county very 
soon after the close of the war and under State legislation, was the ex- 
tensive draining of large sections of lowlands in different localities. An 
act was passed April 22, 1866, which appointed James Van Horn, 
Andrew Hamblin, and John McCollum, commissioners to "drain cer- 
tain lowlands contiguous to Keg Creek," and directing them to make a 
map of the drains necessary for the purpose. In the same month Isaac 
Cook, Jesse P. Haines, and Lewis C. Beals were appointed by legislative 
act, commissioners to drain land in the town of Porter, extending from 
a certain described point to Six- mile Creek. Again, on April 25, 1867, 
Jesse P. Haines, Elijah C. Odell, and Philetus R. Perry, were appointed 
commissioners to drain lands in the town of Royalton, into Black Creek 
or Mud Creek. Within a few years these drainage improvements were 
continued in the towns of Lockport, Pendleton, Cambria and Hartland, 
and were the means of reclaiming and fitting for successful cultivation 
much land that had previously lain nearly idle. 

On April 10, 1866, an act of the Legislature was passed organizing 
Buffalo, the village of Tonawanda and town of VVheatfield into the Ni- 
agara Frontier Police district. Vigorous opposition, voiced by the 
Buffalo Commercial and the Niagara Falls Gazette, caused the frontier 
towns and villages below Wheatfield to be stricken from the bill before 
passage. In this district police powers were to be vested in a board of 
commissioners and a regular police force properly officered created. 
The act provided for an equitable payment of the cost of maintaining 
the force by the city, villages and town, and other details. 

On May 9, 1867, the Wilson Harbor Company was incorporated by 



91 

act of the Legislature, which named Vincent Seeley, William Hamblin, 
and Harvey N. Johnson to open subscriptions for $30,000 of stock. 
The title of the act explains its purpose. 

On May 8, 1868, an act of the Legislature authorized the commis- 
sioners of highways of the towns of Lockport and Newfane to purchase 
what has long been known as the Long Causeway Turnpike, which ex- 
tends along the boundary between those two towns, and was formerly a 
toll road. 

Railroad extension was active in all parts of the country after the 
close of the war, and many lines were projected in this State. In the 
spring of 1 870 the Lake Ontario Shore Railroad Company was organized 
at Oswego, with the purpose of constructing a road along the south 
shore of Lake Ontario, which should eventually constitute part of a 
trunk Hne between Boston and the West. Many towns along the route 
were bonded in aid of the undertaking, amony them Somerset, in Ni- 
agara county, for $90,000; Newfane for $88,000 ; Wilson for $1 17,- 
000, and Lewiston for $152,000. The road was built under discourag- 
ing circumstances and the work proceeded slowly. Litigation was 
commenced over some of the town bonds, which checked their sale and 
the company was finally so crippled that it could not complete the road. 
In May, 1874, the Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg Company as- 
sumed the undertaking and about a year later the last of the bridges on 
the western part of the road were put in place. In the latter part of 
July. 1875, the track was laid twenty miles west of the Genesee River 
and was carried through to Lewiston in the spring of 1876. The first 
passenger train passed over the western part of the line on June 12, of 
that year. The road has been of benefit as a part of the general devel- 
opment of this region. 

In May, 1874, the Niagara River and Air Line Railroad Company 
was informally organized and elected directors from Orleans and Niagara 
counties, of whom J. \V. Helmer, of Lockport, was chosen president. 
The company voted to disband a year later. 

The Lockport and Buffalo Railroad Company was organized in 1876, 
with Thomas T. Flagler, president ; B. H. Fletcher, vice president ; 
and Elisha Moody. Lewis S. Payne and Benjamin Carpenter in the 
directorship Lockport issued bonds for $100,000 of the stock of the 



92 

company and in the following year most of the grading and bridge 
work as far as Tonavvanda was completed. On July 9, 1877, the fol- 
lowing were elected directors of the company : T, T. Flagler, B. H. 
Fletcher, J. A Ward, John Hodge, James Jackson, jr., Benjamin Car- 
penter, Lewis S. Payne, J. L. Breyfogle, Josiah H. Helmer, Elisha 
Moody, J. C. Jackson, L. F. Bowen and I. H. Babcock. The work of 
construction was pushed rapidly and the road was opened in 1878. It 
subsequently became a part of the Erie system. 

A branch of the Erie Railway, extending from Buffalo to Suspension 
Bridge, was constructed in the fall and winter of 1870-71. The road 
was formally opened for business May 15, 187 i. 

During the progress of these public improvements a gradual change 
took place in agricultural methods and products in this county. This is 
particularly true respecting the growing of fruits. Niagara county has 
always been an important locality in this respect, and during the past 
quarter of a century has acquired fame throughout the country for the 
excellence and quantity of its native fruits, and especially its apples. 
Climate, soil and somewhat peculiar situation and surroundings of lake 
and river, early indicated that it could be developed into a great fruit- 
growing locality. Large apple orchards existed from early years, one 
of 700 trees having been planted by Nathan Comstock in 1817, within 
the present boundaries of Lockport. But it was not until 1845, about 
which time a large western demand came into existence, that the 
county began to assume its modern importance in this industry. From 
that time onward immense apple orchards were planted and Niagara 
fruit soon gained a wide reputation. Peaches and pears are also grown 
to a considerable extent. By the year 1875 Niagara county had a 
larger number of apple trees than any other county in the State, and 
this supremacy is still maintained. 

It should not be inferred from the above that this county has neglected 
the cultivation of the grains which in early years constituted so large a 
part of its products. As late as 1874 the county produced more than 
650,000 bushels of wheat, out of the 10,000,000 bushels in the State. 
For man}^ years the county was also among a very few that produced 
the largest acreage of barley. 



93 



CHAPTER IX. 

COUNTY INSTLTUTIONS AND CIVIL LIST. 

The Niagara County Agricultural Society. — A county agri- 
ciiltmal association was informally organized in this county at the court 
house in Lockport in 1841. The first president was William Parsons; 
others who were conspicuous in the matter were M. C. Crapsey. Dr, 
W. A Townsend, Daniel Pomroy, Jabez Pomroy, Parkhurst Whitney, 
and Washington Hunt. The first fair of the society was held the same 
year in Lockport, and in succeeding years they were held in the various 
towns of the county. Those early fairs were reasonably successful and 
served to materially advance the interests of agriculture and fruit grow- 
ing in the county ; from 1846 to 1857 the records are not complete and 
the society was not very active, but in 1858 it was reorganized under 
the law of April 13, 1855, and has since held regular and very suc- 
cessful fairs. The first election of officers for the new organization took 
place January 5, 1859, and resulted as follows: President, Willard 
Weld ; secretary, S. S. Pomroy ; treasurer, Roland Sears. The con- 
stitution was so drawn as to provide for a president, twelve vice presi- 
dents (one from each town in the county), a secretary, treasurer, and 
six directors. The officers purchased grounds at the corner of Wash- 
burn and Willow streets in Lockport, which originally comprised about 
twenty acres ; subsequent additions were made, suitable buildings were 
erected, and improvements made from time to time, until now the 
society has a well equipped, up-to-date fair grounds plant — one of the 
best in the State. The membership list gives the names of over 500 
of the solid and representative citizens of this county who have gi\en 
active and helpful service in promoting the welfare of this legitimate 
county institution, whose aim is " to introduce in Niagara county new 
breeds of stock, encourage agriculture, horticulture and floriculture, 
recognize and award domestic manufactures, induce manufacturers of 



94 

agricultural implements from abroad to exhibit here for the information 
of the farming community, and to diffuse valuable agricultural and 
horticultural information in general." The annual county fair, telling 
the story of local progress, is considered a good thing for every com- 
munity and should have the support of every citizen. From the early 
one to two days' annual fair has come the interesting and instructive 
annual fall exhibit lasting four days, with large business and attractions 
of great variety. 

During the season of 1896, at the suggestion of Joshua Wilber, of 
Lockport, a review of the local change and progress for the last seventy- 
five years was made a very interesting feature of the fair. A large 
number of rare and ancient relics of great historical interest and value 
were exhibited, and the officers were encouraged to continue " histori- 
cal day " a permanent feature of the annual county fair. Many other 
new features have recently been added to the general programme, which 
with liberal premiums and prizes in all classessliould bring out the good 
things of the neighborhood in a way to show forth the glories of Niagara 
county to the satisfaction and delight of every resident. 

The officers of the society are elected annually by the life members, 
and of those who have been chosen and who have given good service 
in official capacity in the years gone by we find recorded as presidents : 

William Parsons, J. D. Shuler, Willard Weld, Franklin Spalding, D. A. Van Valk- 
enburgh, William Robinson, Hatnell Hayward, Alexander Campbell, Benjamin 
Farley, P. D. Walter, Albert Flanders, I. H. Babcock, Elisha Moody, George L. 
Moote, Seneca B. Foote, E. W. Gantt, Solomon Ernest, John P. Sawyer, P. H. 
Corwin, John Hodge, John P. Brown, Charles A. Warren, George H. Bradley. 

As vice presidents: Parkhurst Whitney, Jonathan Ingalls, O. P. Knapp, William 
Robinson, P. L. Ely, P, D. Walter, A. E. Reynolds, John H. Buck, I. H. Babcock, 
George B. Townsend, Mark A. Nichols, J. F. Trott, S. B. Foote, William V. Corwin, 
Solomon Ernest, John P. Sawyer, John Hodge, Henry C. Howard, John P. Brown, 
Charles A. Warren, George H. Bradley, Charles Flagler. 

As secretary: Chauncey Leonard, Sullivan Caverno, S. S. Pomroy, N. M. Spald- 
ing, John R. St. John, P. D. Walter, Henry Shaft, J. F. H. Miller, John E. Pound, 
George N. Nichols, Thomas Scovell, George G. Moss. L. H. Hill, M. A. Nichols, 
Louis Viedt, W. H. Case, John T. Darrison. 

As treasurer: William O. Brown, Silas Marks, Roland Sears, E. A. Holt, P. D^. 
Walter, A. C. Pomroy, Edward Simmons, L. W. Bristol, John G. Freeman, Benjamin 
F. Gaskill. 

The officers for 1897 are: President, George H. Bradley; vice-president, Charles 
Flagler; secretary, John T. Darrison; treasurer, Benjamin F. Ga.skill ; directors: 



95 

Benjamin F. Felton, James A. McCollum, Frank H. Terry, A. B. Lewis, George T. 
Pearson, A. Douglas Pease. 

Town Vice-Presidents: — Cambria, Charles Young; Hartland, Jno. L. Chase; 
Lewiston, Samuel Townsend; Lockport, John H. Wilson; Newfane, John Coulter; 
Niagara, E. P. Bowen ; Pendleton, G. C. Richards; Porter, Edward Calvert; Royal- 
ton, Seth Silsby; Somerset, William A. Sawyer; Wilson, J. G. O. Brown; Wheat- 
field, James S. Tompkins; City of Lockport, Jesse Peterson; City of Niagara Falls, 
John Whitney. 

County Poor House and Farm. — When the act was passed by 
the Legislature in 1829 providing that the care of the poor should de- 
volve upon the various counties of this State, instead of their being a 
a town charge as theretofore, Niagara county pi:rchased a farm of ninety- 
one acres in the western part of the town of Lockport and erected 
thereon a commodious frame building. In the fall of that year the pau- 
pers of the county, then numbering about thirty, were placed in the 
building. Hiram McNeil, Henry Norton ftnd George Reynale were 
appointed superintendents of the poor, and John Gould was installed on 
the farm as keeper. In 1 833 larger and better accommodations were 
demanded and the main part of the present structure was erected, of 
stone, 100 b}' 60 feet in size and three stories high, with basement. In 
1845 two three-story wings were added, each 40 by 60 feet, the east 
wing being intended for the use of insane poor exclusively. Other ad- 
ditions for hospital and other purposes were subsequently added. In 
1858 a large area was inclosed with a stone wall nine feet high, in 
which insane inmates could obtain necessary exercise. In 1854 an ad- 
dition of twenty-nine acres was made to the farm. In former years 
paupers of all ages and classes were received and kept on the farm and 
a school for young inmates was maintained. In 1875 the county made 
arrangements whereby children between the ages of three and thirteen 
were to be cared for by the Lockport Home for the Friendless, the 
the county paying a stipulated sum for their maintenance. For many 
years past the insane of the county have been sent to State institutions 
for treatment or confinement. The county house and farm were under 
control of three superintendents until 1856, at which time the number 
was reduced to one. A keeper was emjjloj'ed regularly until 1875, 
when the supervisors made arrangements that compelled the superin- 
tendent to reside on the farm and have its immediate management. 



96 

Samuel A. Carson was elected to the office in 1892, vvho-\vas succeeded 
by W. W. Tompkins in 1895 — the present superintendent. 

Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company of Orleans and Ni- 
agara Counties — This company was organized December 18, 1877, 
chiefly through the efforts of George L. Pratt, of Ridgeway. George 
H. Bradley was chosen president, and A. P. Scott, vice-president, and 
both have held their offices to the present time The business of the 
company prospered from the first, and on February 19. 1878, applica- 
tions for insurance had been received amounting to $329,500. Six 
months later the amount of policies had reached more than a million 
dollars. The board of directors consis'ied of one member from each 
town in the two counties In 1884 the company reorganized under 
State laws, dropped the "honor" policy tiieretofore used, and received 
authority to carry on a fire insurance business in the two counties. 
Under the new system the company has been remarkably successful, 
as shown by the last report, from which the following figures are taken: 

New Policies 214 

Amount risks last report $7,812,400 

Amount added $249,500 

Number of policies in force December 31st 3,984 

Amount at risk January 1st, 1897 .$7,584,400 

Received on collections due, 1895 $1,065 88 

Received on collections, 1896 $13,760 44 

Following are the names of the directors for 1897 '■ 

Edward Manning, Cambria ; Fred J. Swift, Hartland ; E. H. Forsyth, Lockport ; 
Wm. P. Mentz, Lewiston ; Frankhn Fletcher, Niagara ; Wm. H. Staats, Newfane ; 
Chas. W. Manning, Pendleton ; Peter S. Tower, Porter ; H. H. Bugbee, Royalton ; 

A. M. Armstrong, Somerset ; John W. Eggleston, Wilson ; M. J. Volmer, Wheat- 
field ; Geo. P. Warner. Albion ; Ora Lee. Barre ; N. R. Fuller, Carlton ; Daniel P. 
Albert, Clarendon ; W. J. Prussia, Gaines ; Alonzo Eggleston, Kendall ; L. J. Hill, 
Murray ; D. R. Watson, Ridgeway ; J. P. Clute, Shelby ; E. D. Miller, Yates. 

Niagara County Anglers' Club. — This club was organized 
March, 1886. At a meeting held March 8, 1886, the following persons 
were appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws: David Millar, VV. 
J. Ransom, and J. B. Boyce. The following officers were chosen at ah 
adjourned meeting held March 15, 1886: David Millar, president; J. 

B. Boyce, vice-president; Wash. H. Cross, secretary; Jerome E. Emer- 
son, treasurer. At the meeting held March 29, the following were ap- 



97 

pointed as executive committee : W. H. Chase, F. N. Trevor, S. Olin 
Seager, W. J. Ransom, James Carter, A. J. Eaton, George M. Swain, 
and Harvey E. Matthews. At this meeting the membership was re- 
ported as sixty-six. 

At a meeting held April i6, 1892, this club was incorporated by the 
following persons: Charles W. Hatch, Jerome E. Emerson, Fred K. 
Sweet, George W. Westerman, jr., Dumont A. Hixson, Frank N. 
Trevor, William E. Shaffer, Daniel E. Brong, and W. E, Huston. This 
board of directors succeeded the old executive committee. Charles W. 
Hatch was chosen president ; Fred K. Sweet, secretary, and Jerome E. 
Emerson, treasurer. The club has been active and vigilant in restrict- 
ing illegal fishing and the punishment of ofifenders of the game laws. 

Niagara County Pioneer Association. — This society was or- 
ganized at Olcott village on the 14th of September, 1877, on which 
occasion a number of the pioneers of the county met on the grounds of 
William Ten Brook, The chief purpose of the association was to pre- 
serve tiie records of the early settlement of the county, and at the same 
time render meetings of the pioneers enjoyable through social inter- 
course and recalling reminiscences of early times. The following list 
shows those who were present at the organization, the date of their ad- 
vent in the county and in most instances their age : 

From Cambria, Harvey Beach, 'j'], 1801 ; Thomas Barnes, born in 
the county in 181 1. 

Hartland, Daniel Van Horn, 83, 181 1; William Morgan, 62, 1830. 

Newfane, Benjamin Stout, 75, 1815 ; Stephen Wilson. 

Porter, Peter Tower, 86, 181 5 ; Henry Palmer, 69, 1832. 

Pendleton, Orrin Fisk, 71, 1810. 

Lewiston, John Cornell, 68, 1828. 

Lockport, Elisha Clapp ; B. M. Edwards, 81; Ira Farnsworth, 54, 
1837 ; Peter Aiken, born in 1816; W. W. Bush, born in 1828. 

Royalton, Andrew J. Secor, born in 1817; P. P. Murphy. 

Somerset, David Barker, 83, 1815; Adam Pease, 68, 1817; Leman 
Hoag, 81, 1825; Loran Fitts, 'j'j, 1810. 

Wilson, J. M. Newman, 65, 181 8; J. S. Cuddeback, 69; 18 16; Rev. 
A. Holsey, 84, 1830; Richard Holmes. 

Niagara, Asahel Colt. Wheatfield, Lewis S. Payne. 
1.3 



98 

The following were chosen the first officers of the association : Presi- 
dent, John Van Horn ; secretary, F. N. Albright ; executive committee, 
J. S. Hopkins, Cornelius Tompkins, and Willard A. Cobb. 

CIVIL LIST. 

Presidential Electors. — 1836, Hiram Gardner; 1840, Davis 
Hurd, Peter B. Porter; 1848, Solomon Parmele ; 1852, William Van- 
dervoort, Sherburne B. Piper, at large; 1856, William Keep; 1872, 
Moses C. Richardson ; 1888, Benjamin Flagler, 

State Officers. — Governor, Washington Hunt, 1850-54; Comp- 
troller, Bates Cooke, 1839; Secretary of State, Peter B. Porter, 181 5 
(then residing at Canandaigua) ; State Prison Inspector, Gaylord J. 
Clark; Canal Commissioners, George H. Boughton, 1840; Hiram 
Gardner, 1838; James Jackson, 1873. 

When Niagara county was erected in 1808, it became a part of the 
Western Senatorial District, which had from 1803 been entitled to eleven 
members; nine from 1803 to 1808, and twelve from 1808 to 1815. 
Under the act of April, 18 15, the district again was given nine mem- 
bers, and continued thus until the adoption of the second Constitution. 
The second Constitution divided the State into eight senatorial districts, 
and Niagara, with Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, 
Livingston, Monroe, and Steuben, constituted the Eighth district. 
Niagara continued in this district until the Constitution of 1846, which 
placed it with Genesee and Orleans in the Twenty- eighth district. 
Under an act of 1857 these counties were made the Twenty-ninth dis- 
trict. An act of 1869 made Niagara, Genesee, Livingston, and Wy- 
oming the Thirtieth district. Under the new constitution the district 
comprises Niagara, Orleans and Genesee. 

The following have held the office of State senator from Niagara 

county : 

Archibalds. Clarke, 1812-16; (Mr. Clarke was an Erie county territorj' resident 
before the division of the county of Niagara.) George H. Boughton, 1829-30; Sam- 
uel Works, 1839-44; George D. Lamont, 1858-59; Peter P. Murphy, 18G0-61 ; Rich- 
ard Crowley,* 186G-69; Lewis S. Payne,* 1878-79; Timothy E. Ellsworth,* 1882-83- 
84-85; Cuthbert W. Pound,* 1894-95; Timothy E. Ellsworth,* 1896-97-98. 

*Still living— 1897. 



99 

Niagara county was not entitled to a member of assembly until the 
seventh apportionment made in 1822. The apportionment of 1836 gave 
the county two members. The following persons have held the office 
from this county : 

1823, Benjamin Barlow, jr.; 1824-25, Daniel Washburn; 1826, William King; 
1827-29, John Garnsey; 1830, Samuel De Veaux; 1831-33, Henry Norton; 1834, 
Robert Fleming, jr.; 1835, Henry McNeil; 1836, Hiram Gardner; 1837, Reuben H. 
Boughton (succeeded on January 24, 1837, by Davis Hurd), Hiram McNeil ; 1838-39, 
Davis Hurd, Peter B. Porter, jr. ; 1840-41, Peter B. Porter, jr., Francis O. Pratt; 
1842, T. T. Flagler,* Francis O. Pratt; 1843, T. T. Flagler,* John Sweeney ; 1844, 
John Sweeney, Luther Wilson; 1845, Levi F. Bowcn, John Sweeney; 1846, Lot 
Clark, Morgan Johnson; 1847, Benjamin Carpenter, Christopher H. Skeels; 1848, 
Elias Ransom, Solomon Moss (Morgan Johnson contested the seat of Moss and was 
admitted April 1, 1848); 1849, Hollis White, Morgan Johnson; 1850, George W. 
Jermain, James Van Horn, jr. ; 1851-52, Abijah H. Moss, Jeptha W. Babcock; 1853, 
George W. Holley,f Reuben F. Wilson; 1854, Robert Dunlap, Reuben F. Wilson; 
1855, Linus J. Peck, Ira Tompkins ; 1856, William S. Fenn, John Gould ; 1857, Elisha 
Clapp, John Gould; 1858, Burt Van Horn, John W. Labar;* 1859, James Sweeney,* 
Burt Van Horn; 1860, T. T. Flagler,* Burt Van Horn; 1861, Henry P. Smith, Oliver 
P. Scovell;*1862, Benjamin H. Fletcher, Peter A. Porter; 1863, Benjamin H. Fletcher, 
William Morgan; 1864, James Jackson, jr., William Morgan; 1865, Albert H. Pick- 
ard,* Guy C. Humphrey;* 1866, Solon S. Pomroy,* Guy C. Humphrey;* 1867, Elisha 
Moody, Willia m Pool;* 1868-69, Ransom M. Skeels. Benjamin Farley; 1870, Lewis 
S. Payne,* Lee" R. Sanborn ;* 1871, John E. Pound,* Lee R.Sanborn;* 1872-73, 
Isaac H Babcock,* George M. Swain:* 1874^75, Artemus W. Comstock, Orville C. 
Bordwell;* 1876, Amos A. Bissell, Jonas W. Brown;* 1877, Amos A. Bissell, Sher- 
burne B. Piper; 1878, Joseph D. Loveland, Sherburne B. Piper; 1879-80, Thomas 
N. Van Valkenburgh,* James Low;* 1881, Elijah Adams Holt, James Low;* 1882, 
Joseph W. Higgins,* Thomas V. Welch ;* 1884, Jacob A. Driess,* Thomas V. Welch ;* 
1885, Jacob A. Driess,* Thomas V. Welch;* 1886, Lewis P. Gordon,* Walter P. 
Home;* 1887, Christian F. Goerss,* Peter A. Porter;* 1888, Christian F. Goerss.* 
Nelson D. Haskell;* 1889, John F. Little,* J. Marville Harwood; 1890. J. Marville 
Harwood, Ruthven Kill; 1891, Garwood Leverett Judd,* Levi Parsons Gillette;* 
1893, Elton T. Ransom;* 1894-5, John H. Clark;* 1896-97, Henry E. Warner.* 
Frank A. Dudley.* 

County Officers.— Treasitrer.—lSiS, T. T. Flagler;* 1851, Alfred Van Wagon- 
er; 1854, William J. Dunlap; 1857. John Van Horn; 1860, Morrison W. Evans;* 
1863, Jacob M. Chrysler; 1866, Josiah L. Breyfogle;* 1869, Hiram Benedict;* 1872- 
78, S. Curt Lewis;* 1881, Ed. J. Wakeman ; 1884, John B. Arnold;* 1887, John Jacob 
Arnold,* to 1893; 1894-97, John C. Lammerts.* 

County Clerk. — 1808, Louis Le Couteulx; 1810, Juba Storrs; 1811, Louis Le 
Couteulx; 1813, Zenas Barker; 1815. Archibald S. Clarke; 1816. Frederick Merrill; 
1819, John E. Marshall ; 1821, James L. Barton ; (the foregoing were all residents of 



* Still living--18!)r. I Died June 1-', ISi);. 



Laic 



100 

what is now Erie county;) April 2, 1821, Oliver Grace; 1822, Asahel Johnson; 1825, 
James F. Mason; 1828, Henry Catlin ; 1834, Abijah H. Moss; 1837, Hiram A. Cook; 
1840, David S. Crandall; 1843, James C. Lewis; 1845, Edwin Shepard;* 1845, John 
Van Horn; 1848, George W. Gage; 1851, Lewis S. Payne;* 1854, Wilson Robinson; 
1857, Nathan Dayton; 1859, Charles H. Van Duzen; 1859, Charles H. Symonds; 
1862, William S. Wright; 1865, Lewis S. Payne;* 1868, George B. Wilson; 1871, 
Peter D. Walter; 1874. George L. Moot;* 1877, Amos W. R. Henning; 1880, John 
A. Merritt,* re-elected; 1886, Daniel C. Carroll,* re-elected ; 1893, James Compton ;* 
1896, Samuel H. Pettit.* 



CHAPTER X. 

SUBDIVISIONS OF THE COUNTY— TOWNS AND VILLAGES. 

The territory now comprising Niagara county was formerly a part of 
the great county of Ontario, which was erected in 1789 and included 
all of the State of New York west of the Phelps and Gorham pre- 
emption line. The territory of the original provinces of New York 
and Massachusetts was chartered to extend westward indefinitely. 
New York in 1781 and Massachusetts in 1785 relinquished to the gen- 
eral government their claims to territory beyond the western boundaries 
of this State, but Massachusetts still claimed that part of New York 
west of the meridian line extending along the eastern line of the pres- 
ent Ontario county. Against this presumptuous claim New York con- 
tended, but the dispute was settled in 1786 by New York retaining the 
sovereignty of the territory, while the ownership, subject to the Indian 
title, should remain with Massachusetts ; that is, the Indians could con- 
vey title only to Massachusetts. The eastern boundary of the Massa- 
chusetts claim became known as the Pre-emption Line, as that State 
had the right of pre-emption, or first purchase, of the territory in ques- 
tion. New York, however, retained a strip one mile wide along the 
Niagara River. 

In 1788 Massachusetts sold to Oliver Phelps and Nathaniel Gorham, 
aad their associates, the pre-emption right to Western New York for 

* still living. 



lOI 

$1,000,000. To acquire the Indian title a council was held in Buffalo 
in July, 1788, at which for $5,000 down and an annuity of $500 the 
company bought about 2,600,000 acres, bounded on the east by the 
pre-emption line. The tract thus secured is known as the Phelps and 
Gorham purchase. In March, 1791, Robert Morris contracted with 
Massachusetts for the pre-emption right to all of New York west of the 
Phelps and Gorham purchase ; the Indian title to this was acquired in 
1797, excepting eleven reservations, two of which were the Tuscarora 
reservation (then about one mile square), and the Tonawanda reserva- 
tion, both in what is now Niagara county. Morris sold his lands in 
immense tracts, with only one of which are we here concerned. On 
December 24, 1792, he sold to Herman Leroy and John Linklaen 
1,500,000 acres west of the east transit line.^ On February 27 follow- 
ing he sold to the same persons and Gerrit Boon 1,000,000 acres. July 
20. I793> lie sold these three persons 800,000 acres, and to Herman 
Leroy, William Bayard and Matthew Clarkson 300,000 acres. These 
vast purchases were made for what is known as the Holland Land 
Company, or the Holland Company (though no such company ever 
existed), and the tract as the Holland Purchase, It included what is 
now Niagara county. 

In 1797 the survey of this purchase began by Joseph Ellicott for 
the Holland people, and Augustus Porter (see history of the town of 
Niagara) for Mr. Morris, with numerous assistants. In the division of 
the land the plan adopted on the Phelps and Gorham purchase was fol- 
lowed ; strips six miles wide and extending from Pennsylvania to Lake 
Ontario were laid out and called ranges ; they were numbered from 
east to west. These ranges were divided into townships by lines run- 
ning east and west and numbered from south to north. These town- 
ships were to be subdivided into sixteen mile-and-a-half squares called 
sections, and the sections into twelve lots, each containing 120 acres. 
The mile strip along the river was surveyed in 1798 at the expense of 
the Hollanders. This plan of surveying in its township and lot features 
was not strictly followed. 

' This line ran between the eastern tier of towns and those to the westward in what is now 
Orleans county, and on southward. It is called the east transit line to distinguish it from the 
west transit line, which passes through Lockport. I'.oth lines were laid out in defining bound- 
aries of Morris's sales. 



102 

The next county to Ontario erected in the western part of the State 
was Genesee, which was formed in 1802 from the territory west of the 
Genesee River and, of course, included what is now Niagara county. 
At the same time the great town of Northampton, which had consti- 
tuted a part of Ontario county and embraced the whole Holland Pur- 
chase, was divided into four, of which Batavia included all of the State 
west of the east transit line. 

On the nth of March, 1808, Niagara county was erected from Gen- 
esee. Its eastern line has remained unchanged, except that it extended 
southward to Cattaraugus Creek, which is the southern boundary of the 
present Erie county. Niagara county at its formation included what is 
now Erie county, the latter being set ofT on April 2, 1821. The bound- 
aries of Niagara county have not since been changed. By the census 
of 1820 the population of the whole of Niagara county was 23,313, of 
which number 15,668 were in the Erie county territory. The original 
town of Willink, erected in 1804 in what was then Genesee county, com- 
prised a tract of land eighteen miles wide and perhaps a hundred long, 
including all of Niagara county territory. When the latter county was 
erected its entire territory was constituted one town Cambria. On 
June I, 1 8 12, Cambria was divided and three new towns erected : Hart- 
land included all the territory east of the west transit line ; Niagara the 
territory of township 13, ranges 7, 8, 9 ; township 14 in those ranges 
retained the name of Cambria, and the remainder of the original Cam- 
bria was set off with the name of Porter. On April 5, 1817, that part 
of Hartland south of township 15 and extending to the south and east 
bounds of the county, was erected into the town of Royalton. On Feb- 
ruary 27, 1 81 8, Lewiston was set off from the west part of Cambria with 
its present bounds. On June i, 18 12, Porter was erected from the west- 
ern and northern part of Cambria, and Wilson was set off from Porter 
on April 10, 1818. On the 8th of February, 1823, Somerset was 
formed from Hartland with its present width, but extending west to the 
transit line, and on the 20th of March, 1824, the parts of Somerset and 
Hartland between their present west bounds and the transit line, and 
the eastern part of Wilson were erected into Newfane, Lockport was 
erected February 2, 1824, from Cambria and Royalton with its present 
boundaries. Niagara originally included what are now Pendleton and 



I03 

Wheatfield; the former was set ofif April i6, 1827, and the latter May 
12, 1836. In the treatment of these county divisions, the cities and 
towns of Lockport and Niagara Falls will be considered first, on ac- 
count of their importance as business centers, one being the county 
seat. The remaining towns will be noticed in the order of their forma- 
tion as far as practicable. 



CHAPTER XI, 

CITY AND TOWN OF LOCKPORT. 

It is a well known fact that many villages and a few cities along the 
line of the Erie Canal owe either their very existence or their growth 
and prosperity after 1820, to the influence of the great waterway. The 
city of Lockport is one of these. If the Erie Canal had not been con- 
structed, or if it had taken a course elsewhere than through this county, 
it is quite certain there would have been no Lockport — probably no 
community of importance on the site of the city. 

Lockport was incorporated as a village March 26, 1829. The popu- 
lation had increased very rapidly during the preceding five years, ren- 
dering such action necessary for the proper government of the commu- 
nity. In 1835 the population was over 6,000.. The place was incor- 
porated as a city April ii, 1865, and divided into four wards, which 
number has since been increased by subdivisions to six. The popu- 
lation in 1896 was 16,000, and has been the most important manufact- 
uring center in the county and still crowds Niagara Falls for first place. 
It is pleasantly situated on the so-called "mountain ridge" elevation, 
through which the canal was cut, forming one of the most remarkable 
series of locks in the world, five in number. The water power created 
by these locks has given rise to the extensive manufacturing operations 
of the city 

The soil of the town is a clayey loam and stony in the north part. 
The Niagara limestone crops out along the mountain ridge, and has 
been extensively quarried near Lockport ; it is a good building mate- 



I04 

rial and was used in building the locks at this place. Underlying this 
is a stratum of hydraulic limestone from which waterlime has been 
made. Sandstone belonging to the Medina formation has been ob- 
tained on Rattlesnake Hill, northwest of the city, and at other points, 
and has been used for walks and building. There are six post-offices 
in the town — Lockport, Hickory Corners, Rapids, Warren's Corners, 
Raymond and Wright's Corners. The city contains a number of 
churches, an excellent school system, four banks, a street railroad sys- 
tem, good water supply, several newspapers, health, fire and police 
departments, and numerous and varied manufacturing industries. It is 
a station on the Rochester and Niagara Falls branch of the Central 
Railroad, a branch of which extends to Tonawanda and thence to Buf- 
falo ; a branch of the Erie Railroad also connects it with Buffalo via 
Tonawanda. The city is the county seat of Niagara county. 

The first settlement in this town was made at Cold Spring, about a 
mile east of the city, by Charles Wilbur, in 1805, nineteen years before 
the town was erected, and three years before the county was set off 
from Genesee. The old Indian trail and later mail route early in the 
century passed from Canandaigua to Fort Niagara and near this cold 
spring. Other early settlers were David and Joseph Carlton, 1809-10, 
David Pomroy, Thomas Mighells and Stephen Wakeman in t8io; 
Thaddeus Alvord and Alexander Freeman in 181 1 ; the latter built the 
first saw mill in town; Jesse Griswold and Jacob Loucks in 1813; 
Josiah Richardson settled on what became the county farm, and Luther 
Crocker in the northwest part of the town in 1816; John Gibson opened 
the first blacksmith shop in town in 181 5, a little east of Warren's Cor- 
ners; and Jared Tyler settled in the same year in the northeast part; 
Charles Smith and Oliver L Millard came into the town in 18 17; Dr. 
Ezekiel Webb, the pioneer physician, came in 18 18, and Dr. Isaac W. 
Smith in 1821 ; Jesse P. Haines, a surveyor, Edward Raymond and 
Helam and Hiram Mead were other early settlers. On the site of 
Wright's Corners a man named Barber was an early settler and kept 
the first hotel. A later one was kept by Alva Buck. Solomon Wright 
settled on the Ridge road, at the point which took his name as Wright's 
Corners in 1822, or earlier; he kept a hotel many years, and was post- 
master after the office was established in 1828. David Maxwell pur- 




FLAVIUS J. BAKHR, M. D. 



los 

chased a farm at Wright's Corners in 1824, but had lived at Johnson's 
Creek in Hartland since 18 19, where he kept a hotel and did survey- 
ing ; he was a prominent citizen. It was through his influence that a 
charter was secured in 1824 for the toll road from Wright's Corners to 
Warren's Corners, which became known as the long causeway turnpike, 
from tlie fact that it was at first laid with logs when it was opened for 
the benefit of the government during the war of 1812 ; the later turn- 
pike was completed in 1825. Mr. Maxwell also laid out the well 
known Hess road, from the Ridge road to the lake shore. 

The first settlement at the village of Rapids, in the extreme south- 
eastern part of the town, on Tonawanda Creek, was made by Amos and 
S. B. Kinne in 1839, who purchased land and laid some of it out in vil- 
lage lots. There was little growth in the settlement until 1849, when 
Orange Mansfield built a steam saw mill. G. H. Utley erected and 
opened a hotel and Horace Cummings built and opened a store. The 
site of Warren's Corners was settled in 181 3 by Ezra Warren, from 
whom it took its name ; he kept a tavern there many years. Before 
the openiuLT of the canal and the diversion of business to Lockport, this 
was quite an important point. Sketches of many other families of this 
town are given in Part HI of this work. 

The lands on which a large part of the city of Lockport is built were 
purchased from the Holland Company by Esek Brown, Zeno Comstock, 
Nathan Comstock, Webster Thorn, Daniel Smith, David Fink, Almon 
H. Millard, Reuben Haines, Joseph Otis, John Comstock, Asahel Smith, 
Nathan B. Rogers, Daniel Washburne and James Conkey. As late as 
1820 there were only a few log houses on the city site, and much of 
the land was still uncultivated. When the course of the canal was fully 
determined in 1821, and the commissioners were ready to receive pro- 
posals for building the locks, etc., the owners of the land planned a vil- 
lage and arranged for the sale of lots. Among them was Otis Hathaway, 
who had his land surveyed in the spring of 1821. The name of Locks- 
borough was at first suggested for the place, but Dr. Isaac W. Smith, it 
is said, suggested Lockport, which finally won the preference. Esek 
Brown about the same time opened his log house as a tavern ; here the 
canal contractors made their headquarters for a time.' 

' The question of who named Lockport is to some extent in dispute. On this fruitful topic 
14 



io6 

Capitalists now foresaw the propable importance of the place and in- 
vested their money. Before that summer was over considerable im- 
provement had been made. Morris H. Tucker opened a store, the first 
in the place. The nearest other store was at Hartland Corners. House 
& Boughton soon built another store and sought a part of the trade. 
Lebbeus Fish, also, opened a third store. Esek Brown's farm was rap- 
idly reduced in extent by the sale of village lots, many of which passed 
to possession of Jesse Hawley, and John G. Bond. Associated with 
Jared, Darius and Joseph Comstock were Otis Hathaway and Seymour 
Scoville, who were actively interested in selling lots east of Transit 
street. Zeno Comstock had purchased in that vicinity from the Hol- 
land Company, as Esek Brown had west of that street, but had recon- 
veyed it before the village was founded and invested a mile and a half 
to the westward, believing the canal would be located there. Before 
the close of that year George W. Rogers, the poineer blacksmith ; 
Shepard & Towner, the first shoemakers, and Elliott Lewis, harness 
maker, were settled in their respective shops, while John Jackson con- 

Ebenezer Mix wrote the following:, which was published in a Lockport paper some forty years 
ago : In the spring of 1821, being on business in Lewiston, I understood that the canal commis- 
sioners had given notice that they would meet the day following at the house of Esek Brown, on 
the mountain ridge, to receive proposals for building the locks and excavating the canal in that 
vicinity. The next day being a leisure day with me I concluded to visit the scene of action, as I 
knew that many of my old acquaintances would be there. I accordingly went to Molyneaux' that 
night, and was on the ground early in the morning. At this time there was no inhabitant on the 
present village plat, except the Comstocks, on the east side of the ravine (now canal), and Esek 
Brown, who resided about fifty-five rods west of Transit street, or near the south road from the 
forks. I went to Brown's, but there was no one there except Mrs. Brown, or "Aunt Lucinda.' 
Mr. Brown had gone to Lewiston to get a tavern license. While there alone with Aunt Lucinda a 
stranger to me, she talked much about the new village and their tavern (a log house, with a log 
addition or wing for a bar-room, erected but unfinished), for Aunt Lucinda was a great talker. I 
asked her what they were going to call their village. She mentioned a number of names that she 
had heard, some of which partook of the Quaker dialect, and among them she mentioned 
" Lockport." 

About 9 o'clock Brown returned with his license, and the company began to assemble. Brown 
opened his bar tolerably stored with kegs and jugs, which he dared not do until he got his paper 
license. Finding that Brown was a law-abiding man, I asked him if he did not know that he was 
breaking the law to keep tavern without a sign. He said that he did not, but if so, he did not 
know what to do, as he could not get a sign short of Lewiston, and he could not go that day. I 
told him I would satisfy the law for him, and undertook to furnish him with a sign, but I could 
not find a piece of board big enough, although he was building. I, however, found a door sill 
which he had prepared for his bar-room door, and hewed and planed off one side of a split bass-, 
wood bolt tolerably smooth, on which I wrote with a coal, without consulting any one, "Lockport 
Hotel by E. Brown," and stuck it between the projecting ends of the logs of the new bar-room, 
and, to bring the history of the sign to a close. Brown hewed out a new door sill and let that re- 
main as a sign until he procured another. 

The sign being raised, Lockport Hotel and Lockport village were soon christened, not by mere 
sprinkling, but by something like immersion. 



lO/ 

ducted a bakery. The post office was established early in 1822, the 
mail at first being brought from Molyneux's Corners; in the following 
year a road was opened through the forest to Wright's Corners, con- 
necting there with a stage route. Bartemus Ferguson started a news- 
paper, the Lockport Observatory (previously published at Lewiston), 
wiiich passed into possession of Orsamus Turner in August, 1822. 
Work was at that time progressing on the canal at this point. In July, 
1822, the place received another impetus through its selection as the 
county seat, and two acres of land were deeded to the county as a site 
for county buildings, by William M. Bond. 

The village now advanced rapidly. The greater part of the business 
of the place was done on the west side of the canal in 1823—25. In 
the former year there was a small store on the northeast corner of Main 
and Transit streets. A few small buildings stood on the north side of 
Main street before reaching the Lockport Hotel, then kept by Samuel 
Jennings. East of that Dr. Maxwell had his office and next was the 
blacksmith shop of Allen Skinner. Then came the store of House & 
Boughton, where the post-office was situated, with George H. Boughton 
in charge as postmaster. A primitive bridge crossed the canal. Wil- 
liam Parsons & Co. had a store in a yellow building about on the site 
of the Moyer block, and adjoining it was a stone building, part of which 
was occupied for a store by Sidney and Thomas Smith. Lyman A. 
Spalding kept a store on the site of the Savings Bank, and next east 
was the law office of James F. Mason, who acted as county clerk and 
kept the records in his office Adjoining that was a store kept by H. 
Kimberly & Co. Other stores of that time were kept by Nathan B. 
and George W. Rogers, for the sale of groceries; the "red store," kept 
by William Kennedy, and Morris H. Tucker's store. There were sev- 
eral other groceries and small places of business, with shops of various 
kinds and several hotels. It will be seen that this was a considerable 
business to spring up within two or three years. 

The pioneer lawyer of Lockport was Elias Ransom. James F. Ma- 
son and Hiram Gardner came on afterwards and were subsequently ap- 
pointed justices. The following persons came on prior to or during 
the year of 1823: Elias F. Pierce, Dr. Isaac Southworth, Asa W. 
Douglas, Geo. W. Douglas, George W. Rogers, John Jackson, George 



io8 

Richardson, John Gooding, Hiram Gardner, Elliott Lewis, Chauncey 
Leonard, Joseph Pound, John Pound, Harvey W. Campbell, Gillet Bacon, 
William Parsons, L. A. Spalding, B. S. Davenport, Orin Fisk, A. T. 
Prentice, E. A. Wakeman, A. G. White, J. G. Gustin, Orsamus Turner, 
Job Layton, Jacob Hall, Jacob Bolard, Justus Jenney, James Harris, 
Samuel Earned, James F. Mason, Dr. Henry Maxwell, David Fink, 
Warren Sadler, Col. W. M. Bond. 

The cut through the Ridge at Lockport was the last part of the canal 
to be completed. On the 29th of September, 1825, William C Bouck 
announced to the canal commissioners that the water way would be 
ready for the passage of boats on the 29th of October, and steps were 
taken to celebrate the event. On the evening of the 24th the guard 
gates were raised and the level was soon filled with water. A salute of 
cannon was fired at daybreak on the 26th, and under direction of Gen- 
eral Whitney, marshal of the day, a procession was formed at nine 
o'clock and marched to the foot of the locks and there embarked on 
boats, one of which, the William C. Bouck, was selected to take the 
lead in passing the locks. On board of this boat the officials and some 
prominent citizens made the passage. At ten o'clock the firing of the 
series of guns along the canal from Buffalo reached this place, the lock 
gates opened and the boats started on their upward passage. The fol- 
lowing description of the scene is recorded : 

As it ascended the stupendous flight of locks, its decks covered with a joyous mul- 
titude, it was greeted with a constant and rapid discharge of heavy artillery, 
thousands of rock blasts, or explosions, prepared for the occasion, and the shouts of 
spectators that swarmed upon the canal and lock bridges, and upon the precipices 
around the locks and basin. As soon as the two forward boats had passed out of 
the upper locks they were drawn up side by side, and after a prayer by the Rev. 
Mr. Winchell, an address was delivered by Judge Birdsall. Stepping upon an ele- 
vated platform upon the deck of one of the boats, in the stillness that had succeed- 
ed the earthquake sounds and shouts of human voices, he exclaimed: The barrier 
is passed ! We have now risen to the level of Lake Erie and have before us a per- 
fect navigation open to its waters. When his address, glowing with cheering 
prophecies of prosperity in the future, was concluded, the boat moved westward to 
meet the fleet approaching from Buffalo, and act as an escort in passing through 
Lockport. 

The village continued to flourish and in 1827 measures were adopted 
for building up what became known as the Lower Town, or East Lock- 
port. Nathan Comstock sold 300 acres of land in that vicinity to Joel 



109 

McCollum, Otis and S. R. Hathaway and Seymour Scoville, who had 
it laid out in village lots and streets. The promoters recommended it 
to purchasers on account of its eligible situation " below the locks and 
the grand natural basin," and its already having a grist mill, three saw 
mills and other shops located there. A considerable sale of lots was 
soon made, and several buildings were erected. The proprietors of this 
section soon afterwards sold out to Lot Clark and others, who consti- 
tuted what was known as the Albany Company. They began vigor- 
ous action to develop and sell their lots. It was represented among 
other things that the surplus wa'.er of the canal would be brought there 
and the upper town deprived of it— a condition that did not seem 
especially improbable at that time. The rivalry that was engendered 
in those early years between the two sections of the village disap- 
peared with the lapse of time and the practical uniting of the two. 

The village was incorporated March 26, 1829, the charter defining 
the boundaries of a parallelogram of about a mile and three quarters 
in length, which was divided into two wards. The charter provided 
for the election of five trustees, a treasurer, a collector, two constables, 
five assessors and five wardens. The first board of trustees was com- 
posed of Joel McCollum, Levi Taylor, Levi E Rounds, Joshua G. Dris- 
coll and Jam.es F. Mason. Henry R. Hopkins was chosen clerk, and on 
the 1 8th of May Eben Griswold was appointed poundmaster ; Samuel 
Learned and Luke Draper, fence viewers ; N. W. Gardner, surveyor ; 
George W. Rogers, chief engineer of the fire department. The board 
appointed sixteen men each in a fire company and a hook and ladder 
company. 

In early years there was considerable rivalry between the Upper and 
the Lower Towns, as they were distinguished, with the Lower Town far 
in advance. Here the first bank was opened and the more prominent 
business establishments conducted. Of Lockport from 1838 to 1848 
John H. Dickey has written some interesting and valuable reminis- 
cences from which are taken the following extracts : 

I first saw Lockport in the summer of 18"^8, then a thriving village of a few thou- 
sand inhabitants. No school system but the common school of the period except two 
select schools where a limited number of pupils were instructed. Lower Town, as it 
was then called, was the leading busmess part of the village. The railroad running 
from there to Niagara Fails by way of Pekin about two miles north of Sanborn came 



no 

to the river bank near where Suspension Bridge now is. At that time there was no 
bridge there, and no buildings but now and then a farm house until you arrived at 
the Falls. This railroad did not go to Lewiston, as one of your late correspondents has 
it. Then there was the cotton factory at the corner of Exchange and Garden 
streets, and the land office on Market street. The then ex- Judge Hunt, Hiram Wal- 
bridge, J. J. B. Spooner, G. W. Germain, Samuel Works, Lott Clark and others, 
were engaged in the business interests of the Lower Town. Judge Hunt in 1838 and 
a few years thereafter was a Democrat in politics, but about 1844 or a little before he 
united with the Whig party and they gave him the nomination for Congress. He 
had sharp opposition in the convention that nominated him by an old Whig, Joseph 
Center, a lawyer of Upper Town, and he was so incensed at his defeat, that he left 
the Whigs and joined the Democrats but the Whigs as it proved got the best of the 
bargain. Governor Hunt proved to be not a mere politician but a high minded and 
eloquent statesman. The Whig party elected him twice to Congress, comptroller of 
the State of New York, and also its governor. He died at the early age of fifty-six 
years greatly lamented by all. Samuel Works was State senator from this Senate dis- 
trict. J. J. B. Spooner was cashier of the Lockport Bank. Some of the business 
men of Upper Town were Lyman A. Spalding, grain dealer and flouring wheat for 
eastern market. He had a savings bank, and was postmaster when the office was in 
the Arcade Charles and Elias Safford were engaged in the same business. Asa W. 
Douglas and Gen. John Jackson were partners in the grain trade and flouring for the 
eastern market and other mills of le.ss note busily engaged in the manufacture of 
flour and grinding grist for the farmers. Thomas Flagler was editor and proprietor 
of the Niagara Courier. It was then printed on an old hand press. Early in the 
forties he sold out the paper to David S. Crandall, one of the jolliest and most jovial 
men that ever lived in Lockport. He was clerk of the county one term. He pub- 
lished the paper a while, and then sold it to the late M. C. Richardson, when the 
name was changed. 

A few years after this the Hon. T. T. Flagler was elected to Congress from this dis- 
trict, and then re-elected. Mr. Flagler served his constituents faithfully and well 
and with honor to himself and all interested. He has served in other public stations 
equally as well. 

The late Benjamin and James Carpenter were owners of extensive stone quarries 
and contractors for fancy building stone. They have had contracts in New York 
and many large cities for tljeir stone. The Gargling Oil building, the county 
clerk's office and the old jail are built of stone from their quarries. Benjamin Car- 
penter was mayor of Lockport when President Lincoln was assassinated by J. 
Wilkes Booth. William O. Brown and William Keep were dry goods merchants. 
Their store was about the second block west of the Simmons & Walter jewelry store 
and the Keeps kept a hardware store in the block now kept by J. S. Woodward & 
Son. The late Chauncey Keep was the manager, ably assisted by the late Rowland 
Sears as head clerk and bookkeeper. Just across the street, Francis N. Kelson kept 
a first-class dry goods store. J. L. Brej'fogle and the late Jacob M. Chrysler were 
the clerks in Mr. Nelson's store. They afterwards became the leading dry goods 
merchants in the city and both gentlemen held the office of county treasurer. Silas 
H. Marks and Mr. Harvey were dry goods merchants of that time. Some of the 



Ill 

physicians were Drs. McCollum, Southworth, Skinner, Chase, Fassett and Shuler. 
The latter owned a house and grounds where the Hodge opera house and Gargling 
Oil works now stands, and lived there when the late Dr. Gould was a student in his 
office. I first knew Dr. Gould when he was attending the Medical College in 
Buffalo, knew him to be a rising young man in his profession, and he always main- 
tained a leading position among the physicians of the county. His counsel was always 
eminently wise and judicious under all circumstances whether pertaining to church af- 
fairs of which he was a prominent member, or in consultation with his professional 
brethren in trying and difficult cases. He always reminded me of his relative, Gen. 
David Gould, whom he strongly resembled. General Gould was a very popular officer 
in the State militia of that time. 

The population of Lockport increased from a little more than 6,000 (in 
the town) in 1835, ^o over 9,000 in 1840, and to about 12,000 in 1850. 
At the same time a large manufacturing interest came into existence. 
By an act of the Legislature, passed April 20, 1825, the canal commis- 
sioners were authorized to sell surplus water from the canal whenever it 
was practicable. To supply the Genesee level of more than one hun- 
dred miles in length eastward from the foot of the Lockport locks, 
water is drawn from Lake Erie, rendering it necessary to pass a large 
volume around the locks at Lockport. While this fact was generally 
known, it was not thought the power thus created could be of great 
value, chiefly on account of the anticipated obstruction caused by work- 
ing the locks. Darius Comstock owned the land around the locks and 
canal basin at the time the water was advertised for sale. His bid was 
only fifty dollars. A few days previous to the opening of the canal he 
sold to Lyman A. Spalding for $3,500 all the land on the southeastern 
side of the canal owned by him, excepting a small reservation. When 
the canal was finally opened and the water for the ^rst time passed 
around the locks in the raceway prepared for it, it was at once seen that 
an immense power was at hand. On January 25, 1826, the surplus 
water at this place was sold to William Kenney, of Lockport, and Junius 
H. Hatch, of New York. The bid was $200 per annum. In the winter of 
1825-6 Mr. Spalding built a flouring mill, and about the same time 
Jabez Pomeroy and William Bass erected a building near by and put 
in carding and cloth pressing machinery. These mills were the first 
driven by water from the canal. 

As the magnitude and value of the water power became better 
understood, there developed a strong rivalry to secure its control. In 



112 

1829 the lease of the water from the State was transferred to the Al- 
bany Company before mentioned, who then owned more than half of 
the Lower Town. To improve the real estate prospects in the Lower 
Town it became necessary to carry the water thither, but an obstacle 
existed in the fact that Mr. Spalding had previously purchased lands 
(as before stated) through which the water must necessarily pass in 
order to reach that section. One of the commissioners is said to have 
been interested in the schemes of the Albany Company, and an order 
was finally issued by the board putting the sole control of the canal and 
locks here into the hands of the lessees A party of laborers were now 
set at work digging a ditch for the water along the side of the canal. 
A body of citizens, indignant at this usurpation, drove away the labor- 
ers. When the canal closed for the winter of 1829, the commissioners 
cut off the water from the race, thus stopping the mills. The contro- 
versy continued to the great detriment of business advancement until a 
year or two later, when the necessary land was purchased by the Al- 
bany Company, who thus commanded a right of way for the power. 

When the State sold at auction the right to the surplus waters of 
the canal, Richard Kenney and Junius Hatch were the purchasers at 
$200 per annum. The raceway was already excavated as far as Spald- 
ing's mill, and in 1828 it was extended to the Douglas & Jackson mill, 
and in 1832 to the old factory mill. The lease of the water was sub- 
sequently held by William L. Marcy and Washington Hunt, and in 
1858 the Lockport Hydraulic Company was organized with the follow- 
ing trustees: Washington Hunt, William L Marcy, W. P. Daniels, 
Charles A. Morse, Daniel A. Van Valkenburgh, and Willard J. Daniels. 
Through leases of power to consumers at reasonable rates this company 
was instrumental in establishing a large number of milling and other en- 
terprises. Out of it grew also the Manufacturers' Building Company, 
organized in 1858, with the following trustees: Hiram Gardner, Silas 
H. Marks, Thomas T. Flagler, Ezra P. Wentworth, James Jackson, jr., 
Stephen Hopkins, and John W. Steels. The capital was $15,000, but 
was subsequently increased. The chief purpose of this company was to 
erect buildings for manufacturers. Frank N. Trevor is now president of 
the company, and Charles T. Raymond, secretary and treasurer. 

In October, 1887, the Hydraulic Company leased to the city of Lock- 




CHARLES N. PALMER., M. D. 



113 ' 

port for a term often years, at $1,500 per annum, sufficient water "for 
seven and one half twelve horse powers," which is used for the operation 
of the pumps which supply the city with water. The first fourteen 
firms named in the list on a subsequent page also lease water from this 
compan}'. 

By the year 1835 the manufacturing interests of the place had as- 
sumed considerable importance. In the First ward was Spalding's 
flouring mill with a capacity of I20,000 barrels annually; a wool card- 
ing mill employing six persons; an iron foundry with capital of $3,000 ; 
two saw mills employing twelve persons; a turning and a machine 
shop; a sash factory; a tannery turning out $30,000 worth of leather ; 
a hat factory, two harness shops, four cabinet shops, two newspapers, 
a book bindery, various other small shops and fifty to sixty stores of 
various kinds. In the Seoond ward there were three flouring mills 
making about $1,000,000 worth of flour yearly ; seven saw mills ; a cot- 
ton factory, a woolen mill, two distilleries, one furnace, a tannery, a hat 
factory, harness, tailor and shoe shops, and five mercantile establish- 
ments. During recent years, the character of the manufactures of 
Lockport has been greatly changed. 

The opening of the railroad in 1852 gave Lockport a further impetus. 
The extent of early travel over the line between Rochester and the 
Falls may be inferred from the fact that the receipts amounted to more 
than $1,000 daily before the close of the first year. General Winfield 
Scott was one of the early passengers on the road, visiting Lockport in 
the fall of 1852, where he received a public welcome befitting his rank. 

At the risk of repeating some of tiie names mentioned in the fore- 
going pages the following prominent early settlers of the town are given 
at this point: Daniel Pomeroy, Daniel Alvord, Webster Thorn, Daniel 
Smith, Stephen Hoag, Lyman Liscomb, the Norton, Williams, Har- 
rington and Weaver families, John Smith, James Conkey, Jonathan 
Rummery, Joseph Otis, John Comstock, Isaac Titus, Isaac Mace, 
Charles Freeborn, Nathan Comstock, John Ingalls, Alexander F'ree- 
man, David Carlton, Conrad Keyser, Francis Brown. Deacon Croker, 
Zeno Comstock, Asahel Smith, Reuben Haines and Jesse P Haines. 
Nearly all these became settlers prior to the opening of the canal in 
1825, previous to which only about 600 acres were cleared in four square 

]5 



114 

miles, with Lockport village as the center. In 1820 there was not a 
frame building within five miles of Lockport, and about this time the 
later village corporation contained less than 100 souls. 

The population of the village reached in 1865 13,523, and the place 
was becoming unwieldy to be governed as a village. After the usual 
preliminary discussion an act was passed by the Legislature April 11, 
1865. incorporating Lockport city, with four wards. The ofhcers 
elected by ballot under the charter were a mayor, clerk, police justice, 
treasurer tax collector, superintendent of streets, one chief and two as- 
sistants of the fire department; and in each ward two aldermen, a su- 
pervisor, three inspectors of election, a constable, assessor, poormaster 
and fire warden. The principal officers elected the first year were Ben- 
jamin Carpenter, mayor (re-elected 1866) ; Isaac Allen and M. M. 
Southworth, aldermen of the First ward; William H. Fursman and 
David C. Huff, aldermen of the Second ward; J. L. Breyfogle and S. R. 
Daniels, aldermen or the Third ward ; A. W. Brazee and H. C. Pom- 
roy, aldermen of the Fourth ward. The mayors of Lockport have 
been as follows : 

Benjamin Carpenter, 1865-6 ; James Jackson, 1867-8 ; Albert F. Brown, 1869 ; 
John Van Horn, 1870 ; Origen Storrs, 1871 ; Elisha Moody, 1872 ; Peter D. Walter, 
1873 ; John H. Buck, 1874 ; Freeman H. Mott, 1875 ; Samuel R. Daniels, 1876 ; 
Hiram D. McNeil, 1877 ; Richard B. Hoag, 1878 ; John E. Pound, 1879-80 ; Ambrose 
S. Beverly, 1881 ; Edward W. Rogers, 1882 ; William Richmond, 1883 ; John 
Hawkes, 1884 ; William Spalding, 1885-87 ; Thomas Oliver, 1888-89 ; James S. Lid- 
die, 1890-91 ; JohnT. Darrison, 1892-93 ; James Atwater, 1894-95 ; Charles Peterson, 
1896-97. 

The original city charter was amended in many important features 
by the laws of each year from 1886 to 1890 inclusive and in 1892, to 
which the reader is referred. By the laws of 1892 the city was divided 
into six wards instead of four, making the Board of Aldermen twelve 
and giving some sections of the city better representation. To ac- 
commodate the various city officials and departments, the stone build - 
building which had been occupied as a mill by W. K. Moore & Co. 
was secured in 1893 and such changes made in it as would adapt it 
for its purpose ; it was given the name of the Water Works building. 
In 1894 a stone addition was erected for the council chamber and the 
structure is now known as the City building. 



115 

Some interesting incidents took place in connection with the early- 
mail service of Lockport and its vicinity. A daily mail service was 
established between the village and Wright's Corners, Sundays included. 
This practice called out determined opposition, and when it was dem- 
onstrated that moral suasion was not sufficient to cause a discontinuance 
of the Sunday business, an opposition line of stages was started, run- 
ning only six days in the week, and called the Pioneer line. This pro- 
ceeding developed the fact that there were in the village a number of 
prominent citizens who desired Sunday mail and traveling facilities, who 
called a meeting to remonstrate against the efforts of the new stage line. 
This meeting was held on the 9th of December, 1828, and the call was 
quite numerously signed ; it declared among other things, that at the 
time there were within the village four or five hundred buildings of 
various kinds, a population of about 2,000, and twenty- five respectable 
mercantile establishments. It also emphatically denied that a majority 
of the business men favored the discontinuance of the Sunday mail. 
However, the Pioneer line of stages was operated about two years, but 
did not pay and did not prevent the receipt of mails on Sunday. 

In this connection the following sketch by Thomas Scovell, printed 
in the Lockport Journal, is worthy of preservation in these pages. 
After noting the fact that John L. Wright was an early mail carrier in 
the vicinity of Lockport, Mr. Scovell continues thus: 

I will say the late Col. Hezekah W. Scovell was postmaster 3 or 4 terms from 1835 
and 1845. I have now in my office three commissions given him in 1835 and 1840 
and 1845 signed and sealed by Martin Van Buren and John Tyler as president and 
John C. Calhoun secretary of the state and by the postmaster general, and in the 
winter of 1841 and 1842 I boarded with my uncle and went to select school in the 
basement of the old frame Episcopal church on Buffalo street where the German 
Church now stands and worked night and morning in the post-office and carrying 
the mail to Lower Town nights and mornings, as a large part of the business letters 
were taken or sent from Lower Town. 

Among my schoolmates that winter was the lamented Col. D. Donnelly, the late 
Rollin Daniels, and many others long gone. Only Windsor Trowbridge, now of this 
city, and myself are left living that I now remember. In the spring of 1842 I was 
appointed post-office clerk in place of W. S. Towle, who went to Buffalo. I remained 
in office during '42, '43 and most of '44, when I resigned and went out to Cambria to 
help my father on the farm, Chauncey Wolcott taking my place in the office. 

The post-office in 1842 was in a small one story white building on Canal street, 
just east of the Grand, where is now the grocery store owned by Mr. Smith, and in 
1843 the post-office was moved into a brick building next east of the old Eagle Tavern, 



ii6 

where the Grand now stands. The first news stand in the city was opened in the 
front hall or porch of the post-office that season by Lockhart R. Carswell, a Scotch- 
man, who slept under his counter the first year and afterwards moved up on Main 
street. As there was no railroads at that time, the mails were carried only by 
stages on the different routes. Mr. Isaac Dole and his son, the late Daniel E. Dole, 
in connection with a man in Brockport, ran a line of tally-ho coaches with four horses 
dailv each way on the Ridge Road between here and Rochester. Another line with 
covered wagon went the canal route to Rochester daily each way; another line daily 
each way from here to Batavia; also one to Buffalo, the Falls, and Lewiston ; other 
side mails once or twice a week. When the roads was good the mails all got in be- 
fore night ; but with bad roads they came at all times of night and left very early in 
the morning. I did all the work alone in the office except occasionally an hour or 
two a day by the postmaster. The rates of postage were then 5, 6|, 10, 12^, 18| and 
25 cents each, according to distance, and each letter or as many as was going to one 
place, had to have a bill made out and entered in the book and the package done up 
separately and plainly directed, and each package received, when opened, the bill 
accompanying it had to be entered in an account book for that purpose. The mail 
used to average about 150 to 175 letters daily ; occasionally 200 each wa3% besides, a 
. large amount of papers, daily and weekly. Even that number of letters, with the 
form of keeping the accounts and waiting on delivery, kept one clerk very busy. 

The year i886 saw the completion and opening of what Lockport 
citizens usually term " the big bridge," which superseded the old 
structure which had been in use for more than half a century. The 
new bridge was not secured without a prolonged and energetic effort, 
and upon its completion its opening was inaugurated with one of the 
largest and most enthusiastic celebrations ever held in the place. This 
occurred on the 2d of September, i886. A great crowd, two or three 
brass bands, lavish illumination and fire-works and many speeches from 
prominent men were features of the event. A platform was erected on 
the bridge on which were Mayor Spalding, Aldermen Crosby, McGrath, 
Heary, Ashford, Darrison and Gaskill, with A. Stewart Gooding, M. C, 
Richardson, O. W. Cutler, H S Servoss, W. W. Henry, L. P. Gordon, 
Richard Crowley, W. C. Olmsted, J. A.Ward, John G. Freeman, 
Henry Hueshoff, Joseph Rainor, D. F. Stevens, T. M. McGrath, Wil- 
ham E. Tuttle, A. R. Brooks, George F. Smith. Col. W. E. Palmer 
was master of ceremonies. After introductory remarks by Colonel 
Palmer the following preamble and resolutions were adopted : 

Whereas, The structure lately within the city of Lockport called by its citizens the 
" Big Bridge," which for more than half a century has carried in safety the traffic of 
the town and afforded to the citizens of the County of Niagara a public market for 
their produce, has now been replaced by abetter and more durable one of like cba:-- 



117 

acter and capacity, of design and detail most satisfactory and pleasingto our citizens, 
in that its similarity of form and uses to the one which it replaces, affords us a guar- 
antee that one of the valued landmarks of our city is not to be obliterated, but that it 
shall stand to bear the weight of a thriving and progressive community in the future 
as it has in the past sustained the steps of those who formed the nucleus and basis of 
a city destined by its natural advantages and the public spirit of almost all of its 
citizens to become one of the fairest and most prosperous in the Empire State; and 

Whereas, The erection and completion of the present structure was obtained 
through the intelligent efforts in that behalf of certain public officers, both State and 
local, and we are desirous of expressing in some public manner our acknowledgment 
of the service they performed ; therefore. 

Resolved, That the citizens of the City of Lockport are under obligations for the 
aid and encouragement afforded the enterprise by Hon. Elnathan Sweet, state engi- 
neer; Hon. James Shanahan, superintendent of public works, and Mr. Horace H. 
Servoss, superintendent of locks at Lockport; and hereby assure them individually 
of our appreciation of their public spirit and good judgment. 

Resolved, That the thanks of our citizens are particularly due to Hon. Edward C. 
Walker, State senator from this district; Hon. Lewis P. Gordon and Hon. Peter A. 
Porter, members of assembly from Niagara county, for action and zealous effort in 
behalf of the enactment which secured an appropriation for this work sufl&cient in 
amount to ensure the proper and satisfactory completion of it. 

Resolved, That the citizens of Lockport, contemplating the skill and good judg- 
ment of the State officers having control of the erection of bridges over the Erie 
Canal, as displayed in the form and convenience of the structure now completed, are 
led most earnestly to hope and believe that the design for a high truss bridge over 
said canal at Cottage street, in this city, may be changed so as to correspond to that 
of the one upon which we now stand, and thus a most serious obstruction to view 
and travel be obviated, and the well-earned reputations of those officials for sound 
and practical administration of the affairs of the canal be sustained. 

D. F. Stevens, 
T. M. McGrath, 

Committee on Resolutions. 

Hon. Richard Crowley was the first speaker and gave a brief history 
of the old bridge, stating that when the canal was first built, sixty five 
years earlier, it was bridged with logs, and that a few years later the 
bridge demolished to make way for the new one was erected. 
Other addresses were made by M. C. Richardson, L. P. Gordon and 
others with music at intervals. The exercises closed with a display of 
fireworks. 

Lockport had a fire service before its incorporation as a village in 
1829, and before the organization of the department was effected 
[.yman A. Spalding purchased a rotary engine, which he named Tus- 
carora, and for which a company was subsequently organized. It re- 



ii8 

quired sixteen men to operate this engine and it was soon displaced by 
the Niagara. The company for the Tuscarora was formed soon after 
the incorporation of the village, with John G. Gustin foreman. The 
first hook and ladder company was organized in 1833. In 1836 a com- 
pany was formed in the Lower Town with the name of Tuscarora No. 
2, with William Dixon foreman. Some years later Osceola Engine 
Company No. i was organized and continued until 1873, when it was 
reorganized as Spalding Hose Company No. i and still exists At 
about the same time that Osceola Company was organized another was 
formed with the title of Rescue Engine Company No 3 ; this company 
was disbanded in 1868, and Washington Hose Company No. 2 was or- 
ganized from it and is now in existence. In 1853 Tuscarora Company 
No. 2 was reorganized and became De Witt Clinton Engine Company. 
Protection Hook and Ladder Company was organized in 1863 with 
thirty-five members. Hydrant Hose Company No. i was organized in 
November, 1865, and Washington Hose Company No 2 in January, 
1868. The present department comprises Active Hose Company No. 
5 (formerly Active Engine Company and organized in 1878) ; De Witt 
Clinton Hose No. 6 ; Hydrant Hose No. i ; Spalding Hose No. 3 ; 
Washington Hose No. 2, and Protection Hook and Ladder Company 
No. I. 

Chief Engineers of the Fire Department. — The Board of Trustees of 
Lockport on May 13, 1829. was composed of Joel McCollum, presi- 
dent ; Levi Taylor, Levi F. Bounds, Joshua Driscoll, James F. Mason, 
and Henry K. Hopkins, clerk. It was ordered that sixteen firemen 
and sixteen hook and ladder men be appointed. George W. Rogers 
was appointed chief engineer, and a small engine was purchased at a 
cost of $650. The list of chiefs and dates of service from 1829 to 
1897 as far as known is given below : 

George W. Rogers, 1826, 1831, 1833, 1833 and 1849; Lewis Godard, 1830-31; Ben- 
jamin Carpenter, 1833-38; B. S. Pease, 1838, 1839, 1846; Isaac Dole, 1840-41; Robert 
White, 1850; John Jenney, 1850-52; Alexander Eastman, 1852-53; Dudley Don- 
nelly, 1853-61; L. Austin Spalding, 1855-58; B. H. Fletcher, 1861-62; Joseph T. 
Bellah, 1862-63; John E. Mack, 1863-64; M. Dempsey, 1864-65; James Jackson, jr., 
1865; Henry F. Cady. 1865-67; L, W. Bristol, 1867-69 and 1874-76; William Spald- 
ing, 1869-74 and 1878-79; Robert Madden, 1876-77 and 1890-91; John Hodge, 1877- 
78; H. D. McNeil, 1879-80; William E. Jenney, 1880-81; Max Starck, 1881-82; H. 
K. Wicker, 1882-91; H. L. Cleveland, 1891-93; C. E. Carnall, 1893; Dr. William E. 
Jenney, 1897. 



119 

List of Fire Organizations of Lock-port from iSjg. — Niagara Fire Company No. 
1, organized December 25, 1834. 

Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, organized September 18, 1834. 

Tuscarora Fire Engine Companj^ No. 2, organized November 28, 1838. 

Protection Fire Engine Company No. 1, organized 1850. 

Osceola Fire Engine Company No. 1, organized September S7, 1860. 

Rescue Fire Engine Company No. 3, organized February 23, 1852. 

Bucket Company, organized December 20, 1853. 

De Witt Clinton Fire Engine Company No. 2, organized 1854, from Tuscarora 
Company above named. 

Protection Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, organized June 15. 18G3, from Hook 
and Ladder Company No. 1. 

Hydrant Hose Company No. 1, organized November 24, 1865, first hose company 
in the State to use hydrants of the Holly Water Works system. 

Washington Hose Company No. 2, organized January 27, 1868, from Niagara Fire 
Engine Company No. 1 and Rescue Engine Company No. 3. 

Spalding Ho.se Company No. 3, organized May 26, 1873, from Protection Fire 
Company No. 1 and Osceola Company No. 1. 

Active Hose Company No. 5, incorporated, organized February 5. 1878. 

De Witt Clinton Hose Company No. 6. organized April 1, 1879, from De Witt 
Clinton Engine Company No. 2 

The Exempt Firemen's Association of Lockport was organized De- 
cember 1 6, 1893, with the following officers: H. K. Wicker, president; 
T. James McMaster, vice president; Charles F. Foley, secretary; John 
R. Mahaney, treasurer ; H. L. Cleveland, marshal ; Charles H. Long, 
Charles E Carnall, trustees ; Richard Smith, steward. 

The object of the association is stated as the promotion of friendly 
and social intercourse, to provide a headquarters for the transaction of 
all business connected with the association, together with a reading 
room where the members may meet and renew their old-time friend- 
sliip, to collect and preserve relics, pictures and implements used in 
olden times, and to provide for and establish a mutual aid or funeral 
fund for the benefit of its members. Only such persons as served as 
firemen of the late volunteer fire department can become members. 

On the 1st of January, 1897, this association had 174 members, and 
the following are the present officers: President, George W. Mann; 
vice-president, W. R. Scott; treasurer, J. R. Mahaney; financial secre- 
tary, Fred R. Oliver; marshal, W. J. Ouinlan ; steward, Richard Smith. 
The association has just purchased a building at a cost of $3,000 which 
will be used for general club purposes. 



I20 

The water supply of Lockport had its inception in a reservoir on the 
site of the later American Hotel, the water being pumped into it by a 
pump which Lyman A. Spalding had procured to use in case of fire in 
his early mill. From the reservoir the water flowed by gravity. This 
inadequate establishment did not long suffice. Fires were frequent and 
many of them were destructive in spite of the efforts of firemen. This 
condition of affairs led Birdsall Holly, whose name became famous in 
connection with his system of supplying water to communities, to turn 
his attention to devising a remedy. As a result of his genins the Lock- 
port Water Works were constructed in 1864, by a company organized 
for such undertakings. The system, as now well known, consists briefly 
in setting up pumping machinery to raise water to a sufficient height 
and to supply it under pressure, and so regulated by the pressure of 
the water in the mains that the machinery will respond to the demand. 
About 6,000 feet of pipe were laid in the village (then soon to become 
a city) and twenty-seven hydrants were set, the highest of which was 
seventy-two feet above the pumping station. The machinery was pro- 
pelled by a turbine wheel under a head of nineteen feet. The contract 
between the village and the Holly Company stipulated that from a hy- 
drant fifty feet above the pumping station a stream could be thrown 
through one hundred feet of hose one hundred feet high. At the test 
the stream was thrown 175 feet under those conditions, and the works 
were promptly accepted. In 1882 the water works were taken under 
municipal control. About twenty four miles of mains are now in use, 
with one pump of 3,000,000 and one of 5,000,000 gallons daily capacity. 
George H. Drake was the first superintendent, and was succeeded by 
R. J. Sterrett. The present superintendent is B Burroughs who as- 
sumed the office in 1893. 

The Lockport Press. — The history of newspapers in Lockport 
furnishes an illustration of the consequences of changed business and 
industrial conditions, frequently enabling new communities to spring 
up and outstrip older and apparently more permanent ones. A news- 
paper was born in Lewiston many years before Lockport was more 
than a canal settlement ; but it was soon removed to the younger com- 
munity. The Niagara Democrat was started in Lewiston in 1 82 1, by 
Bartemus Ferguson; but in the ensuing winter some of the enterpris- 



121 

ing citizens of Lockport purchased tlie printing office, removed it to 
their httle village and the editor with it. The name of the paper was 
at the same time changed to The Lockport Observatory, In August, 
1822, the establishment passed to possession of Orasmus Turner, who 
for about thirty years thereafter was prominently identified with Niag- 
ara county journalism.' Meanwhile, another paper, the Lewiston Sen- 
tinel, was started in Lewiston in 1822 by James O. Dailey. It soon 
passed into the hands of Oliver Grace, who read the signs of the times 
and also removed it to Lockport, changing the name to the Niagara 
Sentinel. In 1828, for business reasons, the Observatory and the Sen- 
tinel were consolidated and published with the name of the Democrat 
and Sentinel. In the same year the establishment was purchased by 
Peter Besancon, who changed the name of the paper to the Lockport 
Journal. In 1829 another change of name was made to the Lockport 
Balance. 

In 1833 the Lockport Gazette was started by Pierpont Baker, and 
one year later the two papers were consolidated and issued as the 
Lockport Balance and Gazette; the last part of the title was soon 
dropped and the Balance was published a short time by D. C. Coul- 
ton, and later by T. H. Hyatt. In 1835 Orasmus Turner started a 
new journal with the name of the Niagara Democrat, and in 1837 
purchased the Balance, and continued the publication of the Niagara 
Democrat and Lockport Balance as one paper; the last part of the title 
was soon dropped. Mr. Turner remained as editor and publisher 
until 1839, when it passed into the hands of Thomas P. Scoville, who 
continued the publication until 1846, It was then sold to Turner & 
McCollum, who were succeeded by Ballou & Campbell, who transferred 
it to its former publisher, Mr. Turner; he continued the paper until his 
death in 1855. John Campbell was the next publisher, continuing 
until 1858, when the establishment was purchased by A. S. Prentiss, 
who had for about five years been conducting the Lockport Daily Ad- 
vertiser, a free advertising medium. After purchasing the Democrat 
he enlarged the Advertiser and continued its daily issue, while the 

' Mr. Turner died on March 'il, IH.t.5. It is a historical fact of special importance to printers, 
tliat the first "composition " roller in this county was made and used in Mr. Turner's office; the 
discovery was made in Eng^land. 
16 



1 22 



weekly issue was named the Democrat and Advertiser. In i860 the 
establishment was transferred to Gaylord J. Clark. 

On April 9, 1859, the Lockport Chronicle was started by S. S. Poni- 
roy & Co., a weekly, and in the, following year the Lockport Daily 
Union was issued from the same office by the County Democratic Com- 
mittee. In 1862 a consolidation was effected by the Democrat and 
Advertiser, and the Chronicle and the Union, the new daily taking the 
name of the Lockport Daily Union, and the weekly that of the Niag- 
ara Democrat. At the time of the consolidation Pomroy & Chamber- 
lain became proprietors and editors. In 1863 Mr. Pomroy retired 
from the business, and in the next year Mr. Chamberlain sold out to 
Henry E. Shaft, who had already begun the publication of the Lock- 
port Bee, which was then merged with the Union and Democrat. Mr. 
Shaft soon transferred the establishment to Wolcott & Chamberlain, 
who continued until June, 1867, when Mr. Chamberlain sold his inter- 
est to R. M. Skeels ; in 1876 he bought Wolcott's interest also. On 
the 1st of October, 1876, a stock company was formed, for the pub- 
lication of the paper, with John Hodge, president; James Jackson, jr., 
treasurer, and Mr. Skeels remained as editor. Early in the eighties 
O. W. Cutler acquired a controlling interest in the company stock and 
continued in the management of the business until 1895, when Ered 
W. Corson became an equal partner with him. At the same time the 
plant and papers of the Lockport Sun Company were taken into the 
Union Company. In Eebruary, 1896, Mr. Cutler's interest was ac- 
quired by Walter P. Home, and in July, 1897, the business was incor- 
porated and the present organization effected as follows : Walter P. 
Home, president ; Ered W. Corson, treasurer and manager ; George S. 
Palmer, secretary. 

The Lockport Daily Sun, referred to above, was founded by Messrs. 
M. H. Hoover and Ered Relyea, June 19, 1891. The plant was located 
on Market street. After the paper had been published a few months 
Mr. Relyea between two days quietly slipped away and has never since 
returned. On May 30, 1892, the paper and plant passed into the hands 
of Democratic politicians, under the company name of the Sun Print- 
ing and Publishing Company, William C. Greene, president ; E. H. 
Pomroy, secretary ; A. E. Hoyt, treasurer and managing editor, and 




FRHU W. COkSON, 



123 

C. N. Seabury, business manager. It was proving to be a most suc- 
cessful party rival of the Democratic Lockport Daily Union, and that 
concern thought it policy to buy up the Sun, and subsequently did so, 
as related above. 

On May i, 1827, M. Cadwallader began the publication of the Ni- 
agara Courier, and was succeeded for a short time by George Reese, 
who sold to Hon. T. T. Flagler. Under his direction the paper was 
successful. In 1843 it was purchased by Crandall & Brigham, who 
transferred it to David S. Crandall. In 1847 he began the issue of a 
daily, the first of a permanent character in the village. In 1851 the es- 
tablishment was sold to C. L. Skeels and John Williams. In 1846 
Robert H, Stevens began the publication of the Niagara Cataract, 
which he soon sold to Humphrey & Fox ; they were succeeded by 
Charles J. Fox, who continued until June, 1851, when Moses C. Rich- 
ardson, who had been for three preceding years editorially associated 
\\ith the Courier, purchased the plant of the Cataract for the purpose 
of using the material on a Free Soil paper. With additions to the 
material he started the Lockport Journal in June, 1851. The paper 
was liberally received, and in 1852. at the solicitation of his friends, 
Mr. Richardson began publishing the Lockport Dail)^ Journal. It was 
an up-hill struggle for a few years, on account of the limited population 
of the district. In 1852 Cornelius Underwood, a practical printer, ac- 
quired an interest in the business. He had no capital and was soon 
discouraged with his prospects and retired. Mr. Richardson continued 
alone and in 1853 introduced the first power printing press to the vil- 
lage. In November, 1854, the establishment was nearly ruined by 
the great fire. Undismayed, Mr. Richardson purchased new material 
and continued the issue of the paper, and in course of time the estab- 
lishment was placed upon a secure basis. In the year (185 1) that 
Skeels and Williams purchased the Niagara Courier, as before stated, 
S. S. Pomroy assumed its editorship, and in 1855 became its-owner. In 
1857 John G. Freeman acquired an interest in the office and a little 
later became sole owner. The Courier and the Journal now occupied 
substantially the same political field and the friends of each urged a 
consolidation. Accordidgly in February, 1859, the two were united 
by the firm of Richardson & Freeman, the daily issue being called the 



124 

Journal and Courier, and the weekly the Niagara Intelligencer. The 
name of the weekly was afterwards changed to the Niagara Journal, 
and the daily to the Lockport Daily Journal. In 1861 Mr. Freeman 
snkl his interest to A. Holly, who a few months later sold to James 
W. Barker. On the night of May 3, 1863, the establishment was de- 
stroyed by fire, causing a heavy loss. The proprietors then purchased 
the lot on which the Journal building was erected. New materials were 
purchased and the paper prospered more than before. In July, 1864, 
Mr. Barker sold his interest to M. C. Richardson, who continued sole 
proprietor, and in 1869 erected the present Journal building. In 1870 
Joseph A. Ward purchased a quarter interest in the establishment and 
became business manager. In the spring of 1871 Willard A. Cobb, 
for several years previous proprietor of the Dunkirk Journal, pur- 
chased of Mr. Richardson a quarter interest and became associate editor 
of the paper. 

Messrs. Ward & Cobb purchased Mr. Richardson's interest in the 
plant in 1880, and since that time they have been and still are sole pro- 
prietors of the Journal. 

While the firm's interests are mutual, Mr. Ward has special charge of 
the business department. Mr. Ward was formerly connected with the 
Niagara County National Exchange Bank of Lockport and has always 
enjoyed the reputation of being an unusually successful business man. 

Hon. Willard A. Cobb, one of the owners of the Lockport Journal, 
was born in Rome, N. Y., was educated in Rome Academy and Ham- 
ilton College, graduating from the latter institution in 1864. He im- 
mediately entered upon editorial work, first as a reporter on the 
Chicago Post, and afterwards as associate editor of the Racine Advo- 
cate, city editor of the Utica Morning Herald, editor of the Dunkirk 
Journal, associate editor and finally editor-in-chief of the Lockport 
Journal. Aside from his editorial labor Mr. Cobb has been active in 
the political field, served his district two years on the Republican State 
Committee, and has frequentl}' been a delegate to Republican State 
and local conventions. In 1879 he made an extensive tour of Europe 
contributing interesting letters to his journal. Mr. Cobb was a member 
of the State Board of Regents from 1884 to 1893 when he resigned 




JOSEPH A. WAKD. 




WILLARU A. COBB. 



^ 



125 

from that body to accept a place upon the State Civil Service Com- 
mission, to which he was appointed by Governor Morton. He was sub- 
sequently appointed president of that commission. 

Mr. Cobb has at this present time been engaged in journalism for up- 
wards of thirty years. He is generally recognized as one of the ablest 
and most forcible editorial writers in the Empire State. 

The Lockport Niagaraii. — The first issue of a weekly publication 
established by Messrs. George S. Gooding, Quincey G. T. Parker and 
Homer I). Upson, was printed on March 7, 1891. It entered the sea 
ot newspaperdom with about si.x hundred subscribers. Its subscription 
price was fifty cents per annum. It was a five-column, four page 
sheet devoted entirely to local news — independent Republican in poli- 
tics. Within a month after it was started Mr. Upson withdrew from 
the partnership and Messrs. Gooding and Parker continued the publica- 
tion together for one year, then Mr. Parker sold his interest in the paper 
to Mr. Gooding, who enlarged it to the regulation size, six column 
folio, and continued to so publish it for two years. During these two 
years Mr. Gooding branched out into the job printing business. He 
met with excellent success and found that job printing in Lockport was 
more remunerative than publishing a weekly newspaper, so at the be- 
ginning of Vol. IV. of the Niagaran he reduced it to a four-column 
monthly publication and so issued it for one }-ear. Then it was discon- 
tinued. From a small outfit in an upper room in the brick building 
corner of Lock and Ontario streets, b)' earnest efforts and perseverance 
Mr. Gooding built up a good printing business, and added to the plant 
until he had one of the finest and best equipped ofifices in the city. In 
January, 1896, he sold his office, then located on the ground floor at 
No. 39 Pine street, McRae block, to VV. H. Mackenzie. Later in the 
year Mr. Mackenzie sold the plant to Adolph Laux, who removed it to 
his bookbinding establishment, No. 22 Main street, where it remains. 

The Lockport Daily Review was first issued on March 27, 1895, s"<J 
was started by six members of the printing business, namel)' : John M. 
Smith, R. C. Wilson, J W. Jenss, F. H. Fogal, Eugene Kearns and T. 
T. Feeley. The Review, contrary to predictions, steadily gained in 
favor, and to day stands as one of the best papers in Western New 



126 

York. In size it is a four-page, eight columns. The Review was 
started on the co operative plan, but after a year it was changed to an 
incorporated body. Dr. E. W. Gantt was the editor- in chief from its 
conception until July 12, 1896, when he resigned. The Review is 
independent in politics and its motto, " Lockport first, last, and all the 
time," is strictly lived up to. The plant now occupies two floors of the 
Van Wagoner building, and a good job plant is run in connection with 
the paper. 

The Niagara Semi- Weekly Review, published Wednesday and Sat- 
urday, is an off shoot of the daily. It was started a year ago and has 
now a large circulation. The present officers and equal stockholders of 
the company are: President, John M. Smith; vice-president, R. C. 
Wilson ; secretary-treasurer, J. W. Jenss ; manager, T. T. Feeley ; 
John Tierney, John Berry and George S.Gooding. Brief sketches of 
several newspaper editors and publishers, connected with the Lockport 
press, may be found in Tart II of this work 

Lockport was without local banking facilities until 1 828, in which 
year the bank of Lockport was organized and incorporated. The 
Lockport Bank and Trust Company and the Canal Bank were organ- 
ized about the year 1838 ; the Western Bank in 1850, and the Cataract 
Bank in 1862. The Lockport City Bank was incorporated in 1858 and 
continued in business until 1866. These institutions supplied financial 
accommodations to the place for longer or shorter periods, but all long 
ago passed out of existence. 

The National Exchange Bank was incorporated as a State institution 
in 1844, and was changed to a national bank in 1865. The capital is 
$150,000. The institution has been managed most judiciously and 
for the best interests of the community. The present officers are as 
follows: Timothy E. Ellsworth, president; C. M. Van Valkenburgh, 
vice-president; William E. McComb, cashier. These with John R. 
Redfield, Joseph A. Ward, and John E. Pound constitute the board of 
directors. 

The First National Bank was organized in December, 1865, with 
capital of $200,000. George W. Bowen was the first president, and 
John O. Noxen the first cashier. It was subsequently changed to the 



127 

Merchants' Bank, as a State institution, and closed its career in Octo- 
ber, 1893, in the hands of a receiver. 

The Niagara County National Bank was organized December 6, 
1864, with a capital of $150,000. The first officers were Thomas T. 
Flagler, president; Daniel A. Van Valkenburgh, vice-president; James 
R. Compton, cashier. The present officers are as follows: T. T. 
Flagler, president; T. E. Ellsworth, vice president; J. R. Compton, 
cashier; T. T. Flagler, T. K. Ellsworth, T. X. Van Valkenburgh, H. 
H. Flagler, Charles M. Van Valkenburgh, Ransom Scott and D. Van 
Shuler, directors. 

The Farmers' and Mechanics' Savings Bank was chartered May 11, 
1870. The first officers were Jason Collier, president; Silas Osgood 
and John Hodge, vice-presidents; Edward Voke, secretary and treas- 
urer; George C. Green, attorney. The bank was opened for business 
August I, 1870. In the following December a lot was purchased and 
a building thereon was remodeled for banking purposes. The present 
officers of the company are as follows : Isaac H. Babcock, president; 
Benjamin F. Gaskill, first vice-president; David D. Crosby, second 
vice-president; J, P2. Emerson, secretary and treasurer; Barnett D. 
Hall, Willard T. Ransom, B. F. Gaskill. Harrison S. Chapman, Isaac 
H. Babcock, J. E. Emerson, David D. Crosby, E. Achley Smith, 
George H. Moody, William A. Williams, Charles A. Hoag, Henry 
Grigg, Joseph Dumvillc, jr., directors. The bank has a surplus of 
$138,987.10. 

The Lockport Banking Association, composed of several prominent 
citizens, began business as a private banking institution April 8, 1882. 
It has gone out of business. 

The banking office of S. Curt Lewis was opened for business in May, 
1876, and has continued to the present time. 

Churches. — The first house of worship built in the village of Lock- 
port was the log meeting house of the Society of PViends ; it cost $300 
and stood on the lot now bounded by Main, Market and Elm streets, 
containing two acres, which was purchased for $24. Under the regu- 
lation of the Holland Company this religious society was entitled to a 
donation of one hundred acres of land for building the first church in 
the town. The society, however, declined the donation, on the ground 



128 

that it would act as a payment for preaching, to wliich they were op- 
posed. 

The First Presbyterian church was organized chiefly through the ef- 
forts of Rev. David M. Smith, who was instaHed pastor of the church in 
Lewiston in 1817. The society which had been organized at Lockport 
was taken in charge of the Niagara Presbytery in 1823, when there were 
twenty- nine members. A small church was built on the court house 
square and the society availed itself of the offer of the Holland Company, 
which had been declined by the Society of Friends, and selected a tract 
of land two miles south of the city which was afterwards sold for $1,000 
and the money used for the building. The first settled pastor was Rev. 
Abatus Kent, who began his service early in 1823. Within the next 
few years the membership greatly increased, and in 1830 the society 
built a brick church on the corner of Ontario and Church streets, the 
site of their later edifice. In 1832 the membership had reached 355. 
l^etween 1834 and 1838 two distinct elements were developed in the 
society which it seemed impossible to harmonize The disagreement 
culminated in the minority asking letters to form another church, which 
were granted, and the\' organized the First Congregational church. 
Under the long pastorate of Rev. William C. Wisner, who began in 
May, 1842, the congregation was most prosperous and outgrew the old 
church. In 1855 the present spacious edifice was erected on the site, 
(iardner Memorial chapel, in rear of the church, was built and dedicat- 
ed in 1890. 

On the 13th of April, 18 16, John Uptold, a missionary from the Ham- 
ilton Baptist Missionary Society, visited the vicinity of Lockport, where 
five believers in that faith met and formed the nucleus of a church; the 
society was regularly organized with twelve members in March, 1817. 
In the next month the name Cambria Baptist church was adopted and 
Samuel Alvord was licensed to preach. During a number of years the 
meetings were held in divers places; the first one held in Lockport was 
on December 6, 1824, when the membership was about fifty. On the 
30th of July, 1825, the name of the church was changed to the Lock- 
port Baptist church. A committee to select a site for a church edifice 
was appointed in August, 1825, but the work was postponed several 



129 

years. In 1833 ^ stone church was erected on Pine street, costing 
about $5,000. Discord was caused in this society a httle prior to 1850 
through the lectures of a Mr. Miller on the second advent and their 
acceptance by the church pastor, Rev. Elon Galusha. The trouble 
culminated in 185 i, the church withdrew the hand of fellowship from a 
part of the members, gave letters to the remainder and soon afterward 
disbanded. At a meeting held in November of the same year a portion 
of those holding letters, about thirty, organized themselves under the 
name of the Second Baptist church of Lockport, with Rev. S. R. Mason, 
pastor. The society now became more harmonious and the member- 
ship increased. In 1867, i^ having become necessary to have larger 
accommodations, measures were adopted for building a new church. 
The site of the present edifice was purchased and the building erected. 
The reorganization mentioned was void in law and in order to properly 
transact business the name of the society was changed by legislative act 
April 23, 1867, to the Baptist church of Lockport. 

In the year 18 16 Rev. Daniel Shepardson traveled through Western 
New York and during his journeys he preached Methodism about 
once a month in the school house two and a half miles east of Lockport, 
and also near Warren's Corners. In 1823 Lockport was included in 
the Buffalo and Lewiston circuit, and in October of that year a society 
was incorporated with Samuel Leonard, Austin Atchinson, Ira Smith, 
Peter Aiken, William Hattan and Laban Smith, trustees. This cor- 
poration was subsequently dissolved, but a reorganization was effected 
April 30, 1827. A small church building was erected in 1824, on 
what is now Genesee street, between Pine and Cottage. This building 
was soon enlarged to accommodate the increasing congregation, but it 
ere long became inadequate and the site now owned by the society was 
purchased. A new edifice was completed in 1833 at a cost of about 
$10,000. Agitation of the slavery question caused a division in the 
church in 1840, and a second organization was made, which continued 
until 1846, when the dissenters disbanded and its members united with 
the former society. In 1854 the church edifice was burned; the society 
was in debt and only about $7,000 could be raised toward building an- 
other. After prolonged and discouraging labor, however, the new 

house of worship was completed in 1857 ^^ ^^ "*^^^ stands. 
17 



130 

The church edifice of St. John the Baptist (Roman Catholic) was 
commenced in August, 1834, on land donated by Edward Bissell and 
Joel McCollum ; Lyman A, Spalding gave the church another lot which 
was sold for its benefit. The edifice was completed at a great deal of 
sacrifice and was enlarged to its later size prior to 1842. A stone house 
was also built for the pastoral residence. The initial steps toward build- 
ing a new church were taken in 1856, and during the pastorate of 
Father Gleason, beginning in i860, the edifice was erected. In 1866 
the bishop opened the old church, which had been occupied by the 
Sisters ; they removed to the land purchased for iheir school on Church 
street. Under the pastorate of Father Byrnes, beginning in 1867, the 
old church was improved and made suitable for services. It is still in 
use by the St. John's society. Rev. M. J. Darcy has been pastor of 
this church for the past twenty years, and under him the edifice was 
completed in its present form. A successful parochial school is main- 
tained in a building adjoining the church St. Patrick's society was 
organized and the church erected in 1856, but was completed in its 
present form under the pastorate of Rev. P. J. Cannon, who has served 
more than twenty years. The German Catholic parish of St. Mary's 
was organized in i860 and used first a frame church in Buffalo street; 
this was superseded in 1885 by the present brick structure. 

The First Free Congregational church of Lockport was organized 
June 7, 1838. The word "Free" indicates the convictions which the 
church held respecting the question of slavery. The first house of 
worship was dedicated July 23, 1840, on the site of the present building. 
It was destroyed by fire November 2, 1854. On October 15, 1857, the 
present stone structure was dedicated. The following have been the 
pastors and supplies of the church :" 

Rev. William Bacon, 1838-41; Rev. W. Rosevelt, 1841-42; Rev. William Curry, 
:843-44;Rev. Edgar Perkins, 1844-49; Rev. Edward W. Oilman, 1849-56; Rev. J. D. 
Potter, Rev. F. W. Brauns and others supplies during 1857; Rev. Joseph I.. Ben- 
nett, 1857-1871 ; Rev. James W. Cooper, 1871-78 ; Rev. Ezra Tinker supplied for 
one year. Rev. Edward B. Furbish, 1879-89; Rev. J. W. Bailey, 1890-97. 

The pastor, Rev. John W. Bailey, was born in Galesburg, 111., No- 
vember 25, 1854. In 1875 he graduated from Blackburn University, 
Carlinville, 111. From the same institution three years later he received 
the degree of A. M. After graduating he entered a business house in 



131 

Alton, 111., in the capacity of bookkeeper. After this he was appointed 
principal of one of the ward schools in Alton, and later became the 
superintendent of public schools in Carlinville, 111. He entered Lane 
Theological Seminary at Cincinnati, O., graduating in 1882, and was 
immediately ordained by the Presbytery of Columbus, O. He then 
accepted a call to the pastorate of the First Presbyterian church in 
Cambridge City, Ind. In 1886 he was called to the First Congrega- 
tional church in West Rutland, Vt., and in 1890 accepted a call to 
become the pastor of the First Congregational church in Lockport, 
which position he still holds in 1897. 

What was formerly the Second Presbyterian church of Lockport 
(now the Second Ward Presbyterian), was organized June 5, 1832. 
The society worshiped about five years in a building on Market 
street. In 1836 trouble arose in the church through the alleged 
teaching by the pastor (Rev. Samuel Beaman) of certain doctrines 
of perfectionism, and in February, 1837, the Presbytery of Niagara 
prescribed some articles of faith to test the soundness of the church. 
Only seven persons, six of whom were women, subcribed to them, 
and these seven were then declared to be the church. Mr. Beaman 
soon removed to New York city. The stone church on Van Buren 
street cost about $5,000 and was dedicated January 8, 1838. In De- 
cember, 1846, the name was changed, the church property was sold 
for debt and bought by a member of the society for $900. The 
society has passedthrough periods of great trial, but is now in better 
condition. 

The Clinton Street Methodist church was organized October 16, 
1855, when the following were appointed stewards: D. W. Ballon, W. 
R. Ford, D. B. Ingraham, J, McDonald, D. Thurber. Work upon the 
church edifice was soon begun and it was finished in 1856 at a cost of 
$4,000. It is still in use. 

Missionaries of the Universalist faith first preached in Lockport about 
1835. The first minister here of whom there is a record was Rev. Job 
Potter, who preached in the winter of 1836-7, holding meetings in the 
court house. A society was organized at about that time under the 
name of the First Universalist Society of Lockport, but interest flagged 
and regular preaching was soon abandoned. In the summer of 1841 



132 

Rev. Charles Hammond, of Rochester, came to Lockport determined 
to form an active society. Meetings were held in the court house and 
in a hired hall, and were largely attended. On April ii, 1842,3 
society was organized with the following trustees: Daniel A. Van 
Valkenburgh, Harlow V. Wood, Samuel C. Stevens, David S. Crandall, 
Stephen B. Ballou, Abial Eastman. Preparations for building a church 
were begun, a lot was bought, corner of Church and Ontario streets, 
and between that time and the fall of 1843 the building was finished 

In May, 1877, certain persons met in the southeastern part of the 
city for consultation regarding religious aft'airs in that section. As a 
result the South Street school house was obtained and there Rev. E. P. 
Marvin preached in the Presbyterian faith for one year. In October the 
congregation purchased that school house, and in the following month 
the Calvary Religious Society was organized. Soon afterward the 
building was enlarged fifty feet in its length. On May 5, 1878, the 
society was regularly organized as Calvary Presbyterian church. 

The Free Methodist church was organized in 1862, with twenty- five 
members. Rev. C. D. Brooks was the first pastor. Meetings were 
held in dwellings and halls until 1866, when the house of worship was 
completed. 

The First Evangelical Lutheran church was organized in 1837, with 
about one hundred members and Rev. John Selsmer, pastor. In 1838 
a brick edifice was built on West Main street. This was occupied until 
1850, when the present church was erected. St. Peter's German United 
Evangelical church was organized in 1862, and in the following year a 
church edifice was built on the corner of Locust and South streets. It 
is still used by this society. 

The East Avenue Congregational church has a handsome brick edifice 
erected in 1890-91. The society was organized previous to that time 
and until the church was erected worshiped in a hall. The society is 
an offshoot of the First Free Congregational Society. 

The German Evangelical Lutheran Trinity church was organized and 
built its edifice, corner of Saxton and Lagrange streets, about two years 
ago. Rev. Arthur Michel is pastor. 

The colored people of Lockport have a religious organization in the 
A. M. E. United church, with a church building on South street. 



133 

The Protestant Episcopal CJiiirch in Niagara Co7i7ity} — The begin- 
ning of religious work in the county of Niagara, N. Y., by the Episco- 
pal church, dates from 1823. At that time faithful and self sacrificing 
men, sent by the General Board of Missions of the Diocese of New 
York, are found ministering at the then two most promising settlements 
in the county — Lockport and Lewiston. From these centers occasional 
ministrations were given to Royalton and Manchester (now Niagara 
Falls). At that time and up to 1838 the entire State of New York 
comprised one diocese under the title, "Diocese of New York." At 
the time this history begins the diocese of New York was under the 
Episcopal care of its third bishop, the Rt. Rev. John Henry Hobart, 
D.D., who died September 10, 1830; he was succeeded November 26, 
1830, by the Rt Rev. Benjamin Tredwell Onderdonk, S. T. D.; re- 
signed in 1852. Since the year 1868 the State of New York has com- 
prised five dioceses. The first to be set off from the parent diocese was 
the diocese of Western New York, organized in 1838. It comprises 
the counties of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, 
Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Steuben, 
Wayne, Wyoming and Yates, in the State of New York. Square miles, 
11,345. First bishop, the Rt. Rev. William Heathcote De Lancey, 
D.D., LL.D., D.C.L., born October 8, 1797. Consecrated May 9, 
1839. Died April 5, 1865. Second bishop, the Rt. Rev. Arthur 
Cleveland Coxe, D.D , LL.D. Consecrated January 4, 1865. Died 
July 20, 1896. Present bishop, Rt. Rev. William D. Walker, D.D., 
LL.D., D.C.L. 

A detailed history of the Episcopal church in this county is best told 
by an account of the several parishes in the order of their establish- 
ment. 

It was on the 23d of February, 1829, that a number of men desirous 
of maintaining the services of the church, having had for a short time 
the ministrations of the Rev. Burton H. Hickox, organized themselves 
into a society under the title of "The Minister, Wardens and Vestry- 
men of Grace Church of Lockport." This, it will be observed, was a 

' Prepared for this work by Rev. George F. Rosenmuller. of Niagara Falls. As this history 
of the Episcopal church covers the whole county and is continuous, it is deemed advisable not to 
divide it among the several towns in which the churches are situated, as is done with other de- 
nominations. 



134 

month before the village of Lockport was incorporated. The organ- 
ization lapsed, owing probably to its inability to maintain the stated 
services regularly. 

In the Convention Journal of the Diocese of New York for the year 
ending October i, 1830, the Rev. Lucius Smith, then rector of St. 
John's church, Ratavia, says : " Held one service in Lower Lockport, 
where the service was performed for the first time, and where there 
is great solicitude expressed for a clergyman of our church, to whom 
a liberal compensation would be paid for his services." Unfortunately 
the date of this service is not given, but the probability appears to be 
that it was held in the summer of 1830. 

In February, 1 83 1, the Rev. David Brown, of Albany, settled in 
Lower Lockport ; on August 19 of the same year he presented six 
persons for confirmation to Bishop Onderdonk, who on the same occa- 
sion laid the corner stone of the old Christ church, on its present site, 
corner of Market and Vine streets. The parish was organized, it is 
stated, in April, 1831, but the certificate of incorporation is dated Sep- 
tember 28, 1832. In October, 1833, it was admitted into union with 
the diocese. The church — of the old meeting-house style of architec- 
ture — had been finished for some time when on August 18 of that 
year Bishop Onderdonk consecrated it. It was but a few months after 
this that the Rev. Mr. Brown left Lockport to go to Florida, and was 
succeeded, July 26, 1834, by the Rev. Orange Clark The parish was 
burdened with debt, discouraged, but under the new rector made rapid 
strides in prosperity and growth. 

This brings us back to Grace church. How long the first organiza- 
tion mentioned at the outset continued, we have no means of knowing ; 
as said before, it lapsed. But the church people of Upper Lockport 
resolved on a second effort, and by the kind assistance of the new rector 
of Christ church, who presided at the meeting, they formed a parish 
ever since known as Grace church. This was February 9, 1835, ^" "the 
long room over George H. Boughton's store," which was their place of 
worship for some time after, until a wooden church, 35 by 56 feet, 
erected on the corner of Buffalo and Saxton streets, was ready to re- 
ceive the growing congregation. It was on August 12, 1838, that 
Bishop Onderdonk, on what proved to be his last visitation, consecrated 



135 

the new church, and afterward went to Christ church to advance to the 
priesthood the Rev. Ebenezer H. Cressey, rector of that parish. 

Thus were the two parishes organized, provided with houses of wor- 
ship, and started on their career of usefulness side by side. " Upper 
Town" and " Lower Town" were almost two distinct places, and in the 
course of the next thirty years the latter seemed to become more and 
more the center of the wealth, and of the business and social life in 
Lockport. Since then the process has again been reversed, and to day 
old Market Street, with its quaint and stately look, "speaks of the past 
more than the future. 

It is eminently fitting in this connection to record the names of those 
who in each of these parishes labored as clergymen, and as prominent 
laymen in their time. The roll of rectors and minister in charge for 
Christ church is as follows: 

Rev. David Brown, 1831-1833; Rev. Orange Clark, 1834-1836; Rev. Russell 
Wheeler, 1836-1837; Rev. Ebenezer H. Cressey, 1837-1841; Rev. Origen P. Hoi— 
comb, 1841-1843; Rev. Erastus B. Foote, 1843-1845; Rev. Henry Stanley, 1846-1849; 
Rev. Orlando F. Starkey, 1849-1855; Rev. Andrew Mackie, 1856-1857; Rev. I. Foote 
and Rev. E. R. Welles, 1858-1859; Rev. Martin Moody, 1859-1860; Rev. Albert 
Lewis, 1861-1863; Rev. James Abercrombie, D. D., 1863-1874; Rev. Frederick S. 
Hyde, 1874-1877; Rev. George W. Southwell, 1877-1888; Rev. C. Graham Adams, 
D. D., 1889-1890; Rev. John H. Perkins, 1890-1894; Rev. William F. Faber, 1894- 

The rectors of Grace church have been the following : 

Rev. Beardsley Northrup, 1835-1836; Rev. George Denison, 1837-1841; Rev. 
I.loyd Wmdsor, 1842-1846; Rev. Charles H. Piatt, 1846-1849; Rev. William A. 
Matson, D, D., 1860-1866; Rev. Lawrence S. Stevens, 1866-1870; Rev. Charles G. 
Gilbert, Ph. D., 1870-1875; Rev. Foster Ely, 1875-1885; Rev. Charles W. Camp, 
1885-1893; Rev. William F. Faber, 1893- » 

* William Frederick Faber was born at Buffalo, N. Y., Februarj' -27, 18()0, of German parent- 
age; and after four years at .St. Peter's parochial school, attended the public and the High School, 
graduating from the latter at the age of si.xteen. He entered the University of Rochester where 
he made a specialty of linguistic studies, taking his degree of Hachelor of Arts in the class o^ 
1880. Three years later he graduated from Auburn Theological Seminary. In April, 1882, he was 
licensed to preach, after examination by the Presbytery of Buffalo, and by the same body was 
ordained to the Presbyterian ministry July 8, 1883. After spending a short time in city mission 
work in Buffalo, he went in November, 1883, to Westfield, N. Y., as pastor of the First Presby- 
terian church of that place. Here he remained over nine years, this being his first and only Presby- 
terian pastorate. 

In December, 1892, Mr. Faber, after long study and retiection, felt it his duty to enter the Epis- 
copal church, and became a candidate for Holy Orders under the late Rt. Rev. Bishop Co.xe, by 
whom he was made deacon at Geneva, May 28, 1893, and advanced to the priesthood at Lockport, 
May 20, 1894. For eight months he served as assistant to the rector of St. Peter's, Geneva, the late 
Rev. James Rankine, D. D., LL.D, when he was called to the rectorship of Grace church. Lock- 



136 

To follow in detail the history of each parish would require more 
space than is available. 

The first wardens of Christ church were Edward W. Raymond and 
Dr. Josiah K. Skinner; the first vestrymen, Nathan Dayton, Henry 
Walbridge, Lot Clark, Seymour Scovell, Edward Bissell, Leverett Bis- 
sell, Joel McCollum, and George Fields. There seems to have been no 
parish register kept by the first rector. The first recorded marriage is 
that of Washington Hunt (afterward governor of New York) and Mary 
Walbridge, November 20, 1834. Mr, Hunt was confirmed in 1841, 
and continued to the last his benefactions and personal devotion to the 
parish, which his widow, now resident in New York, still maintains with 
unabated affection. The first list of communicants, made in 1835, con- 
tained thirty-eight names, among them that of George W. Merchant, 
since become famous as the founder of Merchant's Gargling Oil Company. 

Mr. Cressey's rectorship of four years is spoken of as one of great 
prosperity. The number of communicants rose to sixty seven. 

A church school for girls was founded, of which Bishop De Lancey 
spoke with enthusiasm. Prominent men were confirmed. It was dur- 
ing this rectorship that the diocese had been divided. Rev. William 
H. De Lancey, D.D., being chosen at Geneva, November i, 1838, as 
first bishop of Western New York 

In 1848 a new communicant list was made, which contained only six 
of the thirty- eight names of the list of 1835, the whole number now 
being seventy. This fact may serve to show the fluctuating character 
of the population in those early days. 

The rectorship of Rev. Orlando F. Starkey is noteworthy as being 
that in which the present church was erected. Mr. Starkey had felt 
the need of a new edifice, and during his travels abroad he " got his 
mind full of what he would like." The project seemed utterly visionary 
to the people, but Grace parish was just erecting its handsome stone 
church, and so, after some agitation, a committee circulated a subscrip- 

port, enterinif upon his duties December 1, 1803. The happiness of this congenial rehition and 
encouraging work was soon clouded by the untimely death of his wife, Dorethea J. K. Faber, on 
February 11, 189.5. 

Mr. Faber has published three small volumes of sermons under the title "Thoughts for 
Thought" (188()). "The Church for the Times (1891) and "Nobiscum Deus: The Gospel of the In- 
carnation" (1898); as well as a number of articles in the Andover Review and the Reformed Quar- 
terly Review. 



137 

tion, and a building committee consisting of the rector with Messrs. 
James Denniston, William Norman, John Boiis and John Craine went 
to work. The result we know. November i6, 1854, Bishop De Lancey 
consecrated the beautiful Gothic church, whose erection excited so much 
comment and even ridicule in a generation as yet unaccustomed to 
churchly architecture. The cost of the building was $6,000. 

The period which followed witnessed a retrograde movement, until 
1 86 1, when under Revs. A. C. Lewis, James Abercrombie, D.D , and 
F. S. Hyde, great numbers were baptized and confirmed, the commun- 
icant list in 1877 numbering (in spite of many removals) no. Dr. 
Abercrombie is remembered with grateful affection as the rector of 
longest incumbency up to that time, and as the builder of the rectory. 

The efficient and faithful pastorate of Rev. G. W. Southwell extended 
over eleven years. He witnessed the progress of the decline of Lower- 
town, and foresaw that the movement of population and of business 
would continue to be unfavorable to that part of the city ; but he 
labored on and brought the parish up in many important respects. The 
last work he undertook and brought to completion was the building of 
a parish house in 1888, at a cost of $2,200, of which $900 was a legacy 
left by Mrs. Walbridge and $500 a gift by Mrs. Mary H. Hunt. 

In November, 1894, the parish being vacant, the vestry asked the 
rector of Grace church to take charge of the work, and in the following 
year elected him rector. June i, 1896, the Rev. G Sherman Burrows 
came as vicar of Christ church and assistant at Grace church, the two 
parishes being bound together in this way under one head and deriving, 
it is hoped, a greater efficiency and moral strength from such union. 
At the present time, January, 1897, there is a list of eighty communi- 
cants and a Sunday school of about sixty. The wardens are Joseph 
Dumville and John Hawkes ; the vestrymen Joseph Bewley, Martin L. 
Stevenson, John Drew, Richard Bewley, Hon. Charles Peterson and 
Jesse H. Clark. The property consisting of church, parish house and 
rectory, all of stone, is valued at $13,000. There is no debt. 

The first entry on the parish register of Grace church is that of the 
baptism of Emma Hickox and Caroline Hart Boughton, children of Mr. 
and Mrs. George H. Boughton. The date is June 28, 1832. The 
burial of the former of these two children is entered October 25, 1832. 

18 



138 

These entries give conclusive evidence of the existence of the parish, at 
least in outward organization, for three years after the first corporation 
was formed, and within three years of the second and permanent 
organization. 

The first wardens after the reorganization, February 9, 1835, were 
Edward W. Raymond and John Bagley. The first vestrymen were 
Hezekiah Thomas, Lathrop Fellows, Edward I. Chase, Elias Ransom, 
jr., Alexander Ralston, John S. Shuler, Stephen B. Bond and George 
Boughton. 

Severe struggles marked those early years. Trinity church, New 
York, whose benefactions aided so many young parishes in the State, 
had given Christ church $1,000 toward its building, but was appealed 
to in vain for help in erecting the wooden "Grace church" on Saxton 
street in 1836. The necessary $4,000 were raised among themselves, 
and soon the building had to be enlarged. Again they outgrew it, 
and now a conference was held between the vestries of the two parishes 
as to the feasibility of joining in the erection of a suitable church for 
both congregations. That was in 1847. The first overtures came 
from Christ church. After a full and very friendly interview it ap- 
peared impracticable to unite, the obvious difficulty being a suitable 
location. So the question of a parish church for Upper Town was still 
pending, and became daily more urgent. The Rev. Charles H. Piatt 
was a man of energy and practical leadership. His name will be for- 
ever honored as that of the rector who built the present Grace church 
on a scale worthy of the growing parish and city. The enterprise was 
undertaken in 1852; May 2, 1853, the corner stone was laid, on the 
new site, Genesee and Cottage streets ; two years, nearly, the church 
was in building; August 12, 1857, it was consecrated by Bishop De 
Lancey, the last indebtedness being paid. It was a great work, and 
the history was one of severe struggle, of many discouragements, of 
genuine heroic faith. Gillet Bacon, George W. Davis, S. Caverno 
were the subscription committee ; Solomon Parmlee, Daniel A. Van 
Valkenburgh, George W. Davis the building committee. The cost far 
exceeded the original sum contemplated, $12,500, though we have no 
means at present of ascertaining the exact amount. The old church 
was sold to the German congregation of Roman Catholics, and as "St. 



139 

Mary's" continued until 1885, when it was removed to make way for a 
new brick church. The thirteen years of Mr. Piatt's rectorship were 
years of intense effort and activity, and of corresponding progress in 
numbers and in all other ways. 

The next rector, Dr. Matson, inaugurated the movement to secure a 
rectory, which, under his successor, Rev. L. S. Stevens, was realized 
in the purchase of a house on Pine street at a cost of $7,000. 

Dr. Gilliat's rectorship is worthy of remembrance, among other things 
for the beginning of a project long in abeyance, "the building of a 
free church or chapel in the southeastern part of the city." 

The Rev. Foster Ely, D.D., secured not only large additions to the 
membership of the parish, but very extensive repairs and improvements 
to the church, beautiful and churchly furnishings, without which we of 
to-day should hardly recognize the interior of Grace church as the same 
place. He also founded the "Guild," whose work has been invaluable 
from that day to this, through whose hands have passed in twenty 
years more than $24,000, largely spent in building improvements, re- 
pairs and additions to the church property. 

During the rectorship of Rev. C. W. Camp the splendid parish build- 
ing was erected at a cost of $12,000, and a fund secured for a fine 
Hutchings organ, costing some $6,000. This necessitated other 
changes in the chancel ; a large vested choir was introduced, and the 
entire interior of the church redecorated. The last improvements 
were made in the first year of the present rector. 

The parish has now some 440 communicants, and a Sunday school 
of about 260. The wardens are Hon. John E. Pound and William A. 
Williams ; the vestrymen, Hon. David Millar, C. M. Van Valkenburgh, 
Francis N. Trevor, A. H. Ivins, C. G. Sutliff, Francis P. Weaver, Hon. 
J. T. Darrison, Wallace I. Keep, Edward H. Boynton. The property 
is valued at $62,500, which includes the beginning of an endowment 
fund. 

In May, 1896, a plan was definitely formulated to obtain a chapel 
for the new and growing southeastern district of Lockport. The Hon. 
Ambrose J. Beverly learned about the situation and the project, and 
unbeknown to his rector bequeathed to the latter "$ 1,000 for his mis- 
sionary work in Lockport." On Mr. Beverly's death, June 24, 1896, 



\ 



140 

the bequest was made known, and was very kindly paid with the ut- 
most promptness, so as to be available for the erection of the chapel. 
An additional sum was freely contributed by many churchmen in 
Grace parish, and numerous memorial gifts served to furnish the place 
in a very beautiful and churchly manner. "All Saints' Chapel" at the 
corner of Walnut and Vine streets, stood complete All Saints' Day, 
1896, and was opened with the services of the church. Three weeks 
later a Sunday school was formed, which has now a membership of 135. 
The congregations at evening prayer are large. No parish organiza- 
tion is contemplated ; All Saints' is simply a "chapel- of- ease," primarily 
to furnish the services to church families living in that district. The 
property stands valued at $2,400 ; there is no debt. 

Sf. Paul's CJuirch, Lewiston, N. Y. — Lewiston, after having been 
served by missionaries of whose work no records have been kept, re- 
ceived as resident missionary the Rev. J. M. Robertson. He came un- 
der the authority of " The Education and Missionary Society of the 
Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of New York," on December 
II, 1831. The church was formally organized on January 16, 1832. 
Mr. Robertson resigned August 23, 1832, and on December i 1832, 
the Rev. Robert Davis was appointed. He left in August, 1833. 
Efforts to erect a building for worship were made by Messrs. Robertson 
and Davis, but in vain, a cloud having come over the prospects of the 
church. On November 27, 1834, the Rev. Samuel McBurney took 
charge of Lewiston and Niagara Falls ; but the church of Lewiston had 
only a nominal existence. Holy Communion was administered for the 
first time on Christmas Day, 1834, to ten persons, six only of whom 
belonged to the parish. 

On Easter Monday, April 21, 1835, ^^e wardens and vestry were 
chosen anew, for the first time since the organization of the parish. 
July 23, 1835, witnessed the laying of the corner stone of a church by 
the Rev. Henry J. Whitehouse, D. D., of Rochester. In April a Sun- 
day school was organized with about thirty scholars. 

After the retirement of Mr. McBurney in 1835, the parish was vacant 
till April, 1836, when the Rev. Rufus Murray succeeded him. Mr. 
Murray remained until August, 1845. He was followed on September 
5, 1845, t)y Rev. A, C. Treadway, who resigned in October, 1852. 
Rev. L. W. Russ labored from June 26, 1853, to February 26, 1856. 



141 

The first confirmation on record was by Bishop De Lancey on May 
6, 1856. 

Rev. J. H. Haven became rector of the parish October 13, 1861, and 
Rev. George W. Knapp, October i, 1878. Mr. Knapp retired Novem- 
ber I, 1881. Rev. John S. Seibold labored from 1882 to July, 1886, 
when he became chaplain in the U, S. Army, and was sent to Dakota. 

De Veaux College masters supplied the parish till May 5, 1887, when 
the Rev. E. Stewart-Jones, came from Niagara, Ontario, Canada, to be 
rector. Mr. Jones, after a remarkably useful and popular incum- 
bency, died on February 12, 1 890. His death was due, no doubt, to 
exposure while superintending the renewal and remodeling of the 
church. 

At the suggestion, and by the request, of Bishop Coxe, the Rev. 
James Roy, LL.D., who had been supplying Scottsville, N. Y., became 
the incumbent of the parish from May 5, 1890, to August 31, 1891. 
Dr. Roy, while engaged in educational work at Le Roy, N. Y., came to 
Lewiston during September. He was followed in 1891 by the Rev. 
John Evans, who resided at Youngstown, on the purchase of a rectory 
there. Since his time the parish has been supplied by occasional visits 
of clergymen, the weakened condition of the Lewiston congregation 
rendering the support of a rector an impossibility. 

A handful of faithful people struggle, amidst almost hopeless dis- 
couragemeut, to maintain occasional services in their beautifully ap- 
pointed little church of St. Paul's. 

St. Lukes, Royalton. — The records of St. Luke's church, Royalton, 
are of a very meager character. It first appears as a missionary sta- 
tion under the pastoral care of the missionary at Lockport. It is in 
the list of one of the three organized parishes in the diocesan reports 
of 1839. In 1840 Bishop De Lancey reports an official visit "to the 
newly organized congregation of St. Luke's church, Royalton," and 
holding a service " in the Academy." In the same year " the Rev. 
Stephen Douglass (deacon) was received into the diocese, and appoint- 
ed the missionary at Medina and Royalton." 

The report of the parish to the Convention of the Diocese was made 
this year (1840) by Rev. Ebenezer A. Cressey, rector of Christ church, 
Lockport, under whose care the parish had been, in which he says: " I 



142 

have given occasional services to this parish during the year. Divine 
service has been maintained by lay reading on the mornings of each 
Sunday, to which I have been able generally to add the evening service, 
and a sermon. One infant baptism. The communion administered 
once, at which there were present fifteen communicants." 

On the 14th of May, 1841, Bishop De Lancey made his second offi- 
cial visit to this parish, preached in the academy, and confirmed five 
persons. The bishop adds, in his report to the Convention : " On this 
day was used a form of prayer, prescribed by me under authority of 
the Canon, as suitable to the day set apart by recommendation of the 
civil authority as a day of humiliation and prayer, in reference to the 
death of the late William Henry Harrison, president of the United 
States, the deep gloom of which event was relieved by its proving an 
occasion for calling forth the religious sensibility of the nation, and re- 
vealing to many despondnnt minds how powerful still is the great un- 
der current of religion throughout our land, notwithstanding the surface 
of society is polluted by so much that is calculated to alarm and dis- 
hearten the faith and piety of the Christian." 

In the following year, 1841, the parish is reported as vacant. At the 
Convention of the Diocese held in St. Paul's church, Syracuse, Henry 
Hill is present as a deputy and presents the report of the parish, by 
the warden : " Services have been held twice on each Sunday in the 
academy, which have been regularly attended ; communicants, nine- 
teen ; Bible class and Sunday school organized." On the loth of 
July, 1843, Bishop De Lancey again visited this parish and officiated 
in the academy. 

The next parochial report is in March, 1844, by the Rev. Philemon 
E. Coe, missionary at Medina and Royalton. He reports : Twelve 
families, sixty individuals, fifteen communicants, twenty-five services 
on Sundays, one marriage. On the 8th of May, 1845, Bishop De 
Lancey preached in the Methodist chapel and confirmed three persons. 
In 1846 the missionary, the Rev. T. E. Coe, reports ten families, 
fifty individuals, fifteen communicants, eighteen services on Sundays, 
one burial. In the following year a less encouraging report is made 
by the same missionary. In 1848 Chauncy H. Whitney was present at 
the Convention of the Diocese as a deputy from this parish. In this 



143 

year the bishop again visited Royalton and officiated in the M. E. 
chapel, and again on the 9th of July, 1849, ^nd on the 17th of May, 
1850. The last record of an Episcopal visitation to this parish was 
May 30, 1854, by Bishop De Lancey, after which no reports of this 
parish appear in the diocesan journal. The parish, after a hard struggle 
for life, having lost much by removals of its members, in the year fol- 
lowing gave up its charter and ceased to exist. 

S^. Peters Church, Niagara Falls. — From an early date, up to 1840 
and afterwards, the original settlement at the Falls was known as Man- 
chester. Occasional services of the Episcopal church were held here as 
early as 1823 by the Rev. Mr. Hopkins, and by the Rev. Mr. Bennet in 
1828. 

As early as 1829 a union meeting house was built at the Falls, in 
which church services might be held from time to time, in proportion to 
the number of Episcopalians contributing to the erection of the build- 
ing. In this house Bishop Hobart, third bishop of New York, once held 
service, and there is yet preserved a Bible and prayer book which he 
presented to this first congregation. 

Of the original members of this parish, Samuel De Veaux and his 
wife Sarah were confirmed in Trinity church, New York city, April, 

1829, by the Rt. Rev. John Henry Hobart, D. D., bishop of New York. 
The first class confirmed at the Falls was by the Rt. Rev. Benjamin 

T. Onderdonk, S. T. D., who was consecrated the fourth bishop of New 
York November 26, 1830, Bishop Hobart having died September 10, 

1830. This class consisted of Mrs. Sally Woodruff, Mr. William G. 
Tuttle, Mary A. Tuttle, Abel M. Swallow, Christiance Hooker, Mary 
Merry, Christiance Hooker, second, Rachel Hooker. In January, 1829, 
the congregation of church people was organized under the legal title 
of '■ The Parish of Christ Church, Niagara Falls, N. Y.," and the fol- 
lowing officers were elected : Wardens, Messrs. Samuel De Veaux and 
Samuel Hooker ; vestrymen, Messrs Gad Pierce, Ambrose Thomas, 
Stephen Chapman, Lorin Gerington, William G. Tuttle, John Smith, 
Abel M. Swallow, Thomas Chapin. 

The population of the Falls fluctuated so much that at the end of 
1835, it is said, only one church family (Judge Samuel De Veaux) re- 
mained, and for five years after that date no church services were held. 



144 

Occasional services were held 183 1 -2 by the Rev. Dr. Shelton while 
rector of St. Paul's church, Buffalo; in 1832, by the Rev. Mr. Robinson, 
minister in charge at Lewiston ; 1833-4 by the Rev. Mr. Davis, minis- 
ter in charge at Lewiston; 1835-40 by the Rev. Mr. McBurney, rector 
of Lewiston. For a short time in the early part of 1840 '* Manchester 
(Niagara Falls) is served by the Rev. Rufus Murray of Lewiston," and 
later in the same year the Rev. George S. Porter became the " mission- 
ary at the new station of Niagara Falls and Tonawanda." 

On Sunday morning, October 4, 1840, Bishop De Lancey made his 
first visitation of this mission and officiated in the " Union Meeting 
House," and again on the i8th of May, 1841, the bishop was present, 
baptized the infant child of the missionary, the Rev. George S. Porter, 
preached, and confirmed two persons. 

The first report of this mission was made at the Diocesan Convention 
of 1 84 1 by the missionary, the Rev. George S. Porter, in which he re- 
ports nine communicants, three marriages, two burials, public services 
fifty-seven, and records his obligations for two dozen prayer books from 
the Rev. Dr. Shelton, rector of St. Paul's church, Buffalo, N. Y. Janu- 
ary I, 1842, the parish is reported vacant. 

On the 25th of July, 1843, Bishop De Lancey visited the mission, 
and preached in the Presbyterian house. In 1845 the Rev. A. C. 
Treadway, missionary at Lewiston and Niagara Falls, reports to Con- 
vention, holding a service at Niagara Falls at 4 o'clock every Sunday 
afternoon; communicants fifteen, increasing congregations; the pros- 
pects of soon having a house of worship of "our own;" generous sub- 
scriptions by several gentlemen and the gift of two lots on First street 
near Falls street, one for a church, the other for a rectory, with a sub- 
stantial subscription therefor by " a young lady," viz.: Miss Elizabeth 
Porter. 

The following year (1846) Bishop De Lancey gave his canonical con- 
sent to the organization of a parish at Niagara Falls, and the Rev. Mr. 
Treadway reports to Convention for that year, he having continued 
holding afternoon services at the Falls, as having organized a church 
there by the title of St. Peter's, and the contracting for the erection of 
a church building. 

Judge Samuel De Veaux, Mr. Telyea and others exerted themselves 



M5 

in securing subscriptions and furthering on the work. Bishop Wilh'am 
H. DeLancey, D. D., LL. D., D. C. L. (the first bishop of Western New 
York), having decided that the old organization of "Christ church" 
was now null and void, measures were taken for a new organization, 
which were perfected on the 28th day of December, 1846, in the legal 
title of "The Rector, Church Wardens and Vestrymen of St. Peter's 
church, in the Village of Niagara Falls, in the County of Niagara and 
the State of New York." The officers then elected were: Wardens, 
Messrs. Samuel De Veaux and George W. Holley, Vestrymen, Messrs. 
Christopher H. Smith, Michael Walsh, John Telyea, Abel M. Swallow, 
Hollis White, Cyrus F. Smith, Walter E. Hulett, Richard H. Woodruff. 
The church building was vigorously urged forward, so that the first 
service in the new St. Peter's church was held July 16, 1848, and at the 
time of Bishop De Lancey's visitation. The building was not entirely 
completed till March 4, 1849, when it was formally opened for divine 
service. The parish was at this time under the care of the Rev. Syl- 
vanus Reed, deacon, who remained six months, having previously en- 
gaged to go to "The Church of the Holy Innocent," Albany, when it 
should be completed. He was succeeded by the Rev. Edmund Rob- 
erts, deacon, June 15, 1850, who remained two years. Next in succes- 
sion was the Rev. Joseph M. Clark, deacon, who took charge of the par- 
ish Augusts, 1852, and who was ordained priest the following year. 
The consecration of St. Peter's church took place May 3, 1853, by the 
Rt. Rev. William H. De Lancey, D.D., LL.D.. D. C. L., bishop of 
Western New York. The Rt. Rev. the bishop of Toronto (Strachan) 
preached the consecration sermon. 

After a very useful pastorate the Rev. J. M. Clark resigned as rector 
August I, 1858. He was succeeded March 20, 1859, by the Rev. 
W. O. Jarvis, who held the rectorship until February 22, 1863. The 
Rev. O. F. Starkey having been elected to the vacant rectorship, en- 
tered upon his duties June i, 1863. His work was of a most excellent 
and substantial character and lasted till his resignation December i, 
1869. During his rectorship, and through his efforts, the brick build- 
ing adjoining St. Peter's church was purchased to be used as a school 
for young ladies. It was given the title, "The Jerauld Institute." The 
Rev. M. A. Johnson succeeded as rector February 23. 1870. In 1871 

19 



146 

the project of a new site and new church was commenced. In 1872 a 
building committee was appointed consisting of the rector and the 
Messrs. D. J. Townsend, D. R. Jerauld and S. M. N. Whitney. Mr. 
Henry Dudley of New York was chosen architect, and the new site, 
corner Second and Union streets, was purchased, and on September 
16, 1872, ground was broken for the new foundation by the rector in 
the name of the Triune God. On Ascension Day, May 22, 1873, the 
corner stone of the new church was laid by the Rt. Rev. A. Cleveland 
Coxe, D.D., LL.D., bishop of Western New York, assisted by the rector 
and a number of visiting clergy. The topmost cross of the tower was 
set in its place by the rector jn the name of the Undivided Trinity, 
July 15, 1874. Externally the building was complete, but for financial 
reasons the interior remained unfinished. But finally having completed 
everything, and every debt paid, the first service in the new and impos- 
ing building was the service of consecration held All Saint's Day, No- 
vember I, 1880. The Rev. M. A. Johnson resigned his rectorship 
November i, 1874, and was succeeded November 29, 1874, by the Rev. 
Edward Ingersol, D. D,, late rector of Trinity church, Buffalo. He 
continued in charge until March i, 1878. On the same date the Rev. 
Stephen H. Battin, by appointment of the bishop, became rector, which 
office he resigned May i, 1880. August 22, 1880, the Rev. Robert B. 
Wolsely entered in charge of the parish. During his term of office the 
last service, November i, 1880, was held in the old church, and the new 
church consecrated the same day. By his earnest efforts a vested choir 
was introduced, and in the fall of 188 1 a choral festival of united vested 
choirs was held in St. Peter's church. His health failing him, he was 
compelled to resign as rector September 10, 1882. The present rector, 
the Rev. George Frederick Rosenmuller, formerly rector of Sayre, Pa., 
entered upon his duties All Saint's Day, November i, 1882. The 
parish is in possession of an elegant and valuable property, consisting 
of church, chapel and rectory, representing $70,000. Within recent 
years a fund for the erection of a parish guild house, and an endow- 
ment fund for parish purposes have been started. This latter fund is in 
charge of three trustees, one of which is elected annually by the con- 
gregation. The list of actual communicants now numbers 270. The 
officers of the corporation are from among the leading men of the city. 



147 

They are, beside the rector Messrs, S. M. N. Whitney and L. W. Pette- 
bone as wardens. The vestrymen are the Messrs. John S. Macklin, W. 
Caryl Ely, Peter A. Porter, Joseph Sturdy, W. A. Brackenridge, Rich- 
ard F. Rankine, F. L. Lovelace, H. Neilson. The congregation is one 
of the largest in the city, and is a prominent factor in every good work 
for the general good. 

February 9, 1896, Rev. George F. RosenmuUer, the rector of St. 
Peter's church, Niagara Falls, began holding services at Echota every 
Sunday afternoon, which, with the intermission of the summer months, 
has been maintained. From the above date to July 19, 1896, these 
services were held at the home of Mr. Lafferty, No. 8, A street, and 
from December 4, 1896, they have been regularly held each Satur- 
day afternoon in the Town Hall. A Sunday school, started the lat- 
ter part of 1895, t>y M^'s. Allen and her daughter. Miss Maud, in their 
own house, but since December 4, 1896, held in the Town Hall, has 
been continued without intermission from its beginning with most en- 
couraging results. 

5/, Mark' s Church, Tonawanda. — The first report of church ser- 
vices according to the Episcopal ritual, in Tonawanda, are made by 
Bishop Delancy, 1840, in his annual address to the Convention of his 
Diocese (Western New York), in which he names the Rev. George S. 
Porter, teacher of a private school in Buffalo, as having been appointed 
" missionary at the new station of Niagara Falls and Tonawanda, 
Niagara County." To that same Convention the missionary, the Rev. 
George S. Porter, reports having commenced his work there in June, 
1840. He says, "Never before my going there had they been visited 
by a clergyman of the church. Population estimated at 500 or 600. 
No denomination is organized but the Methodists, and that but lately, 
and they only hold public worship once in two weeks. Communicants 
five, baptisms two. My services seem acceptable considering the times 
in which we live " 

May 19, 1 84 1, Bishop De Lancey made his first ofiicial visit to Ton- 
awanda, preached, and confirmed one person. The missionary, the 
Rev. George S. Porter, reports to the convention of 1841 having held 
services there every other Sunday. At the end of this year, the Rev. 
Mr. Porter having resigned his charge, no services appear to have been 



148 

held at Tonawanda till 185 i, when the Rev. Joseph M. Clark, rector of 
St. Peter's church, Niagara Falls, reports having provided services for 
Tonawanda, and to the next Convention of the Diocese (1852), he re- 
ports having held twenty- six services at Tonawanda, baptized three 
adults and six infants, presented six for confirmation, and administered 
the Holy Communion once to eight persons. Through the following 
year (1853), regular services were continued by the Rev. Mr. Clark, 
who reports ten communicants. For the year 1854 he reports having 
held but few services at Tonawanda, where " the strength of the church 
is much diminished by removals." Thereafter the same clergyman re- 
ports occasional services held by him at Tonawanda up to the time of 
his resignation of St. Peter's, Niagara Falls, August i, 1857. 

From the above date, last named, services were suspended until Sep- 
tember 26, 1868, when the Rev. George Pennell, A. M., rector of St. 
James's church, Buffalo, renewed the services of the Episcopal church, 
in the M. E. church of North Tonawanda. During the three months 
succeeding, thirteen services were held in the same place by the same 
clergyman, chiefly on Sunday afternoons, at other times on Friday 
evenings. 

At the end of this period it was resolved by a number of those 
regularly attending the services to secure the exclusive use of a suita- 
ble building in which to hold the services of the church, organize a 
parish and obtain a resident minister. Accordingly Washington Hall 
was rented, the Rev. Fred. W. Raikes (deacon) was called as assistant 
to Rev. Mr. Pennell, beginning his pastoral labors January 18, 1869, 
and on Wednesday, the 17th of February following, the male members 
of the congregation met in said hall and organized themselves as a 
parish to be known in law as "The Rector, Church Wardens and Ves- 
trymen of St. Mark's Church, Tonawanda, Erie County, N, Y." The 
certificate of corporation was duly signed and the following day regis- 
tered in Buffalo. The names of those who were elected wardens were 
George W. Sherman and Col. Louis S. Payne. The names of the ves- 
trymen were Calvert G. Lane, Garwood L. Judd, Decimus R. Buf- 
rowes, William H. Vickers and James Sweeney. The Rev. Mr. Pen- 
nell resigned as rector September i. of the same year, and the Rev. 
Mr. Raikes was appointed minister in charge. The only members of 



149 

the first vestry living and residents are Col. L. S. Payne and Hon. G. 
L. Judd; Mr. James Sweeney now resides in Buffalo and is a member 
of the vestry of St. Paul's church. 

The Rev. Mr. Raikes resigned the charge of the parish April 25, 
1870. His successor, the Rev. Albert Wood, entered upon his duties 
as rector the following January, and continued in that relation to April, 
1875. On the following October the Rev, Henry A. Duboc (deacon) 
was called to take pastoral charge and served in that capacity to May, 
1883. at the same time conducting a school for girls Mr. Duboc was 
succeeded the following July by the Rev. J. H. Barnard, who served as 
rector till January, 1892. On March i following the Rev. Evan H. 
Martin, the present rector, commenced his labors. 

The edifice in which the services of the church have been held since 
February, 1 87 1, is situated on the corner of Tremont and Marion 
streets, North Tonawanda, the lot having been donated by George W. 
Sherman, warden, on condition that the name of the church be St. 
Mark's, and remain unchanged. It was built at a cost of about $2,- 
500. The lot also contained a dwelling house which was purchased 
for a rectory, but has not been used for that purpose by either of the 
last two rectors. In 1893 the small chancel of the church was re- 
moved and a large chancel 24 by 32 erected in its place, handsomely 
furnished with oak ; altar, and choir stalls for a vested choir of thirty- six 
voices. At the same time a two story guild house was constructed on 
the same lot adjoining the new vestry room, and a robing room for the 
choir erected at the northwest corner of the church, the whole at a cost 
of $3,000. 

Since the organization of the parish there have been baptized 372 in- 
fants and adults, and there have been 276 confirmations. There are at 
the present time about 175 communicants. No permanent missionary 
work has been carried on by the church. 

Though the church was originally incorporated in Erie county, it was 
last April incorporated in Niagara county, when the new diocesan canon 
regulating the date and manner of election of wardens and vestrymen, 
was adopted by the parish. 

St. JoJins ChiircJi, Yoiingstoivn. — In the early days church people of 
this vicinity depended upon St. Paul's church, Lewiston, for public 



I50 

worship. The first service here (1838) was conducted by the Rev. Mr. 
Murray, then rector of Lewiston, in the old school house. He held 
other services occasionally for some years following. 

From the year 1861 down to 1867 there was public worship with 
more or less regularity, the following clergymen officiating : 

Revs. G. M. Haven, R. O. Page, Treadway and Russ, all of whom 
were rectors at Lewiston. These services were held in the " brick 
church " originally built as a union meeting house. 

On the second Sunday in February, 1867, there began a regular fort- 
nightly service in the above place holden in the afternoon, the Methodist 
Episcopal society occupying the building in the morning. 

The officiating clergyman was Rev. G. M. Skinner, rector of St. Paul's 
church, Lewiston. The Rt. Rev. A. Cleveland Coxe, D.D., LL.D., 
bishop of the diocese, visited this mission in 1866, confirming three 
persons, and also in 1867 confirming four persons. 

A meeting of persons interested in the church assembled in the brick 
church according to call on April 27, 1868, for the purpose of organiz- 
ing a parish. The canonical notice had been read on the two preceding 
Sundays. Wardens and vestrymen were elected as follows : Benjamin M. 
Root, John Carter, wardens ; Charles M. Pyne, S. Parke Baker.Lewis Leff"- 
man, James S. Lawrence, Francis O. Dee, Thomas Balmer, William 
Mendham, Robert Patterson. The name of St. John was chosen as the 
name of the parish, and the Rev. G. M. Skinner, then a missionary in 
these parts, was elected rector. In the following June the public wor- 
ship became weekly, and on August 9, the Holy Communion was ad- 
ministered for the first time, seventeen persons receiving. The rector 
continued his services for about the space of three years. It was evident 
that Youngstown alone could not afford a proper support for a clergy- 
man. Upon his resignation the paiish decayed and for seven years 
nearly no public worship was maintained. 

With a view to reorganization a meeting assembled July 27, 1878. 
Those present were former members and others interested in maintain- 
ing regular services. The only member of the former vestry in attend- 
ance was S. Park Barker, and he was made chairman. It is to be 
noted that active influence for the renewal of church life came from the 
garrison at Fort Niagara. Upon the commissioned and non-commis- 



151 

sioned officers of the post and their famihes the parish reHed largely 
for support and personal service in carrying on the work, and this ser- 
vice has been rendered effectively by some of the various garrisons 
from that day to the present. Gen. G. A. De Russy, Lieut. Edward 
Davis and Ord. Sergt. Lewis Leffman were chiefly instrumental in re- 
viving the parish at this time. 

A new vestry was elected Easter Monday, April 22, 1878, and the 
next day a lot upon which to build a church was deeded to the trust 
fund of the diocese. The donors were Mr. and Mrs. Leffman, A 
building committee was appointed immediately in the persons of Lieu- 
tenant Davis, Thomas Brighton and William Ripson. The corner 
stone was laid May 16, 1878, by Bishop Coxe, assisted by a number 
of the clergy. On September 28, the church was consecrated by the 
same bishop. Other clergy present were Archdeacon McMurray, of 
Niagara-on-the- Lake ; Dr. Spalding, Connecticut; Dr. Ingersoll, Van 
Dyck, Henderson, Knapp, Buffalo ; Patterson and Payne, De Veaux 
College; Batten, Niagara Falls; Raikes, Suspension Bridge. 

October 2 the vestry, in conjunction with the Lewiston vestry, 
called G. W. Knapp, of Buffalo, to the joint rectorship. He was in 
charge for three years. Rev. J. S. Seibold succeeded him in March, 
1882, and remained imtil July, 1886. The rectorship was vacant till the 
next May, there being occasional services. May i, 1887, Rev. E, 
Stewart Jones accepted the charge of the parishes, coming from Niag- 
ara, Ont. He died in February, 1890 The Rev. James Roy, LL.D., 
became rector April 14. being chosen for one year, but continued till 
August 31, 1891. 

All rectors heretofore had residence in Lewiston. Dr. Roy was the 
last joint rector. St. John's vestry having purchased a house for a rec- 
tory after his resignation. The Rev. John Evans, the next rector, No- 
vember, 1 891, resided in Youngstown and officiated occasionally for the 
Lewiston parish. He resigned October 31, 1895. The Rev. E. J. 
Babcock became rector November 4, 1895, and is the present incum- 
bent. 

The church is built of wood, has a seating capacity of 196, with a 
very neat and pretty interior finished in natural wood. The plans 
were furnished by Upjohn, the celebrated architect of New York. 



152 

There are three memorial windows in the apse of chancel. Beside 
these are handsome memorials in polished brass, viz., altar, cross and 
vases, chancel rail, angel lecturn, and a mural tablet in the nave to Rev. 
Mr. Jones. 

Church of the EpipJiany, Niagara Falls. — In 1857 ^^ building of 
the Suspension Bridge having brought a number of families to what 
was then known as Niagara City, but later. Suspension Bridge, they 
held cottage services conducted by lay readers or some one of the cler- 
gymen of De Veaux College, that institution having been opened in May 
of that year. Their numbers increasing, they held services for a time 
in what had been the book store of Mr. George Hackstaffon Main 
street, but what is now occupied as a grocery by Mr. Thomas Hannan. 
That room also proving inadequate, Colt's Hall was rented at the rate of 
fifty dollars a year. 

In the fall of 1857, the Rev. Isreal Foote, D. D., then a professor in 
De Veaux College, took charge of the services and the congregation 
was incorporated in accordance with the canons of the church and the 
laws of the State, with the sanction and approval of the bishop of the 
Diocese, the Rt. Rev. William Heathcote De Lancey, D. D., LL. D., 
D. C. L. 

On the 6th of January, 1858, a meeting was called for the purpose of 
electing two wardens and eight vestrymen, with the following results: 
Wardens, J H. Cramp, Anthony W. Hecker ; vestrymen, J. W. Dunk- 
lee, Rodney Durkee, A. D Lampkins. R. B. Monroe, R. D. Cook, H. 
S. Stewart, D. H. Thomas and G. P. Heap. Dr. Foote presided at this 
meeting. 

The congregation from the season of its organization was to be known 
as the Church of the Epiphany. Not one of the officers of the church 
elected at that time is now living. 

The parish being unable to pay a stated salary to a clergyman, the 
Rev. Dr. Foote and Rev. E. R. Welles, deacon, and tutor at De Veaux 
College, offered their services, receiving for their labors whatever the 
congregation might be able to raise. The services were continued in 
Colt's Hall for one year, when the vestry engaged the Congregational 
place of worship for one half day every second Sunday for three 
months. This time having expired, the same place was engaged for six 



153 

months more, for one-half day service each Sunday, and the use of the 
Sunday school room. The Sunday school numbered at this time about 
fifty scholars. Dr. Foote and Mr. Welles both resigned their positions 
in De Veaux in 1858. The last named clergyman afterwards became 
bishop of Wisconsin in 1874, and died in 1888. 

The services were subsequently conducted at different times by the 
Rev. Mr. Stevens, Rev. Dr. Van Rensselaer and other clergymen from 
De Veaux College. The Rev. Henry F. Nye, deacon and teacher at 
De Veaux, was called to the rectorship of the parish at Easter, 1862. 
He officiated in the house of worship on Niagara street, corner of Tenth, 
owned by the Presbyterians, who had built a new church at the Falls. 

The Rev. Mr. Nye remained for nearly a year, when he removed to 
Canada The services were then held every Sunday afternoon by the 
Rev. Dr. Van Rensselaer until November, 1864, when the Rev. W. W. 
Walsh became rector of the parish. January 24, 1864, Bishop Coxe 
confirmed the first class of the Church of the Epiphany. It numbered 
sixteen persons. 

In this same year a subscription list was started to build a new 
church. 

Two lots were given for that purpose on the corner of Lockport street 
and what is now Main street. One of these lots was given by James 
and Henry W. Ford, of Albany, N. Y., and the other by Mrs. Marietta 
Wallace. The rubble stone for the building was given by Mr. Jacob 
Vogt. The excavating was begun on July 12. On August 8 the Rt. 
Rev. A. C. Coxe, D. D., LL. D., attended by seventeen of the clergy, 
laid the corner stone of the Church of the Epiphany. At the ceremony 
a new service arranged by the bishop was used for the first time, and 
this was also the first corner stone laid by the bishop. This beautiful 
stone edifice, of early English architecture, was completed by the 19th 
of December, 1866, a few days less than nine }'ears from the founding 
of the parish. The opening services were held December 30, 1866, the 
first Sunday after Christmas, the bishop officiating, assisted by the rec- 
tor, the Rev. Dr. Van Rensselaer and Rev. F. R. Winne, of De Veaux. 
Seven persons were confirmed at this service. The following gifts were 
presented to the new church : The bishop's chair, by the Rev. Dr. Van 

Rensselaer; the font, by Col. Charles B. Stuart, of Geneva, N. Y.; the 
20 



154 

pulpit, by Messrs. H. J. and G. W, Walsh ; the credence-table, by the 
Rev. George Worthington. On June 29, J 868, St. Peter's Day, the 
church being free from debt, the bishop of the Diocese consecrated the 
building to its sacred purpose. On March 29, 1869, Easter Monday, 
the Rev. W. W. Walsh resigned the rectorship of the parish after a 
faithful service of over four years. 

The Rev. G. W. Knapp became rector on July 18, 1869, remaining 
until December 5, 1872. During his term of service the small pipe 
organ still in use was placed in the church. The " Prince " melodeon 
that it replaced was purchased at this time, and is still owned by Joseph 
H. Willis, junior warden of the church. The Rev. G. H. Patterson, 
Rev. James Van Voast and Rev. W. Van Gantzhorne, all of De Veaux, 
served the parish until June 12, 1873, when the Rev. Walter North, 
deacon, of De Veaux, was assigned to that duty by the bishop. He 
became rector and remained until May 15, 1875. During his adminis- 
tration a drain was laid, a new furnace put in and altar cloths presented. 
A month from his resignation, the Rev. Gabriel A. Mueller, deacon, of 
De Veaux, became minister-in-charge, remaining till January, 1877. 
For three months the church was again dependent for services upon the 
clergy from De Veaux, Rev. Messrs. Long, of Rochester, and Moore of 
Middleport. Tn April the Rev. F. W. Raikes, of Honeoye Falls, became 
rector, resigning July 26, 1880. He was succeeded by Rev. James 
Stoddard, who remained about two years. The Rev. Sidney Wilbur 
then became rector for about three years. His successor in 1886 was 
Rev. H. S. Huntington, who resigned in June, 1892, after six years of 
hard and faithful duty. 

The church was then closed for six months to undergo much needed 
repairs. A bequest of $2,000 having been left to the church by the 
late Mrs. Eliza Griffin, it was deemed best to use this fund toward the 
erection of a guild house. The building was finished and opened in 
1892, and proves to be most useful in carrying on the work of the 
church. In 1886 Mrs. Griffin built the tower, and gave the bell as a 
memorial to her sister, Mrs. Lucia Roebling. Mrs. Griffin also placed 
the fence around the church property and gave the communion service, 
besides being a generous supporter of all the interests of the parish. 
Mention also must be made of two other devoted workers and generous 



155 

givers, Mrs. Marietta Wallace and Mrs. Priscilla Buttery, " whose works 
do follow them." The beautiful alms basin now in use was given as a 
memorial of their parents by the daughters of Mrs. Buttery, 

The illumjnated texts in the chancel were given by Mrs. H. E. Wood- 
ford, as a memorial to their father, Mr. Hoffman. 

The oak chair in the chancel was presented at Easter, 1895, by the 
King's Daughters. 

The past year a beautiful rectory has been built next the church on 
land purchased by means of a legacy of $500, left by the late Thomas 
Vedder. 

The parish has a most efficient Woman's Guild, a branch of the 
Woman's Auxiliary, a branch of the King's Daughters, a Society of 
Willing Workers, composed of little girls, a Junior Auxiliary, and a 
Chapter of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew. The church membership 
now numbers 1 19. The Sunday school numbers about 150. 

The present rector. Rev. James Roy, LL. D., entered upon his duties 
on February i, 1893. 

Trinity Church, Middleport, N. Y. — The services of the Episcopal 
church were first introduced into the village of Middleport in 1864 by 
Rev. W. A. Watson, D.D., and Rev. J. Abercrombie, D.D., both of 
Lockport, and the Rev. R. D. Stearns of Medina, N. Y., who officiated 
alternately on Sunday evenings during summer and autumn of that year. 
Some of the leading citizens became interested, and the services of the 
Rev. G. W. Southwell, the then rector of Christ church, Albion, were 
engaged by Messrs. A. S. De Lano, and W. M. Cornes. Rev. Mr. 
Southwell began permanent work January i, 1865. Atthattime there 
were but two communicants in the village, Mrs. W. H. Cornes and Mrs. 
George Sage. The first baptism was that of Mrs. A. S. De Lano De- 
cember 4, 1864, by Rev. J. Abercrombie. The first confirmation was 
held by the Rt. Rev. A. C. Coxe, D.D., LL.D., the newly consecrated 
bishop-coadjutor of this Diocese, January 20, 1865, when Mrs. A. S. 
De Lano, Mrs. E. B. De Lano, and Mrs. C. B. Lane were confirmed. 
Thirteen more persons were confirmed during the year. In January, 
1866, there were eighteen communicants. 

August I, 1866, the parish was organized under the name of "Trin- 
ity Church," when A. S. De Lano and C. R. Blakslee were elected 



156 

wardens, and James Lobbett, J. Cornes, A. F. Pierce, J. Biddick, H. 
Pierce, W. S. Fenn, E H. Woodworth, and E. B. De Lano were elected 
vestrymen. For four years the services had been held in the Presby- 
tetian house of worship, but in the year 1868 they decided to re estab- 
lish their services and retain the use of their church exclusively to 
themselves. The last service was held there December 27, 1868. The 
members under the able leadership of the Rev. G. W. Southwell im- 
mediately began planning to procure a building oi their own. Plans 
were procured from H. Dudley, of New York, and on May 31, 1869, 
the corner stone was laid by Bishop Coxe. The lot was the gift of Mrs. 
A. S. De Lano, wife of the senior warden The church was completed 
in 1873 at a cost of $9,600, built of brick with stone trimming,s, gothic 
in architecture, with a seating capacity of 250. 

November 18, 1866, the Rev. Mr. Southwell held a service in the 
afternoon at Hartland Corners in the Methodist church, and December 
23, 1866, at Johnson's Creek, in the Baptist house of worship. This 
was the beginning of a mission station at that place. A hall was pro- 
cured in a brick building owned by Gordon Rowe, and services held for 
the first time in the afternoon of January 27, 1867. The first baptisms 
were Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Denel, October 13, 1867. Bishop Coxe held 
the first confirmation April 14, 1868. In 1869 the work seemed en- 
couraging, and a parish was organized June 16, by the name of St. 
James's church, Hartland, with C. F. Paul and Alfred Denel, wardens, 
and George Crouse, Jesse Gladding, E. O. Seaman, and W, C. Butter- 
field as vestrymen. In June, 1870, an effort was made to buy a lot and 
build a church, but money not coming to hand, the plan was abandoned. 
Many of the families moved away, and in the winter of 1870, Rev. Mr. 
Southwell, because of ill health, was unable to continue services. 

In 1873 Mr. Southwell resigned the rectorship of Trinity church, 
Middleport. The Rev. J. H. Dennis succeeded him, when occasional 
services were renewed at Hartland Corners. Rev. Mr. Dennis resigned 
in September, 1874. The Rev. A. Wood became rector February, 
1875, remaining two years. Rev. Mr. Southwell again assumed the 
rectorship in 1877, in connection with his work at Christ church, Lock- 
port, and by him occasional services were held at Hartland. April i, 
1 88 1, Mr. Southwell resigned the rectorship, and in the same year Mr. 



157 

F. E. Easterbiooks was appointed lay- reader for the parish, March 4, 
1882. Mr. Easterbrooks was ordained deacon in the parish church, and 
on April 25, 1882, St. Mark's Day, the church was consecrated by 
Bishop Coxe. Rev. Mr. Easterbrooks resigned June 16, 1883. He 
was succeeded by the Rev. Nobel Pahner. 

January 14, 1884, a terrible calimity befell the parish in the destruc- 
tion of the church by fire There was but a small insurance on the 
building and its contents, but the small yet devoted band of church- 
people, nothing daunted, went immediately to work, and raised funds 
for a new building, which was erected and formally opened by Bishop 
Coxe, November 14, 1884, The Rev. Nobel Palmer resigned the rec- 
torship June I, 1888. March 30, 1889, the Rev, G. W. S. Ayres occu- 
pied the rectorship and began his duties the first Sunday in May, Dur- 
ing his rectorship services were renewed at Hartland Corners, T. W. 
Atwood serving as lay reader. For a (ew years this mission again 
flourished, in 1892 numbering twenty -five communicants. Rev Mr. 
Ayres resigned the parish October 20, 1893, from which date there ex- 
isted a vacancy till July i, 1894, when the Rev. H. S. Gatley occupied 
the rectorship. During this time Mr. W. Sterritt, senior warden, as lay- 
reader, conducted the morning service each Sunday, and in the after- 
noon at Hartland. 

In 1896 the parish was in excellent condition, having a communicant 
list of seventy-two and forty-five families. A vested choir of fifteen 
young girls, under the leadership of Dr. H. A. Wilmot and wife, has 
added greatly to the services. The parish has a good theological 
library, presented by the founder of the parish, the Rev. G. W. South- 
well. The foundations which Mr. Southwell laid in the early days of 
the parish are now bearing fruit. The parish is on a sound financial 
basis. It has a flourishing Sunday school of sixty children. The 
present rector is the Rev. H. S. Gatley, A. M. The wardens are 
Messrs. W. J. Sterritt, and G. W. Eddy ; the vestrymen : Messrs. 
Robert Pearce, T. VV. Jackson, H. A. Wilmot, M D., Samuel Blaxall, 
F. A. Coon. 

No mention is made in this account of the Episcopal church in 
Niagara county of occasional services held at odd times in some of the 
smaller settlements of this county, nor of those maintained at De Veaux 



158 

College, from its foundation to the present time, inasmuch, as such ac- 
count will more properly appear in connection with the history of that 
institution. 

LocKPORT Home for the Friendless. — In September, 1865, the 
Lockport Ladies' Relief Society and Home for the Friendless was or- 
ganized, and during the succeeding six years dispensed relief in food 
and household articles to needy families. In 1871 the necessity was 
apparent for a permanent home for friendless and destitute children, 
where they could receive proper care. After considerable discussion a 
meeting was held, which resulted in the procurement of a charter dated 
February 8, 1871, under which the following nine trustees were named : 
Hiram Gardner, John Hodge, J. L. Breyfogle, Horatio Kilborne, Gus- 
tavus P. Hosmer, D. F. Bishop, Thomas Hall, M. W. Eavns, J. W. 
Helmer. This board of trustees appointed a board of twenty-four ladies, 
who qualified and elected the following officers : President, Mrs. J. T. 
Bellah; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Calvin Haines; treasurer, Mrs 
A. J. Mansfield ; recording secretary, Anna S. Gardner. After ener- 
getic work the sum of $3,000 was raised by subscription and yearly 
membership dues, which was increased by nearly $3,500 from the Board 
of Supervisors, on condition that it should be used for the purchase of a 
Home. On December, 1871, the residence of F. N. Nelson, on High 
street, was secured at a cost of $5,000. This served its purpose until 
August, 1892, when Wyndham Lawn, the old home of Governor Hunt, 
was purchased for $30,000. This institution has accomplished a vast 
amount of good, and during its existence has sheltered nearly 1,000 
children. Its twenty- fifth anniversary was appropriately celebrated 
February 1 1, 1896. 

SCHOOLS.-^The first school taught in Lockport, or within the limits 
of what is now the city, was in 1821, the Friends' meeting house being 
used for the purpose. The first teacher was Miss Pamelia Aldrich. A 
village district was soon afterward set off, and in 1822 R. L. Wilson 
erected at his own expense a log school building. The trustees made 
him a proposition to open a school on subscription, which he did, and 
the school sufficed for the existing needs. In 1823 David Nye erected 
a school building for a private school, which he taught for a time and 
then sold it to Charles Hammond, who continued the school. The 



159 

first meeting of the school commissioners, after the erection of the town, 
was held on the 17th of April, 1824. School district No. i was formed, 
embracing a large territory on the west side of the canal, and on the 
19th of August following, district No. 2 was set ofif on the east side of 
the canal. The town profited by the public school money in 1825 for 
the first time as a town, at which time the total number of scholars in 
the village was 542. The two original districts were divided at various 
times until they numbered seven in 1848, and the Union school system 
was adopted for the village. Meanwhile schools were opened, some of 
them many years earlier, at various points throughout the town. The 
first of these was situated at Warren's Corners, and stood on ground 
donated by Ezra Warren. It was a frame structure and was built by 
subscription in 18 14. In the following summer Amanda Rice taught 
the first school. That building was used until 1836 when it was super- 
seded by a stone structure. In 18 18 a log school house was built in 
district No. 5, where Lyman Lyscomb was the first teacher. It stood 
just on or over the Cambria line, and was abandoned after two years 
and a new building erected on the Lockport side. The first school 
house erected in district No. 11 was of log and built in 1822. District 
No. 16 was formed in 1830 and a school house built the same year. 
The first school house at Wright's Corners was not built until 1837. ^^ 
i860 the number of districts in the town was eighteen, and at the pres- 
ent time it is seventeen. 

Lockport boasts of the first union school in this county and is the 
home of the birth of the s}-stem. Until 1848 the village contained no 
academy, seminary, or other educational institutions, except seven 
common schools in as many districts, some of which were hardly worth 
the name of school houses. In 1846 Sullivan Caverno, of Lockport, 
originated the Union school plan, and after submitting it to several 
educators in other localities, framed an act which passed the Legisla- 
ture in 1847, establishing the system in Lockport. The act provided 
that Sullivan Caverno, trustee of district No. i, William G. McMaster, 
No. 2, Joseph T. Bellah, No. 3, Silas H. Marks, No. 4, Isaac Colton, 
No 5, John S. Wolcott, No. 6, Edward L. Boardman, No. 7, with 
Nathan Dayton, Samuel Works, Jonathan S. Woods, Lyman A. Spald- 
ing, and Hiram Gardner, should constitute a corporation with the title, 



i6o 

The Board of Education of the Village of Lockport. Other provisions 
of the act need not be followed here. 

The Union School thus established was divided into junior and senior 
departments, and provision was made for a normal department. Cour- 
ses of study were laid out for the different grades substantially upon 
the lines that have been followed since in schools of this character, and 
from the very first the great superiority of the system over the old 
one was apparent. Mr. Caverno was chosen president of the Board of 
Education, and for five years labored indefatigably for tlie advancement 
of the cause of education. Soon after its organization the board took 
steps for the erection of a Union school building. A site was pur- 
chased on which the structure was erected and properly furnished, the 
city meeting a tax levy of $13,000 to pay the expense. During the suc- 
ceeding years new school buildings were added at a cost of more than 
$100,000, most of which were modern in style and convenience. By 
a law of 1866 the boundaries of the Union school district were con- 
formed to the city boundaries, and the power to raise money for the 
schools was transferred to the council. In 1866 tuition rates in these 
schools were abolished. Chapter 15 of the laws of 1890 authorized 
the building of a new Union School house and the issue of bonds for 
the purpose, by the city, not to exceed $125,000. 

About $100,000 was expended in the construction of the new Union 
School building, a structure of a plain but substantial character, while 
its interior arrangement includes all the appurtenances and conveniences 
required by modern educational methods. There are assembly rooms 
for each department with adequate recitation rooms, a fully equipped 
laboratory, commercial department, Board of Education rooms, super- 
intendent's office, and an ample library room. The corner stone was 
laid with impressive ceremonies by the Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of the 
State on July 10, 1890. The structure was completed and dedicated 
August 30, 1 891. 

Since the Union School building was occupied the school has largely 
increased its enrollment, attendance and graduating classes. Classes 
are graduated yearly from the senior department and also from the 
commercial department. Prof Edward Hayward, Ph. D., succeeded 
Prof Asher B. Evans as principal of the senior department in 1892. 



i6i 

Under provisions of law a Normal or Teachers' Training Department is 
also conducted, the graduates of which are well prepared for service as 
teachers in grade schools. 

The school system of the city comprises the Union School, with the 
departments above mentioned, an Intermediate or Lower Grammar 
School, and Primary Schools situated on and named for the following 
streets: High Street, Hawley Street, Washburn Street, Walnut Street, 
Clinton Street, West Avenue, and Vine Street. The annual enroll- 
ment of pupils in all of the schools is a little more than three thousand, 
and about seventy five teachers are employed. 

A most commendable feature of the school management in the city 
is its entire independence of the municipal control, as it is wholly under 
the control of a Board of Education whose members are chosen at a 
special election, and in whose selection thus far political considerations 
have had no perceptible influence. All teachers and other school ofifi- 
cials, including superintendents, are appointed by the board. Best 
superintendents from any section of the country are to be obtained for 
the salary that the board may feel warranted in paying. The present 
superintendent is Emmet Belknap, A. M., who has held the position 
since 1889. 

For a number of years prior to 1892 the city had an imperfect and 
unsatisfactory street car system. To remedy this the Lock City Elec- 
tric Railroad Company was organized and on December 12, 1892, the 
city granted the company a charter to operate a road by the trolley 
system through Main street. East avenue. Market street, Mill street, 
Clinton street, Olcolt street, West Main street. New Main street, Haw- 
ley street, Locust street. Willow street and Lincoln avenue. The com- 
pany accepted the conditions of the charter and went vigorously at 
work to give the city a first-class railroad system. Charles Johnson is 
president of the company; William Spalding, vice-president; Raymond 
C. Johnson, secretary. 

Gas lighting was introduced in Lockport as early as 185 1, chiefly 

through the efforts of James G. Porter, and a company was organized 

February i of the year named, with a paid up capital of $15,000. The 

first officers were James G. Porter, president ; George Reynale, treas- 
21 



l62 

urer ; Joseph T. Bellah, secretary. The first Board of Trustees were 
James G. Porter, William Keep, George Reynale, R. S. Wilkinson, T. 
T. Flagler, Benjamin Draper, Silas H. Marks, Joseph T. Bellah, and 
Stephen Meredith. The site which has since been used for the works, 
corner of Transit and Lagrange streets, was purchased and the required 
plant established. The main streets of the village were first illuminated 
with gaslight on the night of the 30th of December, 185 i. About five 
years later the capital of the company was increased and the works en- 
larged for making coal gas ; previous to that time the product was 
made from resin. In August, 1894, the Lockport Gas and Electric 
Light Company was organized and incorporated with a capital of $150,- 
000. This company is composed chiefly of New York men. The city 
was first wired for the use of incandescent I'ghts in 1884-85 by the 
Gas Company. At about the same time another company was formed 
for lighting the streets by arc lamps, and the two subsequently con- 
solidated. The present company supplies 209 street lamps. 

Enough has already been written to convince the reader that, with 
its immense water power, if for no other reason, Lockport would early 
become a large manufacturing center. Some of the early industrial 
establishments have already been mentioned. With a large wheat- 
growing district at its doors, and with the shipping facilities supplied 
by the canal and the later railroad, it is not difhcult to understand why 
a great flouring industry sprang into existence in the village. For 
many years it was the principal industry and its products were favor- 
ably known over a wide stretch of territory. A mill was put in opera- 
tion about 1824, by Otis Hathaway, on a branch of Eighteen mile 
Creek where it passes under the Erie Canal. So welcome was this mill 
to the people at that time that on the day when it was first started, a 
large number gathered and expressed their gratitude to the builder, and 
in the evening the event was duly celebrated. This mill was followed a 
few years later by the large mill of Lyman A. Spalding, which has been 
described. It was begun in the spring of 1826, and was erected seven 
stories in height. Flour was first shipped from this mill in May, 1827, 
on the canal boat Chief Engineer; the freight charge to Albany was a 
dollar a barrel, while the best wheat sold at fifty cents a bushel. This 



i63 

mill was purchased by the before mentioned Albany Company in 1832, 
but Mr. Spalding continued to operate it under lease. It was burned 
in 1840, and in the following year Mr. Spalding purchased the site and 
built another mill larger than the first, with a capacity of 400 barrels 
of flour daily. It was purchased in 1857 by N. H. Wolf and was burned 
in the following )/ear. What became known as the later Spalding mill 
was erected on the site in 1858. After passing through various hands 
it was sold to Thornton & Chester, who operated it with success many 
years and were succeeded by George T. Chester. This mill also was 
subsequently burned. 

Edward Bissell built a mill on the site of the one that was afterwards 
operated by Douglass & Jackson, Saxton & Thomson, and others. It 
was burned, rebuilt, and again destroyed by fire. S. Burt Saxton re- 
built the mill in 1884, giving it a capacity of 1,000 barrels a day. It 
was burned December 8, 1889, and was rebuilt in 1890 by the Thomson 
Milling Company, the present proprietors. Saxton & Thomson were 
succeeded by the Thomson Milling Company, of which George B. 
Thomson is president; A. L. Draper, vice-president; H. M. Whitbeck, 
secretary and treasurer. This is now the largest flouring mill in Lock- 
port and has a capacity of 500 barrels a day. 

The Niagara mill was built about 1832 by Henry Walbridge on the 
north bank of the canal. It was operated about fifty years by various 
persons and firms, but finally closed up. 

What has been known as the Lockport City mill was built in 1863 by 
David Cope, near the site of the Spalding mill. Mr. Cope enlarged it 
in 1866, and after his death it was sold to N. H. Wolf. In 1870 it was 
sold to Gibson, Arnold & Little. It is now operated by Grigg Brothers 
& Ellis. 

The Franklin mill building was erected in 1833 by the Lockport 
Manufacturing Company (capitalized at $1,000,000) for a cotton fac- 
tory and was used as such until 1841, at which time Washington Hunt 
became the sole owner. In the following year he conveyed it to the 
Niagara Manufacturing Company, who operated it as a cotton factory 
until 1854. This industry was rendered unprofitable chiefly because of 
the State withholding water necessary for power. The machinery was 
consequently removed and the premises purchased by B, C. Moore, 



164 

Washington Hunt and Henry Walbridge, who converted it into a flour- 
ing mill. In 1864 Hiram Finch became owner of a large interest in the 
mill and in 1867 its sole owner, operating it until 1872, and increasing 
the capacity to 500 barrels daily. In 1872 the property passed to Mary 
H Hunt, who conveyed it to Ambrose S. Beverly, Nathan P. Currier, 
J. Carl Jackson, and William S. Camp. The mill is now operated by 
the Franklin Milling Company (incorporated in 1894), chiefly in the 
manufacture of entire wheat flour, which is largely used. 

What is known as the Farmers' mill, now operated as an iron works 
by Westerman & Co., with C. G. Sutlifife, manager, was built in 1833 
and has passed through the hands of numerous owners. The original 
structure was burned and the stone part was built by Elliott & Robin- 
son. What was called the Pine Street mill was operated in the build- 
ing that became the city Water Works building and is now the City 
building. It was erected in 1864 by W. K. Moore. The Model mill, 
on East Market street, was originally a plaster mill, and was converted 
into a flouring mill in 1865 by B. & N, E. Moore. It was later enlarged 
by Moore & Willey and was finally closed up. Other minor flouring 
mills were those operated by John Stahl, which burned, and another 
by Henry Thornton called Rock mill. 

It will be seen by the foregoing paragraphs that the flouring industry 
has largely declined in recent years. There are good reasons for this 
which need not be explained here ; but while this is true of that one 
industry, there is at the present time a far larger gross manufacturing 
interest in Lockport than ever before, as will presently appear. 

Zeno Comstock built the first saw mill in Lockport in 18 19, on the 
branch of Eighteen-mile Creek. It was in this mill that the first ma- 
chinery of any kind was operated in the place. In the early years, be- 
fore the timber lands were cleared, saw mills were numerous. Among 
others who had early mills in Lockport v/as David Frink, which later 
passed through various hands, and had a sash and door mill added to it. 
It stood on the site of the Lockport Paper Company's plant and was 
finally demolished. After the canal water power became available, 
Lyman A. Spalding erected a saw mill (1825-6) ; this was taken down 
in 1836 and superseded by one of greater capacity, containing two 
gangs of twelve saws each. Edward Bissell built a mill in 1828 on the 



i65 

site of the Trevor Manufacturing Company's works. In 1836 there 
were eight saw mills in operation within the Hmits of the present city. 
In 1848 Stevens, Doty & Pease built a mill where the Traders' Paper 
Company is located ; this mill also had several different owners. Near 
the site of the pulp mill H. F. Cady built a saw mill in 1855. 

In 1835 Lyman A. Spalding began making agricultural implements, 
and some years later added steam engines. In 1869 the Pound Manu- 
facturing Company was formed, with L Austin Spalding, president; Al- 
exander Pond, superintendent. The company did a large business 
many years and finally closed up ; the premises are now in use by Nor- 
man & Evans for the manufacture of merry-go roimds and similar 
articles. 

Mr. Charles T. Raymond, of Lockport, has furnished the editor with 
the following list of industries running by water power in the city, the 
value of their property, hands employed, value of product, etc.: 

Name of Firm. Value of Property. Hands Employed. 

Grigg Bros. & Ellis $ 40,000 10 

Ward&Cobb - 9,000 34 

Norman & Evans 45,000 35 

Eleven factories and firms securing 

power from Norman & Evans's water 

wheels 300,000 275 

Niagara Cotton Batting Co 5,000 12 

Thompson Milling Company 100,000 28 

Trevor Manufacturing Co 42,000 41 

Boston & Lockport Block Co 40.000 33 

Western Block Co 18,000 38 

Miller & Rogers 7,000 15 

Franklin Milling Co 30,000 25 

Empire Manufacturing Co 30,000 33 

Holly Manufacturing Co 500,000 470 

Richmond }ilanufacturing Co 115,000 60 

Lockport Pulp Co 65,000 43 

Traders' Paper Co 130,000 75 

Lockport Paper Co 250,000 100 

Niagara Paper Mills. 105,000 47 

Westerman&Co 100,000 110 

Cascade Wood Pulp Co 40,000 16 

United Indurated Fibre Co 300,000 300 

Cowles Electric Smelting & A. Co 150,000 50 

Lockport Felt Co 30,000 16 

Totals $2,531,000 1,881 



1 66 



OUTPUT. 



Traders' Paper Co $ 400,000 

Lockport PaperCo 300,000 

Niagara Paper Mills 190,000 

Westerman & Co 157, 500 

United Indurated Fibre Co 700,000 

Cascade Wood Pulp Co 60,000 

Cowles Electric Smelting and Aluminum Co 190,000 

Lockport Felt Co 30,000 

Total $2,127,500 

The Lockport Manufacturers' Association, organized about i888 by 
Charles T. Raymond, is composed of manufacturers using water power 
on tlie race and creek, and was formed for their mutual benefit. Au- 
gustus H. Ivins is president; John A. Merritt, treasurer; and Mr, Ray- 
mond, secretary. 

One of the most important industries in Lockport is that of the Holly 
Manufacturing Company, which was organized May 2, 1859, with $20,- 
000 capital. The original stockholders were Thomas T. Flagler, Charles 
Keep, Silas H. Marks, L F. Bowen, Washington Hunt, G. W. Bowen, 
_and Birdsall Holly. ^The company began the manufacture of pumps 
and hydraulic machinery, and in later years constructed water works 
for cities and villages after the plans and inventions of Mr. Holly;, 
referred to on an earlier page. They constructed the Lockport Water 
Works in 1864 and three years later supplied Auburn with a system. 
Since that time the company has installed their system in hundreds of 
cities and villages. The massive stone buildings used by the company 
were completed in 1866. Birdsall Holly is deceased, leaving several 
sons, only one of whom, Frank W., is resident in Lockport. 

What was known as the Holly Steam Combination Company was or- 
ganized in 1877, for supplying steam heat to cities through street mains 
upon plans devised by Mr. Holly. The business has been successful. 
The present title of the company is the American District Steam Com- 
pany, which was organized in January, 1881. 

The manufacture of cotton battin , was begun in Lockport in 1870 by 
George W. Hamlin, who was succeeded by Levan & Gritman, under the 
name of the Lockport Cotton Batting Company. E. W. Rogers & Son 
are the present proprietors. The Lockport Glass Works were first 



1 67 

established in a small way in 1840 by Hildieth, Marks, Keep & Hitchins. 
They came into possession of Alonzo J. Mansfield in 1872 and are now 
operated by A. J. Mansfield & Co. What was formerly the Richmond 
Mill Furnishing Works are now operated by the Richmond Manufac- 
turing Company, with William Richmond at its head. The business 
was started in 1869 by James Richmond. Tlie principal product is 
grist mill machinery. The Penfield Block Works, established in 1864 
by Charles R. Penfield, for the extensive manufacture of tackle blocks 
and sheaves, passed through other hands and are now operated by the 
Boston and Lockport Block Company. In 1858 Joseph and J. B, 
Trevor built a large structure for the manufacture of shingle, stave and 
heading machinery. The business passed in 1864 to W. W. & F. N. 
Trevor, who were succeeded by the Trevor Manufacturing Company, 
incorporated in 1890, with W^ W. Trevor, president; F. N, Trevor, 
secretary and treasurer. Pulp machinery is now manufactured by the 
company. The Lockport Saw Works were established in 1869 t>y 
William Cocker and W. W. & F. N. Trevor, under the style of Cocker 
& Trevor. The business is now carried on by William Cocker. The 
Field Force Pump Company was organized by Jason Collier and Will- 
iam P. Field, both of whom are deceased, with Harrison S. Chapman, 
about 1880. The present proprietors of the business are Mr. Chap- 
man and Charles A. Barnes. The large product comprises pumps of 
various kinds and steam fittings. The United Indurated Fibre Com- 
pany was originally started in 1886 by Jesse Peterson, Henry G. Cord- 
ley, and Charles E. Folger. In 1893 the present company was incor- 
porated under New Jersey laws, wi{h the factory and general oflfice in 
Lockport. The capital is $757,000 Jesse Peterson is president; 
Henry G. Cordley, secretary; James E. Hayes, treasurer; Charles E. 
Folger, assistant treasurer. About 300 hands are employed in the 
manufacture of household articles from the indurated fibre, the basis of 
which is wood pulp. 

The P2mpire Manufacturing Company originated with Edwin W. 
Carey in 1883. In the next year Tiras A. Hall became a partner in 
the manufacture of cotton hose, belting and elastic surgical goods and 
the business continues under the above title ; it is a very successful en- 
terprise. The Merritt Machinery Company was organized in 1882 by 



1 68 

I E. Merritt, who is now president of the company ; the capital is 
$16,000. The product of the works is wood-working machinery. This 
company succeeded T. R. Bailey and Vail in the same business. The 
Lockport Pulp Company was organized in 1889 by James Jackson, jr., 
A. S. Beverly, W. S. Camp and Augustus H. Ivins ; the capacity of the 
establishment is thirty tons a day. A. H. Ivins is president of the 
company and Charles T. Raymond, secretary. The Lockport Felt 
Company, organized in 1891, has its office in Lockport and its fac- 
tory in what was once the Van Horn woolen mill in the town of 
Newfane. About twenty hands are employed in the manufacture of 
paper maker's felts. The company was organized by A. S. Beverly 
and James Jackson, jr., both of whom are deceased, and Charles T. 
Raymond, who has since been secretary and since June, 1896, treasurer. 

In 1893 John, William, Thomas and George Oliver, of whom William 
and Thomas are residents in Lockport, formed the firm of Oliver 
Brothers for the manufacture of brass and iron bedsteads. From 150 to 
300 hands are employed ; this is one of the largest establishments in the 
country that makes brass and iron bedsteads. The Niagara Cotton 
Batting Company was organized in April, 1894, and incorporated by 
James Cochran, president, and E. H. Baker, secretary and treasurer ; 
both still hold these positions ; the capital is $7,000. The Traders' 
Paper Company was incorporated April i, 1895, with a capital of 
$300,000. James A. Roberts is president, and T. E. Ellsworth, secre- 
tary and treasurer. A large modern paper mill is operated with suc- 
cess. The Lockport Paper Company was incorporated in 1884 with 
Charles Keek, president; W, H. Howes, secretary, and Wallace I. 
Keep, treasurer. The capital has remained $50,000 from the first. 
The company built its own plant, which was enlarged in 1893; the 
present capacity is twenty- five tons of building paper daily; the present 
officers are George G. Moss, president; Wallace I. Keep, secretary and 
treasurer, and John Jack, superintendent. 

Other manufactures of the city of considerable importance are the 
the Cowles Electric Smelting and xA.luminum Company, the name of 
which indicates its business; A. J. Mansfield & Co., glass manufac- 
turers; Bramley Brothers, iron founders and machinists; Evans & Liddle, 
brooms ; Morgan Brothers, boat builders ; Norman & Evans, derricks, 



169 

dredges, etc. ; Ira Bronson & Son, carriages ; the Western Block Com 
pany, organized 1 888, E, J. McGrath, treasurer and manager; G. W. 
Hildreth & Co., the Garden Foundry Company, the Hall Iron Works, 
and Westerman & Co. 

For several years an extensive fruit and cold storage business has 
been successfully carried on in Lockport. Among the leading firms in 
this line are the Niagara County Fruit Company (Charles W. Hatch, 
manager) ; H. C. Hoag & Son, B. J. Furgason, Ferrin Brothers Com- 
pany. Large storage warehouses have been built and immense quan- 
tities of fruit stored, much of it coming in from Western States. 

The celebrated Gargling Oil, a remedy with a reputation extending 
throughout the country, has always been manufactured in Lockport. 
The business was founded in 1833 by George W. Merchant, a reputable 
druggist in the village, who made the remedy and submitted it partic- 
ularly to owners of horses. For certain diseases of this animal it soon 
acquired a wide celebrity as a sure cure. As the demand for the oil 
increased Mr. Merchant established an extensive m.anufactory in con- 
nection with his drug store, and in course of time accumulated a com- 
petenc}', and in 1853 retired. He disposed of his business to M. H. 
Tucker, Dr. B. L. Delano, and H. Walbridge. Under the immediate 
management of Mr, Tucker, the business was greatly increased and the 
extensive use of the remedy for human ailments inaugurated. In 1858 
a stock company was organized, of which Mr. Tucker was chosen sec- 
retary. He died in i860 and was succeeded by John Hodge. This 
energetic business man made the oil known almost throughout the globe 
and greatly increased its sale. Tiie business was under his immediate 
management until his death. 

Lockport has had a Protective Merchants' Association, an Improve- 
ment Association, and a Manufacturers' Association ever since it has 
been a city, but was without a regular Board of Trade until 1891. That 
year a weekh- illustrated paper called Niagara Spray was started there, 
and it earnestly advocated the organization of an association of the 
business men of the city, which would perform the general functions 
of a board of trade and exert itself specificall}' for the consummation of 
the long talked of hyclraulic canal from the Niagara River to Lockport. 
The idea met with heart)' endorsement on the j^art of the citizens, and 
22 



170 

in a short time J. Charles Ferrin, Chauncey E. Dunkleberger, M. H. 
Hoover, and others secured 225 members. The formal organization 
occurred in March, 1891, with Hon. John E. Pound as president. Un- 
der his able management many things for the material advancement of 
Lockport were accomplished. A survey of the canal route was made, 
and the association now owns a map of the same costing $1,200. Hon. 
William Richmond succeeded Mr. Pound as president, and he now holds 
that office. The other officers of the Business Men's Association are 
Dr. M. S. Kittinger, vice-president ; M. H. Hoover, secretary ; and 
Joseph A. Ward, treasurer. 

In 1895 the Business Men's Association, after a deal of hard work, 
succeeded in securing a charter from the State for the hydraulic canal. 
The association further spent several thousands of dollars in securing 
options on land which it is proposed to turn over to any responsible 
party or parties who undertake the canal's construction. In order to 
obtain the charter the association, which was unincorporated, became 
incorporated as the Niagara, 1 ockport and Ontario Power Company, 
ten members of the association being directors, and William Richmond, 
president. 

The act creating the town of Lockport was passed February 2, 1824, 
long after settlement had begun. The first town meeting was held at 
the house of Michael D. Mann on the first Tuesday of April, 1824, 
present, James F. Mason, Hiram Gardner, and Joel M. Parks, justices 
of the peace. The following officers were then elected : 

Daniel Washburn, supervisor; Morris H. Tucker, town clerk; Eli Bruce, collector; 
David Pomroy, Henrj' Norton and John Gooding, assessors ; Henry W. Campbell 
and Nathan Comstock, overseers of the poor; Eli Bruce, William A. Judd, Joel 
Herrington and Levi B. Pratt, constables; Jonathan Willett, Henry Gregory and 
John Williams, commissioners of highways; Jonathan Willett, Joel M. Parks and 
Oliver L. Willard, commissioners of common schools ; William Van Duzer, George 
H. Boughton and Orsamus Turner, inspectors of common schools. 

An overseer of highways was chosen for each of the twenty- five road 
districts in the town, and each of them was constituted also a fence- 
viewer. The sum of $50 was voted for building a pound, and $100 for 
the support of the poor. Ezekiel Fulsom was appointed poundmaster. 
In that year thirteen entire and fractional school districts were created. 
The usual regulations for town government were enacted. 



171 

Following is a list of supervisors of the town of Lockport from its or- 
ganization to the present, with the dates of their terms of service: 

Daniel Washburn, 1824, 1826; George H. Broughton, 1827, 1828; Morris H. Tucker, 
1829; Henry Norton, 1880, 1832; Samuel Works, 1833, 1834; Asa W. Douglas, 1835, 
1836; AlonzoT. Prentice, 1837; Jacob Gaunt, 1838, 1839; George W. Rayers, 1840; 
Timothy Backus, 1841; Robert H. Stevens, 1842; Timothy Backus, 1843; Benjamin 
Carpenter, 1844, 1845; Asa W. Douglas, 1846; Solomon Parmelee, 1847; Isaac C. 
Cotton, 1848; Abijah H. Moss, 1849; Rensselaer S. Wilkinson, 1850, 1851; Robert 
White, 1852; Alonzo T. Prentice, 1853; Charles Evans, 1854; Daniel Van Valken- 
burgh, 1855; John Jackson, 1856-1858; Benjamin Fletcher, 1859; Jacob Gaunt, 1860; 
Benjamin Fletcher, 1861; James Jackson, 1862; Richard B. Hoag, 1863-1865; Isaac 
H. Babcock, 1866, 1867; John W. Alberty, 1868, 1869; Ira Farnsworth, 1870; Luther 
Forsyth, 1871-1873; S. Clark Lewis, 1874, 1875; Seneca B. Frost, 1876; Nathan S. 
Gilbert, 1877, 1878, 1879; Reuben M. Randolph, 1880, 1881; Nelson B. Stevens, 1882, 
1883; Samuel A. Disinger, 1884, 1885; Leverett A. Campbell, 1886; Aimer W. 
Mitchell, 1887, 1888; John G. Freeman, 1889, 1890, 1891, 1892; William F. Clark, 
1893-1894; Charles A. Warren, 1895-1896; Jacob Shimer, 1897-1898. Harvey M. 
Dysinger has served as town clerk since 1886. 

Supe7'visors of the City of Lockport. — First ward, Henry F. Cady, 1865-66; John 
W. Steele, 1867-68; James O. King, 1869-71; Charles Whitmore, 1872; James O. 
King, 1873; John T. Joyce, 1874; John R. Edwards, 1875; W. Wallace Steele, 1876; 
Hiram H. Wicker, 1877-78; Edwin Le Van, 1879; Ira T. Hoag, 1880-81; David R. 
Bruce, 1882-83; C. E. Jayne, 1884-85; George L. Smith, 1886; Thomas M. McGrath, 
1887; C. W. Hatch, 1888; P. H. Tuohey, 1889; Eugene Kearns, 1890-92; Joseph W. 
Turner, jr., 1893-94; Eugene Kearns, 1895-96; Frank Maroney, 1897. 

Second ward, Horatio Kilborne, 1865-69 ; William R. Ford, 1870-71 ; Hiram Mc- 
Collum, 1872-75; Joseph W. Little, 1876; Hiram McCollum, 1877; John Hawkes, 
1878; Patrick Sharkey, 1879-80; John Lardner, 1881-82; C. A. Olmsted, 1883; Alfred 
Morgan, 1884; J. G. Norman, 1885; Thomas Laydin, 1886; M. C. Conlm, 1888-89; 
John Hawkes, 1890-91; Thomas R. Large, 1892-94; T. F. Moran, 1895-96; H. F. 
Redigan, 1897. 

Third ward, Thomas T. Flagler, 1865-66; S. Rollin Daniels, 1867; N. E. Moore, 
1868; William E. Jenney, 1869; John E. Pound, 1870; F. P. Weaver. 1871; James 
Atwater, 1882-74; Austin Dunton. 1875; Origen Storrs, 1876; E. A. Holt, 1877-80; 
Jacob A. Driess, 1881; James Atwater, 1882-94; John F. Little, 1895-97. 

Fourth ward, William Weld, 1866; John T. Murray, 1867; W. H. Ransom, 1868- 
69; F. E. Rogers, 1870; Austin Dunton, 1871; Perry G. Wadhams, 1872-73; John T. 
Murray, 1874-75; William Lambert, 1876; W. T. Ransom, 1877; Perry G. Wadhams, 
1878-79; Thomas Scovell. 1880-81; Oliver C. Gibson, 1882-83; Albert R. Furgason. 
1884-85; Alexander W. Nelson, 1886; Blaise Miller, 1887-88; William H. Upson. 
1889-91; William Lambert, 1892-94; L. J. Angevine, 1895-96; Norman O. Allen, 
1897. 

Fifth ward, John B. Naismith, 1892 ; Edwin A. Doty, 1893-94 ; Joseph W. Little, 
1895-97. 

Si.xth ward, John McCue, 1892; Rufus Gibbs, 1893-94; Francis B. White, 1895-97. 



172 

The little hamlet of Warren's Corners is situated on the Ridge road 
in the northwest part of the town, a portion of it lying in the edge of 
the town of Cambria. Ezra Warren was one of the more prominent 
of the early settlers here, coming in 18 13, and from him the place took 
its name. He opened a tavern and kept it many years and made it 
very popular. A store and several shops were early established here 
and previous to the war of 18 12 considerable business was transacted. 
A Methodist class was formed at Warren's Corners in 1825 by Rev. 
John Copeland, of which Ezra Warren, Isaac Warren, Josiah Warren, 
Edwin Warren, Thomas Carlton, German Bush, Jonathan Benson and 
Thomas Fowler were members ; they were all early settlers in that 
vicinity. A church edifice was erected in 1833 on land donated to 
the society. In 1858 the building was sold and removed and the pres- 
ent brick building erected on the site. 

Chestnut Ridge is the name applied to a closely settled farming dis- 
trict in the east part of the town. It has no business interests, but a 
Methodist church was organized there in January, 1834, with Sylvester 
Flagler, Theodore Stone, Titus Hall, Moses Rummery and Elijah 
Gibbs, trustees. Meetings were held for a time in the school house, 
district No. 3, but in 1835 a church edifice was built at a cost of $1,- 
350; it was enlarged and improved in 1866. 

The pleasant village of Rapids is situated in the southeastern part of 
the town on Tonawanda Creek, and took its name from the fact that the 
current of the stream is more rapid there than at any other point ; a 
bridge was built across the creek here early in the century which was 
called the Rapids bridge. The first settlers here were Amos and S. B. 
Kinne, who purchased land from Joseph Ellicott's heirs in 1839 and laid 
out some village lots. Very little progress was made, however, until 
1849, when Orange Mansfield built a saw mill near the creek to be 
operated by steam ; it stood about on the site of the later grist mill. G. 
H. Utley built and conducted a good hotel and Horace Cummings 
built a store, in which he sold groceries ; in 1853 he sold out to one 
Williams, who put in a general stock. William Heroy built the grist 
mill. Among the present or recent business interests of the place may 
be mentioned Joseph Edwards, grocer and postmaster ; Oliver J, Bruce, 
merchant; Peter Rossman, blacksmith, and Jacob Shinier, creamery. 



173 

The Rapids Free Church Association was formed in 1850 with A. J. 
Mansfield, Robert B. Kinne (who was an early settler), Mr. Williams, 
James Kinne and Sylvester Collins, trustees. The association embraced 
persons of any denomination. A Methodist class and a Wesleyan 
Methodist society were then in existence. The association promptly 
built a church, which stood several years before it was finished The 
building is now occupied by the United Brethren church, which was 
organized about i860, and absorbed most of the religious elements of 
that vicinity. 

There are several hamlets in the town of Lockport outside of the 
city, the first settlements at which have been mentioned. Wright's 
Corners is in the north part of the town. The first business to be estab- 
lished at that point after the war of 18 12 was a hotel which was kept 
by a man named Barber; after his death it was kept by his family until 
it was burned, about 1820. Two of Mr. Barber's daughters were 
burned to death in the building. Another hotel a little later was kept 
by Alva Buck ; it, however, stood just across the Newfane line. Solo- 
mon Wright settled there on the Ridge Road about 1822, and from him 
the corners took the name. He also opened a public house and kept it 
many years. The post office was opened thereabout 1826 and Mr. 
Wright was the first official in charge. His hotel was burned in 1861. 

David Maxwell, from New Jersey, settled at Johnson's Creek in 1819- 
besides conducting a farm of lOO acres he also kept a hotel. He was a 
surveyor and laid out the well-known Hess road. In 1824 he pur- 
chased a farm at Wright's Corners and settled there. He became a 
leading citizen, opened and conducted the first store at the Corners, 
which he kept until 1840. It was through his influence that a charter 
was obtained for the road known as the Long Causeway. A few shops 
and small business interests have since existed at this point. A Presby- 
terian church was organized here in 1872, as an offshoot from the 
societies of this denomination in Lockport. 

There is a post-office with the name of Raymond on what is known 
as Raymond Hill, in the southern part of the town. Solomon Dershaw 
is the local merchant there and postmaster. In February, 1858, the 
h'irst Evangelical Society of the Town of Lockport was incorporated, 
with Adam Roeder, John Dunkelberger and Adam Schreiber, trustees. 



174 

Services in this faith had been held in that vicinity for several years 
prior to that time. A frame church was erected in 1857. 



CHAPTER XII. 
TOWN OF NIAGARA, CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS, SUSPENSION BRIDGE. 

A large part of the very early history of the territory now embraced 
in the town of Niagara has been given in preceding chapters of this vol- 
ume. The town was erected from Cambria June i, 1812, with the name 
of Schlosser, which had previously been applied to the fort and land- 
ing above the falls. The name was changed on February 14, 18 16. 
The town originally contained the territory of what are now the towns 
of Pendleton, set off in 1827, and Wheatfield, set off in 1836. It now 
includes Goat Island and other small islands in Niagara River near the 
falls (which are in the State Reservation now) and is the southwestern 
corner town in the county. 

The surface is generally level and the soil mostly clayey in character. 
In past years the various grains were extensively cultivated and con- 
siderable wheat is still produced. In later years fruit growing has be- 
come the largest agricultural industry, apples being produed in immense 
quantities and sold in their natural state or evaporated for preservation, 
and made into cider and vinegar. Ca) uga Creek rises in Wheatfield 
and flows across the southeastern part of the town, emptying into the 
Niagara River opposite Cayuga Island. Gill Creek rises in Lewiston, 
flows southwardly across the central part of the town and empties into 
the river about two miles above the falls. This town must always re- 
main celebrated from the fact thas a part of the great cataract is near its 
limits. Sufficient has already been written in this work of the great 
natural wonder, and its beauty and grandeur has formed the theme of 
gifted pens from early years. It has been, and always will be, the Mecca 
of travelers from all parts of the world, and to its existence at this point 
is largely due the founding of the village and the later city bearing the 
name of the cataract itself. 



175 

The first permanent occupation of territory now embraced in this 
town by white men was made, doubtlesss, in 1759 or 1760, by John, 
Philip and William Stedman, who came and occupied a large house at 
the upper landing. Sir William Johnson states in his journal of 1761 
that Sir Jeffrey Amherst had permitted a company of Indian traders to 
establish themselves at that landing, giving them exclusive privileges, 
and that a large house was in process of erection for their use. The 
Stedmans enlarged the clearing at the landing and also made an open- 
ing in the forest opposite Goat Island, ^ and a clearing of ten acres on 
the upper part of that island. Another of their improvements was the 
planting of about 150 apple trees west of the house, which constituted 
the first orchard in this region ; it was afterwards greatly enlarged and 
some of the old trees stood until recent years. John Stedman (the head 
of the family) remained here until 1795, when he left, turning his in- 
terests over to Jesse Ware, to act as his agent. He claimed all the al- 
leged rights of his principals, including ownership of the falls and 4,000 
to 5,000 acres of lant! in the bend of the river. Up to this time the 
portage had furnished about all the business of the locality ; it was re- 
moved to the British side in 1795. The old French saw mill, built 
many years earlier and probably rebuilt by the English, at the head of 
the rapids, was used to some extent by the Stedmans or their agent up 
to 1797, and had supplied the little lumber used here at that time. The 
property became known as the Stedman farm, although it is quite well 
settled that Stedman never had any valid title to the land. John Sted- 
man's pretended acquisition of title from the Seneca Indians, even if it 
ever existed, could not stand. In 1801 Stedman applied to the Legis- 
lature to confirm his pretended Indian title to lands " bounded by Niagara 
river, Gill creek, and a line extending east from Devil's Hole to said 
creek." He claimed in his petition that at the council of 1764, when 
Sir William Johnson was present, the Indians conveyed the property 
to him, and that he left the deed with Sir William, by whom it was lost 
with other papers of his own. The Legislature refused to grant the 
claim and subsequently the property was sold to other persons. Sted- 
man's heirs sought to establish their claims to some of this propert}- as 

' This island received its peculiar name from the incident of Stedman putting a number of 
goats upon it in the winter of 177!»->so, most of which froze to death before spring. 



176 

late as 1823, but failed. The insignificant improvements mentioned 
above were all that were made prior to 1805. 

In 1795 a man visited Niagara Falls who, with his family and de- 
scendants, was destined to exercise a powerful influence upon this local- 
ity. This man was Augustus Porter. He again visited the falls in 
1796, while on his way with a company of surveyors and their assist- 
ants to explore and survey the Western Reserve. In relation to those 
early visits we quote from a pamphlet published in 1876 by Albert H. 
Porter, as follows : 

His first impression of the natural advantages of this locahty, were decided!}'- 
favorable. Taking into view its position, on what was then, and in all probability 
would ever be, the great thoroughfare from east to west, with the vast water 
power, that as settlement advanced, must become very valuable, he could not but 
reo-ard it as a point worthy of attention whenever the lands should be opened for 
sale and improvement. These views influenced him and his associates in the pur- 
chases made subsequently, with reference to immediate occupation and improve- 
ment. In connection with his first visit in 1795 he makes the following statement: 
That he with his friend Judah Colt, made the journey on horseback, to Chippewa, 
U. C, and there took passage on a boat for Presque Isle (now Erie), Pa. The Brit- 
ish still held possession of the military posts of Oswego, Niagara, Detroit, and Mack- 
inaw, and no American vessels had then been built on the lakes. Of Buffalo he 
.says, the only residents at that time were Johnson, a British Indian interpreter, 
whose house stood on the site of the present Mansion House ; Winne, an Indian 
trader, and two other families. A large part of the ground now occupied by the 
city was an unbroken wilderness. 

In the year 1805 the State first offered the lands along Niagara River 
for sale, and Augustus Porter, Peter B. Porter, Benjamin Barton and 
Joseph Annin, jointly, purchased largely at Lewiston, Niagara Falls, 
Block Rock and elsewhere along the river. In the year just named 
Augustus Porter built a saw mill and blacksmith shop at the falls, pre- 
paratory to making further improvements. In 1806 he removed his 
family from Canandaigua to the old Stedman house before described. 
In the same year the four men above named formed the Portage Com- 
pany, they having obtained from the State a long lease of the landing 
places at Lewiston and Schlosser. with the exclusive privilege of trans- 
porting property across the portage. These men took the firm name 
of Porter, Barton & Co., which for many years was known throughout 
the State in connection with commerce between the east and the west. 
The original portage lease was for ten years, but it was extended five 



177 

years, bringing it down to 1820. Among the lands purchased were 
lots I, 2, 3 and 4 of the Mile Reserve along the river, which lots in- 
clude the American fall and extended one and three-fourths miles 
southward. 

The vicinity was still and for some years later substantially a wilder- 
ness. There were a few dilapidated log cabins near by, and the crumb- 
ling remains of Fort Schlosser. A tangled forest grew along the river 
to the water's edge and on the site of the central part of the present 
city were numerous stately oaks of great size. Wild animals were nu- 
merous, especially wolves, and small game and ducks and geese were 
plentiful. In the rocks along the gorge rattlesnakes abounded. 

Augustus Porter was a native of Salisbury, Conn., where he was 
born in January, 1769. He was a practical surveyor, and after serving 
in that profession for a time on the Phelps and Gorham Purchase, he 
settled in Canandaigua in 1800, whence he moved to Niagara Falls, as 
before stated. His family then consisted of his wife and three sons, 
Albert H., Peter B , jr., and Augustus S. He is entitled to recognition 
as the most prominent of the pioneers of this immediate locality. His 
neighbors in the earliest years along the frontier were James Evring- 
ham, Jesse Ware, William Miller, William Howell, Stephen Hopkins, 
Philemon Baldwin, Joshua Fairbanks, Joseph Howell, Erastus Parks, 
Isaac Colt, James Murray, between the falls and Lewiston ; Isaac Swain 
lived on the Military road near its intersection with Gill Creek, where 
he settled in 1805. During 1807 Adoniram Evringham, a miller; John 
M. Stoughton, a cloth dresser; Joshua Fairbanks, who became the 
first tavern keeper; and Jacob Hovey, a carpenter, all settled at the 
falls, making the beginning of a little community. At Schlosser settled 
William Valentine and John Sims, boat builders, and on the Portage 
road Gad Pierce, farmer and inn keeper. In 1807 Porter, Barton & 
Co. built the first grist mill at the falls; it had two runs of stone. In 
1808 Augustus Porter erected a commodious dwelling. Between that 
year and 18 12 considerable advancement was made, including the 
starting of a rope-walk, a carding mill, a small tannery, a tavern, and 
the building of perhaps a dozen small houses. The first school was 
opened in 1807. 

In 1809 Enos Broughton came and opened a tavern in the Stedman 

23 



178 

house, from which Mr, Porter had removed to his new dwelling. Wil- 
liam Chapman and David Lindsay, rope makers ; James Armington, 
carpenter ; William Van Norman, blacksmith ; and Ebenezer Brundage, 
sawyer, settled at the falls and began each his respective occupation. 
In 1808 James Field settled in the town, renting a farm of Judge Por- 
ter, and a little later purchased land between Schlosser and Cayuga 
Creek and moved upon it in 1810. He kept a well known tavern 
until his death in 1823, which was afterwards conducted by his widow. 
In the early days Field's tavern was a favorite meeting place for the 
pioneers and several of the town meetings were held there. Mr. Field 
held several offices, was a respected citizen and left four sons, two of 
whom were Spencer Field and Eldad Field, both long respected in the 
town. 

In 1 8 10 James Cowing, a shoemaker; Ezekiel Hill, an early school 
teacher ; Ralph Coffin, bookkeeper for Judge Porter ; Joshua Fish, a 
carpenter; Oliver Udall, farmer, and Parkhurst Whitney became resi- 
dents. The latter purchased lot 53 of the Mile Strip and subsequently 
became one of the conspicuous figures of the town. 

Among the early permanent settlers in this town, remote from the 
river, were John Young, who came from Pennsylvania in 18 10, with his 
wife and five sons, two of whom were married, and two daughters. 
Their conveyance was a heavy wagon drawn by five horses, and their 
journey was full of interest. They. settled on lot 17 in the Mile Strip 
a little east of the mouth of Gill Creek. In 181 1 Samuel Young, one 
of the married sons, purchased land afterwards owned by his son Jonas, 
and Christian Young, the other married son, purchased land adjoining. 
They were driven away by the war of 18 12, but returned after peace 
was declared. 

John Witmer and his family came into the town in 18 10, from Penn- 
sylvania. After arriving at Black Rock they proceeded down the river 
to Devil's Hole, from where Isaac Swain had chopped out a road to 
his clearing where the Military road crosses Gill Creek. Swain had 
partially cleared thirty or forty acres of land and built a good log 
house. This farm Mr. Witmer purchased and became one of the sub- 
stantial citizens of the town. In 18 17 he built a saw mill on Gill 
Creek, in which lumber was sawed for many years. In early times it 



179 

supplied most of the lumber for building the dwellings in that part of 
the town. He had nine children, all born in Pennsylvania, seven of 
whom were sons. Mr. Witmer died in 1842. His brother Abram 
came in one year later than John, bringing his wife and three sons ; 
five other children were born in Niagara county. One of the sons 
was Christian H. Witmer, who was prominently connected with the 
milling business at the falls and Suspension Bridge. He was acciden- 
tally drowned September 17, 1858. 

The reader has already learned of the events that took place in this 
town and all along the frontier during the war of 18 12. During that 
struggle immigration ceased, and most of those who had begun making 
their homes left for the interior upon the declaration of war 'in 1812; 
but most of these returned and remained until December, i"8l3, when 
the British laid waste the whole frontier, destroying improvements and 
leaving many, who escaped with their lives, in destitution. Nothing 
was left at the falls except two or three small dwellings and a log 
tavern. With the close of the war settlement again began and pro- 
gressed rapidly. In 181 5 came among others, James Ballard, a cloth 
dresser, who settled on the river road. Samuel Tompkins, a Canadian 
volunteer, who had been banished from Canada and his property con- 
fiscated for his participation in the war against England, came across in 
1815 and purchased lot 52 on the Mile Strip of Parkhurst Whitney. 
Philip Tufford came that year and settled near the Lockport road. 
There were then a score or more of dwellers in what is now the town 
of Niagara and half of those were at the Falls. This was then the 
only trading point nearer than Black Rock and Lewiston, and here the 
only store was that of Judge De Veaux, then recently opened at the 
Falls ; he was also postmaster. There were three pioneer taverns — 
General Whitney's at the Falls ; one at Clarksville kept by Gad Pierce, 
aud James Field's, before mentioned. The only school was at the Falls 
and that was open only in the winter up to 181 8. There was no physi- 
cian prior to 1820 nearer than Lewiston. Most of these settlers de- 
rived a large part of their business from the carrying of freight across 
the portage. 

The so-called "cold summer " of 1816 and the great scarcity of pro- 
visions and money which continued about two years now came on with 



i8o 

terrors for the pioneers little less afflicting than those of the war. All 
kinds of food products were extremely scarce and correspondingly 
high in price. Samuel Tompkins went to Canada in the spring of i8i8 
and paid $36 per barrel for pork ; $22 a barrel for flour. But better 
times soon dawned, settlers came in large numbers and by 1825 con- 
ditions were greatly improved. 

In the )'ear 18 16 Eli Bruce settled on the Lockport road, and taught 
some of the early schools. Rev. David Smith came that year and 
preached alternately at Lewiston and the Falls. Ferris Angevine came 
in 1 8 18 and purchased land on the Tonawanda road a little above the 
mouth of Cayuga Creek ; later he bought on the Military road, built a 
log house and there began housekeeping in 1826. Epaphroditus Em- 
mons, one of the early justices, town clerk and tavern keeper, settled at 
Fort Schlosser about 1819, and built a temporary two-story structure 
around the old chimney which had stood at the end of the wing of the 
Stedman house ; there he kept tavern a few years. About the same 
time Isaac Smith settled on the Portage road ; Aden Gay and Nathaniel 
Bowles, both blacksmiths, located at Schlosser; and in 1820 Thomas W. 
Fanning, tavern keeper, James Pierce, miller, and Arah Osborn, carpen- 
ter, came in ; also William Bradner, cloth dresser, and Dr. Ambrose 
Thomas, the first resident physician. Peter Cowan and Andrew Huff 
came in 1821. Stephen Childs settled near the whirlpool rapids in 
1822, and Aaron Childs, who was not related to Stephen, settled on the 
site of Suspension Bridge village. Theodore Whitney, nephew of Park- 
hurst Wliitney. came from Ontario county in 1823. built a cabin and 
returned for his bride ; they boarded with Samuel Young until his 
dwelling was finished. 

Some of the more prominent settlers in the town between 1825 and 
1850 were Henry H. Hill, on the Military road; James Ward and Peter 
D. Bachman, on the River road; Daniel Remington, Charles Gofif, 
George Shipman, all in 1825. In 1826 Rev. Horatio A. Parsons set- 
tled on the River road between the Falls and Cayuga Creek; he was at 
one period pastor of a Presbyterian church at the Falls, devoted much 
time to the study of scientific farming and wrote for many agricultural 
papers. Martin Voght, who was father of a large family, came to the 
town in 1828 ; his son, Jacob J., was long a well known citizen. Joseph ' 



i8i 

I 

^ Graves settled within the limits of the present city at the Falls in 1833 • 
he was father of Lyman C. Graves. Henry Ortt, a mason, came also in 
1833 ; William Garrett in 1835, Daniel Dietrick in 1838. The names of 
other prominent citizens will appear further on. 

In 18 16 Augustus Porter purchased Goat Island of the State and 
built the first bridge connecting it with the shore. This bridge was 
partially carried away in the first winter. In 18 18 another bridge was 
built on the site of the present one, which withstood the water and ice 
and was in use until 1856, when it was displaced by an iron bridge. 

Among the early improvements in the little village at the falls was the 
starting of a cloth-dressing and wool carding factory by James Ballard 
in 18 16, which was soon afterward enlarged by D. & S. Chapman and 
woolen cloths were made. In 1819-20 Parkhurst Whitney built a 
large addition to his tavern, giving it the name of the Eagle Tavern ; it 
was long a popular hostelry. In 182 1 a forge, rolling mill and nail fac- 
tory were erected and operated by Bolls & Gay. In 1822 Augustus 
Porter built a large flouring mill, which subsequently passed to the 
Witmers. In 1823 a paper mill was built by Jesse Symonds near Goat 
Island bridge. In 1828 the upper race was extended and Ira Cook, 
William G, Tuttle, Chapin & Swallow, and others established works of 
different kinds upon it. In 1826 a large paper mill was built on Bath 
Island by Porter & Clark, which was afterwards purchased and enlarged 
by L. C. Woodruff. 

Samuel De Veaux was long the leading merchant of the place. He 
was descended from the persecuted Huguenots who fled to this country. 
In 1803 he entered the land office of Phelps & Gorham at Canandaigua, 
and in 1807 was appointed commissary at Fort Niagara. Opening the 
first store at the Falls and investing in real estate, he became compara- 
tively wealthy. It was through his benevolence that De Veaux College 
was founded, as elsewhere described. Other early merchants were 
Christopher H. Smith, Charles Parsons, and others. 

Between 1820 and 1840 the following men, in addition to those al- 
ready mentioned, located at the F"alls and engaged in business of some 
nature and aided in laying the foundations of its later prosperity; Enos 
Clark, a mason ; John Bradner, a shoemaker; Ansel B. Jacobs, one of 
the early gate keepers at Goat Island bridge ; Ziba Gay, blacksmith ; 



l82 

Solomon L. Ware, tanner; B, H. White, tailor, all in 1822. Henrj'^ W. 
Clark, Charles Clark and Jesse Symonds, paper makers, in 1823. Rich- 
ard Ayer, farmer; Timothy Shaw, cloth-dresser, in 1824. In 1824 
also Ira Cook, William G. Tuttle, cabinet maker and blacksmith re- 
spectively, and Thomas Chapin and A. M. Swallow, blacksmiths. John 
McDonald, cloth- dresser, came in 1830, with another physician in the 
person of Dr. Edwin Cook. Theodore S. Whitney came in 1831 ; 
Oramel and Lucien Johnson in 1834; Theodore G. Hulett, a black- 
smith, came at about this time and worked at his trade for a time. In 
1847 he was engaged as superintendent of the first suspension bridge, 
and in later years he superintended the construction of several impor- 
tant bridges in the eastern part of the State. He was elected justice of 
the peace of this town in 1849, ^'^^1 continued in public office thirty 
years. He is still living. 

Dexter R. Jerauld came to the village in 1835, ^^^^^ known as one of 
the proprietors of the Cataract Hotel. In 1836 came Samuel D. Ham- 
lin, Seth L. Burdick, William Griffith, F. C. Ford, James Davy, all of 
whom became identified with the business interests of the place. George 
Holland, George E. Hamlin, Joel R. Robinson and Andrew Murray 
became residents in 1837 5 ^"^ in 1838 W. E. Hulett and A. W. Allen. 
In 1840 came G. W. HoUey, the well known author of a work on Ni- 
agara ; Michael Walsh, Charles Wilcox and John Doty. 

Between 1840 and 1855 the village increased its population con- 
siderably ; among those who were connected with its business interests 
and who arrived in that period were Daniel J. Townsend, who came 
from Buffalo and established a screw factory ; James F. Trott, one of the 
firm of Whitney, Jerauld & Co.; Morris L. Fox, a groceryman ; Dr. 
Gennett Conger ; John Geagan, blacksmith ; William Sturdy, harness- 
maker ; A. K. Fassett, hardware dealer; Alva Cluck, long proprietor 
of the Spencer House ; Worthy Curtis, Dayton G. Canfield, Osborn 
Canfield, John D. Hamlin, William F. Evans, Charles H. Piper, 
Thomas Tugby, still in business, and William Pool, the veteran pub- 
lisher. 

Gen. Peter B. Porter, whose name has been made prominent in the 
account of the war of 181 2, died at Niagara Falls in 1844. He had 
been a resident of the place only a few years, coming hither from Black 



i83 

Rock, where he had been a conspicuous personage since i8iO. He 
was a younger brother of Augustus Porter, was a lawyer by profes- 
sion ; was clerk of Outario county in 1797, and was elected to the 
Legislature in 1802. In 18 10 and again in 18 14 he was elected to 
Congress and in 18 15 was secretary of state for New York, and secre- 
tary of war in 1828, In the war he rose to the office of major-general. 

Col. Peter A. Porter was a son of General Porter and was born at 
Black Rock in 1827. He received a university education both in 
this country and in Europe, was elected to the Assembly in 1861, 
and at the outbreak of the war of the Rebellion threw himself actively 
into the work of raising troops for the army. His career as com- 
mander of the 8th Heavy Artillery, which he raised in 1862, was 
honorable in the highest degree, and he fell at the head of his forces 
at Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864. He left two sons, Peter A. Porter, jr., 
and George M. Porter. 

Many other families of the city and town are properly noticed in 
Part HI of this volume. 

The first town meeting of this town was held at the tavern of James 
Field, April 7, 1812. The officers then elected were as follows : 

Silas Hopkins, supervisor; Ezekiel Hill, town clerk; James Field, Ebenezer 
Hovey and William Scott, assessors; Parkhurst Whitney, Joshua Pettit and Augus- 
tus Porter, commissioners of highways; John Sims, constable and collector; Gad 
Pierce and John W. Stoughton, poormasters; Amos Park, Warren Saddler, John 
Patterson, Abner Hull, John Witmer, William Scott and Abram Witmer, path- 
masters. 

The usual ordinances and regulations were voted for the simple gov- 
ernment of the town. The supervisor was authorized to build a pound 
near Schlosser, and it was finally determined that the yard of Joseph 
Hadley, or such enclosure as he might erect, should be considered a 
legal pound. The height of fences was fixed ; a bounty of five dol- 
lars was ordered for wolves killed in the town ; the sum of $250 was 
voted for the improvement of highways, and $25 for the support of 
the poor. 

The town meeting of 18 14 was held at the house of George Burger, 
and a sum of money, the amount not recorded, was voted for the 
establishment of common schools; but in the year 1816 the school 
fund was fixed at $20. In that year also an additional pound was 



1 84 

ordered ; those institutions were very necessary in early years, when 
fences were few and domestic animals mostly ran at large. 

In April, 1827, at the annual town meeting the supervisor and town 
clerk were directed to procure a map of the town, and to prepare and 
circulate a petition for the division of the town. This action resulted 
in the setting off of Pendleton, the old town to pay two-thirds of all 
obligations and the new town the remainder. Similar action was 
taken in May, 1836, when the town of Wheatfield was erected from 
Niagara. 

The time at length arrived when it seemed desirable that Niagara 
Falls should be incorporated as a village. This was accomplished in 
1847, ^^^ t^^ fi^'st village officers elected were as follows: President, 
Parkhurst Whitney ; clerk, Charles H, Smith ; trustees, Parkhurst 
Whitney, Augustus S. Porter, H. W. Clark, W. E. Hulett, G. Conger. 
The usual ordinances were adopted and subsequently were changed 
from time to time, as the growing needs of the place demanded. The 
population of the village in 1855 was almost 3,000, and the incresse of 
the next five years was 500. The number actually decreased during 
the period of the war. 

During a considerable part of the period from the village incorpora- 
tion to 1890 the growih of the place in population was not rapid. It was 
not sought as a place of residence to the extent that its natural advan- 
tages warranted ; and while business and manufacturing increased to a 
considerable extent, the energies of very many of the inhabitants were 
devoted largely to making money through the large annual influx 
of visitors from all parts of the world to see the great cataract But the 
time was at hand when all this was to be changed. 

The great numbers of transient visitors to the falls led in early years 
to the erection of numerous hotels, and the place ultimately became the 
site of more public houses than any other village of its size in the coun- 
try, if not in the world. Many of these hotels were built to accommo- 
date an immense number of guests and were conducted on a magnifi- 
cent scale. 

John Fairchilds was the pioneer landlord at Niagara Falls. His house 
was of logs, two stories in height and had a small frame addition, when 
it was purchased by Gen. Parkhurst Whitney in 18 I 5. General Whit- 



i8s 

ney settled at the Falls in 1810, and in 1814 opened a small tavern in 
a house belonging to Judge Porter ; in the following year he bought 
the Fairchilds house, which stood on the site of the later Eagle Hotel. 
General Whitney enlarged and improved the house at intervals, until 
183 1, when he purchased the Cataract House, which he occupied in 
1835 ; in that year he added to it to the extent of 40 by 56 feet, four 
stories high; in 1842 he made another similar addition, and in 1845 
another 42 by 133 feet, five stories high. Other minor additions were 
also made. This house is now conducted by Peter A. Porter. 

The old Spencer House was a popular and widely known hostelry for 
many years ; it stood on the site of the present Gluck block, a location 
that had been occupied for hotel purposes a great many years. The 
Empire, the Clarendon, and the American all stood there, the latter 
having been burned January 25, 1863, was rebuilt and again burned. 
The Spencer House was opened in 1867 and was burned with a loss of 
over $100,000 March 16, 1892. 

The great International Hotel was built in 1S53 by B. F. Childs. It 
was enlarged by J. T. Bush, and later by the International Hotel Com- 
pany, and for many years has been recognized as one of the finest pub- 
lic houses in the State. It is now under the management of Samuel A. 
Greenwood, who acts in that capacity for the International Hotel Com- 
pany. 

Other prominent hotels of the city are the Prospect House, D. Isaacs, 
proprietor; the Hotel Imperial, C. N. Owen, proprietor; the Columbia, 
C. R. Phelps, proprietor ; and many others of less importance. 

The early mails of Niagara Falls were carried over the road from 
Buffalo to Lewiston. Augustus Porter was the first postmaster and 
Samuel De Veaux the next. The village was an early and important 
stage headquarters and Samuel D. Hamlin was long conspicuous in 
the business. He settled in the village in 1836, at the beginning of the 
era of speculation and inflation which soon brought disaster to many. 
It was at that time that Benjamin Rathbun began his operations in real 
estate here, in which he soon failed, inflicting ruin and a general cessa- 
tion of progress on the village. The coming of the railroads, which has 
been described, changed the whole aspect of travel and mail- carrying. 

The first newspaper published in the village was the Niagara P'alls 

24 



1 86 

Journal, which was issued in 1837 ^Y Francis & Ward. It lived only 
a few months. The publication of the Niagara Chronicle was begun 
by J. Simpson in 1838. Next came the Iris, which was published from 
1846 to 1854 by George H. Hackstafif. In 1855 the Niagara Times 
was started by W. E. Tunis, who continued it until October, 1857. 
These papers have all passed out of existence. 

On the 1 8th of May, 1854, William Pool and Benjamin F, Sleeper, 
under the firm name of Pool & Sleeper, started the Niagara Falls Ga- 
zette, which is still in existence. A daily was^ issued in connection 
with the weekly during a part of 1859-60. In 1864 Mr. Pool became 
sole proprietor, and continued at the head of the establishm.ent until 
January, 1881, when he sold out to Peter A. Porter, who also published 
it semi-weekly and daily. He disposed of the establishment in 1895 to 
the Gazette Publishing Company, which discontinued the weekly and 
semi- weekly and published only the daily. Sherman Morse and Ernest 
H. Wands are the managers. 

Sherman Morse, business manager of the Gazette Publishing Com- 
pany, of Niagara Falls, is a son of Elihu M. and Sarah (Sherman) Morse; 
and was born January 15, i87(\ in Canandaigua, N. Y., where he 
attended the Fort Hill school. He was graduated from Yale Univer- 
sity in 1 891, and afterward was successively connected with the staffs 
of the Buffalo Courier, Express, and Evening News, on the latter being 
first telegraph editor and later city editor. On September 16, 1895, he 
came to Niagara Falls, and with others, under the style of the Gazette 
Publishing Company, purchased the Daily and Semi-Weekly Gazette 
of Peter A. Porter. Mr Moise has since been a director and the busi- 
ness manager of the company, the officers of which are Tracey C. 
Becker, president; John C. Morgan, vice-president; Richard F. Ran- 
kine, secretary; and Ernest H. Wands, treasurer and editor. In July, 
1896, the semi- weekly was discontinued. The Daily Gazette is one of 
the best and brightest dailies in the county, and has been brought to a 
successful condition through the able management of its active officers. 
Mr. Morse was married November 28, 1894, to Katharine Douglas 
Lansing, daughter of Edward S. Lansing, of Burlington, N. J. 

The Niagara Courier was started by Hon. William Pool on January 
I, 1884, and has always been recognized as one of the best weekly 







JOHN W. CUTLER. 



1 87 

newspapers in the county. Mr. Pool still continues as its editor and 
publisher. 

The Daily Cataract was started soon after the incorporation of the 
city of Niagara Falls in 1892 by O. W. Cutler. It is now published by 
the Cataract Publishing Company, of which John VV. Cutler is man- 
ager. 

The Press was issued for several years, with more or less regularity, 
until recently, by B. H. Randolph. 

In the Mist is published daily during the summer season by W. E. 
Tuttle. 

City Incorporation. — The city of Niagara Falls has had only a 
comparatively brief existence. The subject of city incorporation re- 
ceived the customary agitation and discussion long before the measure 
was accomplished. Considerable opposition developed, the larger part 
of which was among the older and more conservative citizens ; but this 
was directed not so much against the act itself, as in favor of postpone- 
ment a year or two. The matter finally crystallized in the action of a 
committee from the Business Men's Association, which body appeared 
before the regular meeting of the village trustees on February 24, 
1892, and requested that a public meeting be called to consider 
the matter. The request was granted and the meeting called for March 
4. It was numerously attended and Eugene Cary explained the im- 
portant features of the proposed city charter and the advantages that 
would probably follow its adoption. Thomas V. Welch addressed the 
meeting as a representative of the committee who had prepared the 
charter. At the close of these proceedings a vote was taken upon the 
adoption of the city charter and there was no dissent. A similar meet- 
ing was held on the following day at Suspension Bridge, with a result 
favorable to uniting with the larger village in founding the city of Ni- 
agara Falls. One of the provisions of the new charter was in effect, 
that the village officers then in power should hold their several positions 
until after the first city election, when both boards would meet in joint 
convention and the new government take the place of the old. The 
city election was held on April 19, and the change was effected on the 
25th. The date of the incorporating act is March 17. 

One provision of the act divided the new city into four wards. The 



i88 

law was amended May 4, 1893, and again on March 21, 1894, and in 
1897. From the amended act the following are given as the boundaries 
of each of the wards : 

First Ward. — The first ward shall include all that part of said city lying within 
the following boundaries, namely: Beginning at the point of intersection of the cen- 
ter line of the Niagara river by the center line of Niagara street in the present village 
of Niagara Falls, produced westerly; running thence easterly along said produced 
center line of Niagara street to the center line of the Portage road (so called); thence 
southeasterly along said center line of said Portage road to the center line of the 
plank roak (so called); thence easterly along said center line of said plank road to 
the center line of the Packard road (so called); thence northerly along said center 
line of said Packard road to its intersection with the easterly boundary line of said 
city; thence southerly along said easterly boundary line of said city to its intersection 
with the center line of the Niagara river; thence down stream following the center 
line or thread of said Niagara river to the place of beginning. 

Second Ward. — The second ward shall include all that part of said city lying 
within the following boundaries, namely: Beginning at the point of intersection of 
the center line of the Niagara river by the center line of said Niagara street produced 
westerly ; running thence easterly along said produced center line of Niagara street, 
and said center line of Niagara street to the center line of said Portage road; thence 
southeasterly along said line of said Portage road to the center line of said plank 
road; thence easterly along said center line of said plank road to the center line of 
the Packard road (so called); thence northeasterly along said center Ime of said 
Packard road to its intersection with the easterly boundary line of said city ; thence 
northerly along said easterly boundary line to its point of intersection with the center 
line of La Salle street produced easterly to said boundary line, as said La Salle street 
is shown on a map made for Harry M. Clark by W. C. Johnson, and filgd in Niagara 
county clerk's office; thence westerly along said produced center line of La Salle 
street and said center line of La Salle sti'eet and said center line produced westerly, 
to its point of intersection with the center line of the Portage road ; thence south- 
easterly along said center line of the Portage road to its point of intersection with 
the center line of Elm street in the present village of Niagara Falls, produced east- 
erly ; thence westerly along said produced center line of Elm street, said center line 
of Elm street and said center line produced westerly to its point of intersection with 
the center line of the Niagara river ; thence up stream following the center line or 
thread of said Niagara river to the place of beginning. 

Third Ward. — The third ward shall include all that part of said city lying within 
the following boundaries, namely: Beginning at the point of intersection of the cen- 
ter line of the Niagara river with the center line of said Elm street produced west- 
erly; thence down stream following center line or thread of said Niagara river to its 
point of intersection with the center line of Niagara avenue in the present village of 
Suspension Bridge produced westerly; thence easterly on said produced center line 
of Niagara avenue and said center line of Niagara avenue to its point of intersection 
with the center line of Sugar street (so called); thence southeasterly along said cen- 
ter line of Sugar street to its point of intersection with the center line of Porter road 



1 89 

(so called); thence easterly along said center line of said Porter road and said center 
line produced easterly to its point of intersection with the easterly boundary line of 
said city; thence southerly along said easterly boundary lince to its point of inter- 
section with said center line of La Salle street, produced easterly; thence westerly 
alongsaid produced center lineof La Salle street, said center line of La Salle street and 
said center line produced westerly, to its point of intersection with the center lineof 
said Portage road; thence southeasterly along said center line of said Portage road 
to its point of intersection with the center line of said Elm street produced easterly ; 
thence westerly along said produced center line of Elm street, said center line of Elm 
street and said center line produced westerly, to the place of beginning. 

Fourth Ward. — The fourth ward shall include all that part of said city lying with- 
in the following boundaries, namely: Beginning at the point of intersection of the 
center line of the Niagara river with the center lineof said Niagara avenue produced 
westerly; thence easterly on said produced center line of Niagara avenue and said 
center line of Niagara avenue to its point of intersection with the center line of Sugar 
street (so called); thence southeasterly along said center line of said Sugar street to 
its point of intersection with the center line of the Porter road (so called); thence 
easterly along said center line of said Porter road and said center line produced 
easterly, to its point of intersection with the easterly boundary line of said city ; thence 
northerly along said easterly boundary line to its point of intersection with the north- 
erly line of the Lockport road (so called); thence southwesterly along said northerly 
line of said Lockport road to its point of intersection with the easterly line of said 
Sugar street ; thence northwesterly along said easterly line of Sugar street to the 
northerly boundary line of said city ; thence westerly along said northerly boundary 
line to its point of intersection with the center line of the Niagara river; thence up 
stream following the center line or thread of said Niagara river to the point of be- 
ginning. 

The act dissolved the village corporations of Suspension Bridge, 
which is included within the described boundaries, and Niagara Falls, 
and all their rights and property passed to the city corporation. The 
elective officers provided for in the act are a mayor, a police justice, a 
city treasurer, three assessors, an overseer of the poor, four constables, 
and three justices of the peace ; these all to be elected by the city at 
large. In each ward there are elected two aldermen and one super- 
visor. 

The city charter as it now stands provides for the appointment of a 
board of public works who have control of the construction of sewers, 
paving, the erection of public buildings, bridges, culverts and reservoirs, 
and control and management of the water supply, etc. The ma)-or is 
ex officio president of the board and the city clerk is clerk of the board. 
The city engineer is required to perform such service as the board re- 
quires. The members of this board receive no pay for their services. 



190 

The charter also provides for the appointment of a board of police 
commissioners, who in a general way have full control of the city police 
department. This board receives no pay for services. 

Following is a list of the mayors of the city and their terms of service: 
George W. Wright, 1892-3; M. B. Butler, 1893-4; David Phillips, 
1894-5; Arthur Schoellkopf, 1895-6; Arthur C. Hastings, 1896-7. 

The first city clerk was Lewis P. Dayton, who continued in office 
until February 4, 1895, when S. F. Arkush, the present incumbent, 
was appointed. 

Following is a list of the aldermen for each year : 

1892-93.— First ward, J. Mahoney, A. F. Allen ; Second ward, William Campbell, 
F. E. Smith; Third ward, J. E. Noblett, J. C. Strieker; Fourth ward, F. E. Eames, 
M. P. Maloney. 

1893-94.— First ward, J. Mahoney, J. B. McKinney; Second ward, William Camp- 
bell, J. V. Banks; Third and Fourth wards, same as in first term. 

1894-95. — First ward, James Mahoney, J. W. Canavan ; Second ward, F. C. Belden, 
Thomas O'Reilly ; Third ward, John Wagner, Frederick Hartmann; Fourth ward, 
M. P. Maloney, J. J. Mahoney. 

1895-66. — First ward, J. Mahoney, Lawrence Van Cleef ; Second ward, Thomas 
O'Reilly, A.J. Wattengel; Third ward, John Wagner, John R. Dickson; Fourth 
ward, M. P. Maloney, Joseph Willis. 

1896-97. — First ward, J. Mahoney and James W. Canavan; Second ward, Thomas 
O'Reilly and Andrew J. Wattengel; Third ward, Frederick Hartmann and John 
Wagner; Fourth ward, Joseph Willis and Michael P. Maloney. 

1897-98. — First ward, Lawrence Van Cleef, J. Mahoney; Second ward, Thomas 
O'Reilly, A. J. Wattengel; Third ward, John R. Dickson, John Wagner; Fourth 
ward, Ai. P. Maloney, Joseph Willis. 

City treasurer, C. T. Canavan ; attorney, Morris Cohn, jr. ; engineer, 
W. W. Read; police justice, John B. McKinney; assessors, Konrad 
Fink, Henry J. Delmage, James W. Buckley; superintendent of streets, 
John P. Callahan. 

Following is a list of supervisors of the town of Niagara and city of 
Niagara Falls, with years of their service, excepting for years 1835 and 
1838, the records of which are not accessible : 

Town. — For 1812, Silas Hopkins; 1813, Ebenezer Hovey; 1814, James Field; 
1815, George Burger; 1816, Silas Hopkins; 1817, James Field; 1818, Parkhurst 
Whitney; 1819, Gad Pierce; 1820, James Field; 1821, Augustus Porter (resigned and 
James Field appointed to fill vacancy); 1822, Augustus Porter; 1823-25, Alexander 
Dickerson ; 1826, Samuel De Veaux (resigned. David Chapman chosen) ; 1827-30, 
Henry W. Clark; 1831-34, N. M. Ward; 1836, Henry W. Clark (resigned and Will- 



191 

iam Bradner chosen to fill vacancy); 1837, Parkhurst Whitney; 1838, Henry W. 
Clark; 1840, Albert H. Porter ; 1841-43, P. Whitney; 1844-1845, P. B. Porter; 1846, N. 
W. Robinson; 1847, 1848, P. B. Porter; 1849, George W. Holley ; 1850, P. D. Bach- 
man; 18" 1, Samuel De Veaux; 1852, Parkhurst Whitney; 1853, 1854, Augustus S. 
Porter; 1855, 1856, Parkhurst Whitney; 1857-60 James F. Trott ; 1861, Henry W. 
Clark; 1863, James F. Trott; 1863, 1864, William S. Watson; 1865-68, H. N. Griffith; 
18(59-71, H. F. Pierce; 1872-74, James B. King; 1875, O. W. Cutler; 1876-78, T. V. 
Welch; 1878-82, Samuel B. Eshelman ; 1883, W.J. Mackay; 1884-86, J. Binkley; 
1887-90, H. H. Sheldon; 1891, A. J. Porter ; 1893-94, W. W. Tompkii^f ; 1895-98, H. S.' 
Tompkins. 

City. — 1892, First ward Julius Krakoski ; Second ward, Andrew J. Wattengel ; 
Third ward, George Haeberle; Fourth ward, Thomas Gaskin. 1893, First ward, 
Edward E. Russell; Second ward, A. J. Wattengel; Third ward, George Haeberle; 
Fourth ward, Adam Kammerer. 1894-95, First ward, E. E. Russell ; Second ward, 
W. H. Woodbury; Third ward, George Haeberle; Fourth ward, James Hogan. 
1896-97, First ward, E. E. Russell; Second ward, John S. Reardon ; Third ward, 
Daniel Zeiger; Fourth ward, James Hogan. 

As the fame of the cataract of Niagara Falls spread and population 
throughout the country increased, the number of visitors gained from 
year to year. In view of this fact, enterprising men conceived and car- 
ried out plans for both adding to the attractions of the locality and 
incidentally making money themselves. One of the earliest of these 
projects was long known as Biddle's Stairs, which were erected at the 
precipitous end of Goat Island, between the American and the Horse- 
shoe fall, by Nicholas Biddle in 1829. The perpendicular height of the 
bank at this point is 185 feet, about lOO feet of which is descended by 
a series of steps from the level of the island, and the remaining distance 
by the staircase, which is secured to the rock by large bolts. 

In 1833 Judge Augustus Porter built the Terrapin Tower, which 
stood on the rock at the very brink of the Canadian fall. While not 
very lofty it afforded a magnificent view of the grand scenery surround- 
ing it. The tower was in use until 1843, when it was believed to be un- 
safe and was taken down by its owners. 

The elevator at the whirlpool rapids was built for its owners in 1869, 
by Prof. A. A. Smith, at a cost of $20,000. Two cars are provided, in 
which are seats, the cars being lifted and lowered by power supplied by 
a water wheel which is located at the foot of the river bank. The de- 
scent by the elevator to the reception room below is about 192 feet, and 
from there a walk leads to the water's edge. The descent at this point 
was formerly made by a long winding staircase. 



192 

The Goat Island bridge was first built of wood in 18 17. It was 
swept away in the spring of 1818 and replaced by another wooden 
structure in the same year. The present iron bridge was built in 1856 
and is 360 feet long. 

The first Maid of the Mist steamboat was built for the Bellevue Land 
Company and launched just below the falls July 14, 1844. This was 
successfully taken through the whirlpool rapids on July 5, 1861, and 
for several yea'rs did service on the St. Lawrence River. In 1884 a new 
Maid of the Mist was built and in 1892 still another of the same name 
was launched. The Maid of the Mist Steamboat Company was reor- 
ganized in February, 1892, with a capital of $50,000. Hans Nielson 
is president ; Michael Ryan, treasurer, and Frank Le Blonde, manager. 

The new Suspension bridge, as it is called in distinction from the 
older one which has been described, was opened to the public January 
I, 1869, by a stock company. It is a carriage and foot bridge and toll 
is collected for all travel across it. It is one of the longest suspension 
bridges in the world, 1,268 feet between the centers of the towers, and 
cost about $250,000. This bridge was rebuilt and again opened for 
traffic, June i, 1888, with double its original capacity, by two com- 
panies — the Niagara Falls Suspension Bridge Company, of which C. 
H. Smyth is president, J. M. Bostwick, treasurer, and F. De W. Smith, 
secretary; and the Niagara Falls Suspension Bridge Company of 
Canada, of which Thomas R. Merritt is president, secretary and treas- 
urer. 

Schools — It has already been stated that the first school in this 
town was opened in 1807. The law establishing the common school 
system of this State was passed June 19, 1812. The amount of 
money raised in this town for schools was necessarily small for a num- 
ber of years ; it was only $24 in 1818. The amount was gradually in- 
creased and the number of schools correspondingly. There were only 
thirty- seven children taught in 1820. The first school districts were 
created in 18 16, when there were five. In i860 there were seven; at 
the present time there are five, with a school house in each. The 
county is divided into the first and second school commissioner's dis- 
tricts ; this town with Hartland, Newfane, Lewiston, Porter, Somerset 
and Wilson, constituting the second district. A school house was first 



'93 

erected by public tax in 1844; it stood near Cayuga Creek. Previous 
to that date the few school houses were built of logs. This new struc- 
ture was used the first night after its completion by Rev. John Cannon, 
of Niagara F'alls. for a religious meeting The school was opened the 
next morning by Miss Louisa Danforth. The first school house in the 
Young neighborhood was built in 1824 by Samuel and Christian Young 
and others; Daniel Smith was the first teacher there. In 1827 the first 
building had evidently outlived its usefulness for that purpose, for the 
school was then taught in the cooper shop of Christian Young. In the 
same year a log school house was built on land of Samuel Young on 
the Military road. Subsequent to 1840 this was replaced by a stone 
building. The present school house in that district was built in 1867. 
Little is definitely known of the first schools in the village of Niagara 
Falls The place simply constituted one of the districts of the town for 
many years. The earlier school houses were finally superseded by the 
well known stone buildings of the village. The one on Third street, 
recently demolished to make room for the new brick structure, was 
completed for use in 1852, at a cost of $4,000 ; at that time about 300 
scholars were in attendance in the village. Two years later accom- 
modations were required for nearly 700 and plans were laid before the 
trustees for enlarging the building at a cost of $8,000. The sum was 
promptly voted for the purpose. The stone school building on Fifth 
street, now the High School of the city, was completed before 1855, 
and in 1888 was enlarged to its present dimensions. A local news- 
paper in the spring of 1863, contained the following: 

Our schools have acquired a high character and it is the policy of the board to 
have it maintained by employing none but competent teachers, and otherwise pro- 
moting the efficiency of the schools. 

William Pool was at that time president of the board. It is entirely 
proper to state here that the schools of Niagara Falls have for half a 
century been kept in advance of those of many other similar places, 
through the unflagging efforts and progres-^ive ideas of the citizens hav- 
ing them in charge. Among the most devoted servants of the people 
in connection with the schools is the venerable James F. Trott.* who 

' James F. Trott, President of the Board of Education, was born in Boston, Mass., March 2.5, 
181."). He was educated in the Boston pubhc schools. He came to Niagara Falls in 1841. After a 
25 



194 

has been prominent in this connection many years. WiUiam Pool also 
served as an energetic member of the Board of Education about twenty 
years and resigned in June, 1892. 

Previous to the incorporation of the city in 1892 the village com- 
prised two districts, Nos. 2 and 7. On the 29th of March, 1892, the 
trustees then residing within the limits of the new city met and adopted 
the following : 

Whereas, School district No. 1 of the town of Niagara has become divided by the 
city line established by the city charter, and the school building being outside of 
the city boundaries ; 

Resolved, That Mr. Vogt, one of the old trustees of said district residing inside 
of the city limits be and hereby is authorized to make arrangements with the trus- 
tees of said district for the continuation of the attendance of the children remaining 
inside of the city limits who have attended said school, until a board of education 
has been duly organized for the city. 

Similar arrangements were made with the trustees of district No. 3 
and N. L. Benham was appointed superintendent until the organization 
of a new board. The Board of Education first appointed and confirmed 
under the city charter consisted of James F. Trott, Hans Neilson, Charles 
B. Gaskill, James E. Rock, O. R. Sackett, Richard Hartigan, M. B. 
Butler, J. C. Lammerts, and Joseph C. Gruhler. This board continued 
N. L. Benham as superintendent of schools, and he has ever since filled 
this responsible position in a thoroughly efficient and satisfactory man- 
ner. A resolution was adopted by the board July 29, 1892, as follows: 

Resolved, That the academic department of the Union schools of the former 
villages of Niagara Falls and Suspension Bridge be maintained as at present, until 
such time as the growth of the city shall require a Central High School. 

In 1892 the school building at Suspension Bridge received an addi- 

residence of two years, he removed to New York city, and from there to Galena, 111., and Belle- 
vue, la. In the fall of 1845 he removed to Niagara Falls, and became one of the firm of Whitney, 
Jerauld & Co., proprietors of the Cataract House, of which firm he remained a member for forty- 
one years, until the State Reservation was formed. In October, 1848, he was elected one of the 
trustees of school district No. 2 of the town of Niagara, and continued in office until 18.55, when 
the Union Free School District was formed. He was then elected one of the six original mem- 
bers of the Board of Education. He continued a member of such board by successive election, 
until 1892, when the city of Niagara Falls was incorporated. In that year he was appointed by 
the mayor as a member of the City Board of Education, and reappointed in 1895, thus making 
a continuous term of forty-eight years of service. He has been president of the board most of 
the time since 18,55. The efficiency of the schools has depended upon his efforts. He has lived to 
see the schools grow from a small beginning to a city system. Most of his life in this place has 
been devoted to the cause of education, and he may justly be called "the father of our schools." 
— {Report of Superintendent, iSqb. 



195 

tion which doubled its capacity. The need of increased and better 
school accommodations was soon felt, and in 1894 a handsome and 
commodious structure was erected on Sugar street, at a cost of $25,- 
000. Within a few years still larger accommodations were found neces- 
sary for the rapidly increasing attendance ; this led to the erection of 
two new modern school buildings, one of which is situated on the site 
of the old Third street stone building, which had been demolished, and 
the other on the corner of Whitney avenue and Eighteenth street. The 
cost of the first named structure is $i2,ooo, and of the other $17,000. 
For the building of these new school houses bonds have been issued by 
the city to the amount of $32,500. 

The high school at the Falls was founded in 1885 and that at 
the Bridge in 1889. In 1892 the two high schools were consoli- 
dated into one high school department, with two divisions, one of 
which is conducted in the Fifth street building, and the other at 
the Bridge. These are known as the Fifth Street High School and 
the Cleveland Avenue High School. Each has a principal, R. A. 
Taylor occupying this position in the Fifth Street School, with nine- 
teen teachers under him ; T. B. Lovell is principal of the Cleveland 
Avenue School, with twenty- two teachers under him. A penman- 
ship and commercial department is maintained with William J. 
Downey, supervisor. A music department, under Lydia B. Thomp- 
son, with Katharine F. Johnson, supervisor of drawing. Norman E. 
Osgood is principal of the Pine Avenue School, with four assistants ; 
Eunice M. Shaw, principal of the Third Street School, with five assist- 
ants ; Kate F. Hanrahan, principal of the Sugar Street School, with two 
assistants. 

On November, 30, 1894, Thomas V. Welch, Hans Neilson, Eugene 
Laurier, with the president of the Board of Education and the mayor 
ex-officio, were constituted aboard of trustees of the Free Public Library. 
The books.of the two former libraries at the P'alls and the Bridge were 
turned over to this board, and additions are gradually being made. 
There are now about 4,000 volumes in the library. The present trustees 
are James F. Trott, Hans Neilson, Peter A. Porter, Thomas V. Welch, 
and the mayor ex-officio. N. L. Benham is librarian and Adele B. 
Barnum, assistant 



196 

Following are the several Boards of Education since the appointment 
of the first one before named : 

1893-94. — Joseph C. Gruhler, J. M. Hancock, J. Elmer Passage, James E. Rock, 
James F. Trott, Charles B. Gaskill, Richard Hartigan, Hans Neilson, O. R. Sackett. 

1894-95. — James F. Trott, president, Hans Neilson, Daniel Durnin, Joseph C. 
Gruhler, James E. Rock, John Elmer Passage, Charles B. Gaskill, Engene Laurier, 
J. M. Hancock. 

1895-96. — Daniel Durnin, C. B. Ga.skill, Hans Neilson, J. Elmer Passage, James E. 
Rock, James F. Trott, Joseph C. Gruhler, Eugene Laurier, J. M. Hancock. 

1896-97. — Daniel Durnin, Hans Neilson, Eugene Laurier, James F. Trott, C. B. 
Gaskill, James E. Rock, Joseph C. Gruhler, J. Elmer Passage, Eugene Cary. 

1897-98. — Eugene Cary, Joseph C. Gruhler, Hans Neilson, J. Elmer Passage, James 
E. Rock, George G. Shepard, John H. Timons, James F. Trott, C. B. Gaskill. 

The last report of Superintendent Benham shows the school popula- 
tion of the city to be 3,409, and the enrollment in the public schools of 
pupils between the ages of five and eighteen years, 2,694. The total 
number of buildings is six, with 2,335 sittings. The number of pupils 
attending the High School is 249. The expenditure for the schools for 
1895-6 was about $51,000. Four kindergarten schools are maintained 
and one evening school. 

De Veaiix College. — This old and well known educational institution 
was founded by Samuel De Veaux and endowed under his will made 
August 3, 1852. In that will, after making suitable provision for rela- 
tives and others, he left the remainder of his large estate, amounting to 
$174,652 52, to Bishop De Lancey, Rev. Dr. William Shelton, Peter A. 
Porter, and Richard H. Woodruff, as trustees, " for the purpose of 
establishing, founding and maintaining a benevolent institution, to 
receive and support orphans and destitute children ; to train them up 
to industry; to teach them trades and professions; to give them a 
mental and manual, and a social and religious education." It was also 
provided that the institution should be under the fostering care of the 
Protestant Episcopal church, and it was placed in charge of the Con- 
vention of the Diocese of Western New York, with the earnest request 
that the convention would take it under its care as a dependency of the 
church. 

De Veaux College was incorporated April 15, 1853; the erection of 
the buildings was commenced in 1855 and they were completed in 
1857. The school was opened in March, 1857, with Rev. Henry Greg- 



197 

ory, president of the institution ; Rev. Israel Foote, professor, and Ed- 
mund S. Wells, tutor. Elijali Ford, of Rufifalo, while acting as agent 
for the trustees, increased the fund to about $187,000 in 1856. The 
college domain consists of 364 acres, and extends half a mile along the 
most picturesque part of Niagara River, and is devoted to the immedi- 
ate use of the institution. The college building is beautifully situated, 
spacious, well ventilated, is warmed by steam and lighted by gas, has 
ample bathing facilities; it contains a chapel, study and recitation 
rooms, library and reading rooms, dormitories, common room and a 
gymnasium. 

The State Reservation. — The reservation by the State of New 
York of certain lands around Niagara Falls for the free use of the public 
had its origin in 1869, when the subject was discussed by Frederic S. 
Church, the well known artist, Frederick Law Olmsted, Hon. William 
Dorsheimer, H. H. Richardson, and others of less note; but no definite 
action was taken until several years later when, at the suggestion of Mr. 
Church, William H. Hurlburt communicated with the Earl of Dufiferin, 
then governor- general of Canada, in relation to the creation of an inter- 
national park on both sides of the falls. As a result of this the earl 
called general attention to the subject in a speech before the Ontario 
Society of Artists on September 26, 1878. In that speech he advo- 
cated the measure and stated that he had, a few weeks earlier, met 
Governor Robinson, and called his attention to the great desirability of 
establishing such a park. 

The credit for taking the first practical step in the matter belongs to 
Governor Robinson, who strongly advocated it in his message to the 
Legislature January 9, 1879, and recommended the appointment of a 
commission to act with a similar one which he hoped would be ap- 
pointed by the Canadian authorities. This recommendation was re- 
ferred to the Commissioners of the State Survey and Frederick Law 
Olmsted, with authority to make an examination and ascertain " how 
far the private holding of lands about Niagara Falls had worked to 
public disadvantage throu<^h the defacements of the scenery, to deter- 
mine the character of such defacements, to estimate the tendency to 
greater injury, and lastly to consider whether the proposed action by 
the State is necessary to arrest the process of destruction and restore to 
the scenery its orignal character." 



198 

The Commissioners of the State Survey recommended the extin- 
guishment of the private title in so much land as should be regarded as 
absolutely necessary for the purpose, and that the State should, by pur- 
chase, acquire a title to such land and hold it in trust for the public for- 
ever. The report further stated " that the scenery of Niagara Falls has 
been greatly injured ; that the process of injury is continuous and ac- 
celerating ; and that, if not arrested, it must in time be utterly destruct- 
ive of its value ; " that " there is no American soil from which the Falls 
can be contemplated except at the pleasure of a private owner, and 
under such conditions as he may choose to impose ; none upon which 
the most outrageous caprices of taste may not be indulged, or the most 
offensive interpolations forced upon the landscape." 

Bills to carry out the recommendations of the commissioners were 
introduced in the Legislature of 1880 and 1881, but they failed to 
pass. Neither was any legislative action taken in 1882. Finally, a 
meeting was held at the home of Howard Potter in New York city, 
December 6, 1882, where steps were taken that led directly towards the 
founding of the State Reservation. An organization was perfected at 
a later meeting held in New York January 11, 1883. A committee 
appointed at the first meeting reported that the best means of promot- 
ing legislation on the subject would be the formation of an association, 
its object "to promote legislative and other measures for the restoration 
and improvement of the natural scenery at Niagara Falls," in accord- 
ance with the report of the commissioners made in 1879. The Niag- 
ara Falls Association was then organized with the following officers : 
President, Howard Potter ; vice-presidents, Daniel Huntington, George 
William Curtis, Cornelius Vanderbilt ; secretary, Robert Lenox Belknap; 
treasurer, Charles Lanier ; corresponding secretary, J. B. Harrison ; and 
an executive committee of ten members. This association grew rapidly, 
especially in New York and Boston, and articles in leading newspapers 
soon aroused public sentiment in favor of the plan. A bill was drawn 
by the association and introduced in the Legislature January 30, 1883, 
by Hon. Jacob F. Miller, of New York city; it was passed April 30, 
1883. William Dorsheimer, Andrew H. Green, J. Hampden Robb, 
Sherman S. Rogers and Martin B. Anderson were appointed commis- 
sioners to select the necessary lands, and the reservation was defined 



199 

in a resolution adopted at the first meeting of the commissioners held 
June 9, 1883, as follows: 

Resolved, That in the judgment of this board it is desirable to select and locate 
as proper and necessary to be reserved for the purpose of preserving the scenery of 
the Falls of Niagara and of restoring the said scenery to its natural condition, the 
following lands: Goat Island, Bath Island, the Three Sisters, Bird Island, Luna Island, 
Chapin Island, and the small islands adjacent to said islands in the Niagara River, 
and the bed of said river between said islands and the main land of the State of New 
York, and, also, the bed of said river between Goat Island and the Canadian bound- 
ary; also a strip of land beginning near Port Daj', running along the shore of said 
river, to and including Prospect Park and the cliff and debris slope, and including 
also at the east end of said strip sufficient land not exceeding one acre for purposes 
convenient to said reservation, and also including all lands at the foot of the falls. 

Matthew Hale, IvUther R. Marsh and Pascal P. Pratt were chosen to 
act as appraisers of the property, and made awards amounting to $1,- 
433,429.50. The Legislature of 1885 passed an act drawn by Deputy 
Attorney- General Isaac N. Maynard, making the necessary appropria- 
tion, and on the 30th of April of that year Governor Hill gave his 
approval to the law and Niagara became forever the property of the 
people. The State Reservation was opened to the public July 15, 
1885, with imposing exercises, in which many of the most eminent men 
of the State participated, while about 100,000 persons gathered to share 
in the auspicious event. 

Immediately following the dedication of the reservation the toll gates 
were thrown open and soon about 150 buildings, large and small, which 
had long disfigured the scenery, were removed. With these changes 
the number of visitors at once increased and every passing year testi- 
fies to the wisdom of the measure. The Commissioners of the Reserva- 
tion pay into the State treasury certain receipts, mainly from the in- 
clined railway, nearly equal to one half the amount of the annual 
appropriation made for maintenance, leaving an average net amount 
expended by the State of about $12,000 a year. By the expenditure 
of this small sum the State enables about 500,000 persons each year to 
enjoy the sublime scenery of Niagara without cost. 

With the limited annual State appropriations several very important 
improvements have been made. In 1889 a crib- work was constructed 
to prevent the southern shore of Goat Island from being washed away. 
In 1 89 1 a road was constructed around Goat Island, the former iniper- 



200 

feet road being reserved for a broad foot path. In 1892 a conduit and 
lake to supply the inclined railway with water were constructed and the 
surface canals along the shore were discontinued and filled. In 1893 
the high artificial stone wall along the shore, with its piers and tail- 
races was removed ; the shore was graded down to a natural slope and 
planted with trees and shrubbery. In 1894 a rustic stone arched bridge 
was built at Willow Island, and Goat Island and Luna Island were 
united with a new bridge of beautiful design and safe construction. In 
1895—6 a new shelter building was erected on Goat Island, and a ter- 
minal station built at the foot of the inclined railway. Both of these are 
stone structures and well adapted to their purpose. The shelter build- 
ing cost $6,572.94, and the station $9,749.85. 

The total amount of money appropriated by the State for mainten- 
ance of the Reservation from July 15, 1885, to September 30, 1896, is 
$205,000; for special improvements, $120,000. During that period 
the commissioners have paid to the State, $77,348.69. Andrew H. 
Green, of New York city, has been president of the Board of Commis- 
sioners almost from the first and very much of the satisfactory progress 
of the general affairs of the Reservation is due to his efforts. The 
selection of Thomas V. Welch, of Niagara Falls, for superintendent was 
most fortunate in all respects. He has held this responsible position 
from the beginning, which fact alone is silent testimony to his efficiency. 
At every stage of the improvements, of which only the more important 
are here mentioned, Mr. Welch has been the immediate guiding spirit, 
and to his unwearied labor and watchfulness must be credited the suc- 
cessful execution of all the plans for the advancement of the Reserva- 
tion to its present condition. 

The present commissioners, besides Andrew H. Green, are John M. 
Bowers, William Hamilton, Robert L. Fryer, and George Raines. 
Henry E. Gregory is treasurer and secretary. 

As has already been noted, the water power of Niagara River near 
the falls, was first utilized more than 150 years ago by the French, who 
built a saw mill in 1725. It stood near the site of the Pittsburg Reduc- 
tion Company's upper works. In 1825 Augustus Porter built a saw mill 
on the rapids, and in 1807 Porter and Barton erected a grist mill on the 
river. In 18 17 John Witmer built a saw mill at Gill Creek. In 1822 



20I 

Augustus Porter built a grist mill along the rapids above the falls. 
From that time to 1855, when the lands along the river were taken for 
a State Park, a considerable amount of power was developed along the 
rapids by a canal which took the water out of the river near the head of 
the rapids and followed along nearly parallel with the bank of the river. 
Mills were built between this canal and the river and a part of the fifty 
foot fall between the head of the rapids and the Brink of the falls was 
utilized. A paper mill was also built on Bath Island. 

In 1847 Augustus Porter outlined a plan on which the present Hy- 
draulic Canal is built. In 1852 negotiations were commenced b}' Mr. 
Porter with Ca'eb J. Woodhull and Walter Bryant, and an agreement 
was finally reached with these gentlemen, by which they were to con- 
struct a canal, and receive a plot of land at the head of the canal hav- 
ing a frontage of 425 feet on the river ; a right of way 100 feet wide for 
the canal along its entire length of 4,400 feet, which is through the 
most thickly populated part of the city and about seventy-five acres of 
land near its terminus, having a frontage on the river below the falls of 
nearly a mile. Ground was broken by them in 1853 and the work was 
carried on until 1858, when a canal thirty feet wide and six feet deep 
was finished. The location of the head of this canal was the best that 
could have been chosen. From the head of the rapids it is but a short 
distance to an island (Grass Island), which extends a considerable dis- 
tance along the shore and for a considerable distance from the island the 
water is very shallow. In this short space, between the head of the 
rapids and the foot of Grass Island the entrance of the canal was located. 

Owing, probably to the disturbed financial conditions occasioned by 
the war of the Rebellion, and other causes, it happened that no mills 
were built to use the water from the canal until 1870,' when Charles B. 
Gaskill built a small grist mill on the site of the present flouring mill 
belonging to the Cataract Milling Company. In 1877 the canal and 
all its appurtenances were purchased by Mr. Jacob F. Schoellkopf of 
Buffalo and A. Chesbrough of La Salle, who organized the Niagara Falls 
H}'draulic Power & Manufacturing Company, of which Mr. Schoellkopf 

' In June, 18(i8, Horace H. Day offered byipublic announcement to sell his canal and other prop- 
erty. The newspaper called it an "un.sightly canal through the village, put to no practical use, 
and at present an actual damage to the village.'' 
26 



202 

is still president. Since that time the building of mills has gone stead- 
ily forward. The following is a list of mills using water from this canal : 

WATER POWER. 

H. P. 

Central Milling Company (tlour) ...1,000 

N. Wood Paper Company (paper and pulp) 500 

Schoellkopf & Mathews (flour mill) 900 

Pettebone Cataract Mfg. Co. (paper and pulp) 2,000 

Cataract Milling Company (flour) 400 

Niagara Falls Waterworks 200 

Thos. E. McGarigle (machine shop) . . 25 

Clifl; Paper Company (paper and pulp).. 2,500 

Total - 7,525 

ELECTRIC POWER. 

H. P. 

Pittsburg Reduction Company (aluminum) 3,500 

Niagara Falls & Lewiston R. R. Co. 400 

Cliff Paper Company (paper and pulp) 300 

Lewiston and Youngstown R. R. Co. 200 

Buffalo & Niagara Falls Electric Light & Power Co 350 

Niagara Falls Brewing Company 150 

Rodwell Mfg. Co. (silver plating, etc.) 75 

Sundry small customers in the city 100 

Francis Manufacturing Co. (hooks and eyes) 15 

Kelly & McBean Aluminum Co. 15 

Total - 5,105 

MECHANICAL POWER FURNISHED ON SHAFT. 

H. P. 

Oneida Community, L't'd (silver plated ware and chains) 300 

Carter-Crume Co. (check book manufacturers) 60 

Total - - 360 

Total Hydraulic Power sold .7,525 

Total Electric Power sold 5,105 

Total Mechanical Power sold 360 

Grand total 12,990 

Mr. Porter's contract with Woodhull & Bryant only conveyed the 
lands to the edge of the high bank of the Niagara River, and did not 
include the talus or slope between the edge of the high bank and the 



203 

river, and only granted the right to excavate down the face of the bank 
one hundred feet. At that time it was not considered that any higher 
head could ever be utilized, because it was not thought that wheels 
could be built to stand the pressure of a higher head, in fact none of 
the mills attempted to use more than fifty or sixty feet head. For this 
reason it happened that although the capacity of the canals at first con- 
structed was sufficient for some fifteen thousand horse-power, its capac- 
ity was exhausted and only about seven thousand horse- power pro- 
duced. 

The flouring mills of Schoellkopf & Mathews, Cataract Milling Com- 
pany, Central Milling Company, the Pettebone-Cataract Paper Com- 
pany, the City Water Works, and the factory of the Niagara Wood 
Paper Company, leased the right to draw certain quantities of water 
from the canal and constructed their own wheel pits, and put in their 
own water wheels. 

Two different methods were adopted for constructing the pits for 
these various mills. In some cases a shaft was sunk in the rock at some 
little distance back from the edge of the bank, in which the wheels were 
placed, and a tunnel driven from the bottom of the shaft to the face of 
the bank for the discharge of the water after it had passed the wheels. 
In other cases a notch was cut into the face of the bank and the wheels 
placed in it. In all cases turbine wheels of different makes, running on 
vertical axes were used. 

In 1 88 1 the Niagara Falls Hydraulic Power and Manufacturing Com- 
pany put in a power plant for the purpose of supplying water to cus- 
tomers, delivering it to their mills. The method adopted was as 
follows : A shaft 20 by 40 feet was sunk to a depth of about eighty 
feet, and about two hundred feet back from the face of the high bank ; 
from the bottom of this shaft a tunnel was driven to the face of the bank 
for a tail race. The water was conducted to the bottom of this shaft in 
iron tubes, and used on different turbines running on vertical axes. 
The power developed by these wheels (about fifteen hundred horse- 
power) was transmitted by shaft, belting or rope drive to various cus- 
tomers, all located within three hundred feet of the wheel pit. 

In 1886 the Niagara Falls Hydraulic Power and Manufacturing Com- 
pany secured a deed of portions of the slope between the high bank 



204 

and the river, and have since secured other portions, so that they are 
now at hberty to use this slope for mills and power houses. 

The advance in water wheel construction, and especially the develop- 
ment of the possibility of transmitting power by electricity has made 
this one of the most valuable parts of their holdings. In the spring of 
1892 the Cliff Paper Company, being desirous of increasing their plant 
by adding a wood pulp mill to use about twenty- five hundred horse- 
power, leased sufficient water from the Niagara Falls Hydraulic Power 
and Manufacturing Company, agreeing to take it from the tunnel 
through which the water was discharged from the outlet of the wheel 
pit just described. 

For the purpose of getting the machinery requiring the largest power 
near the wheels it was decided to build a mill on the lower bank near 
the water's edge, and to place the pulp making machinery in it, prepar- 
ing the wood on the top of the bank, lowering it down ready for grind- 
ing and elevating the product. To divert the stream of water flowing 
through the tunnel and confine it for use in the new mill, a short tunnel 
was driven into the face of the bank at a point about twenty feet to the 
left of the mouth of the old tunnel. From the mouth of the new tunnel, 
an iron pipe eight feet in diameter was laid along the slope of the bank 
connecting with the tube ten feet in diameter, in the basement of the 
lower mill. From this tube the water is brought to the wheels on the 
first floor. Provision is made for the discharge of water into the tunnel 
direct from the canal in case the discharge from the mills does not fur- 
nish a sufficient supply. It was decided to use two wheels to develop 
the required twenty- five hundred horse power and to couple the 
shaft of the water wheel to the shafts carrying the stones used for grind- 
ing the wood. It was therefore necessary that the wheels should be 
run at a speed of two hundred and twenty-five revolutions per minute. 
This requirement as well as the requirements of strength, precluded 
the use of any of stock wheels in the market and made a special design 
necessary. Under the plans and specifications of W. C. Johnson, engi- 
neer for the Niagara Falls Hydraulic Power & Manufacturing Company, 
who was also engineer for the Cliff Paper Company, the wheels were 
built by James Leffel & Company, of Springfield, Ohio. 

In 1892 the Niagara Falls Hydraulic Power & Manufacturing Com- 



205 

pany commenced an enlargement and improvement of its canal. The 
plan adopted was to widen the original channel to seventy feet and to 
make the new part fourteen feet deep. The canal is cut entirely through 
rock below the water line. The power for driving the drills on this 
work was obtained from an air compresser run by water power from 
the power station and transmitted along the line of the canal in pipes. 
The excavation was done by dredges and the flow of water through 
the canal was not interfered with. This improvement is now completed 
and the canal has a capacity of about 3,000 cubic feet per second, 
giving a surplus power after supplying the old leases, of about 40,000 
horse power. 

Work is still being carried on enlarging the canal to fourteen feet 
deep and one hundred feet wide. When this improvement is com- 
pleted the canal will have a capacity of more than 100,000 horse power. 
Since this improvement has been completed a new power house has 
been built for the purpose of supplying power tenants. For this new 
plant water is taken in an open canal from this hydraulic basin to a 
forebay thirty feet wide and twenty-two feet deep, built near the edge of 
the high bank. From this forebay, penstock pipes built of flange Steele 
eight feet in diameter, conduct the water down over the high bank two 
hundred and ten feet to the site of the power house on the sloping bank 
at the edge of the water in the river below the falls. 

The site of the power house was covered with broken and disinte- 
grated rock, which had fallen from the bank during ages past, which 
covered the bed rock to a depth of from ten to seventy feet. For the re- 
moval of this loose material a Giant or Monitor, as it is termed, was 
used. This is a machine throwing a stream of water from four to six 
inches in diameter, according to the size of the nozzle used, under pres- 
sure It is very largely used in the western part of the United States 
for mining purposes, but has never been used in the east. This partic- 
ular machine was purchased in San Francisco, Cal. The water to 
supply this machine was taken from the canal and the pressure of two 
hundred and ten feet head was sufficient to give a force which readily 
washed down all the loose material into the river, uncox'ering a bed of 
sandstone upon which the power house is built, and from which the ma- 
terial of which it is built was quarried. 



2o6 

The power house building will be i8o feet long by lOO feet wide and 
will contain sixteen wheels of about 2,ooo horse- power each. One- 
third of the length of the building is now constructed and the second 
third is under construction. The wheels in this power house work 
under a head of 210 feet, which is the highest head under which water 
has ever been used for power in the quantity used in this plant. It was 
decided that water for the wheels should be supplied by a penstock 
leading from the forebay aboved described, vertically about 135 feet to 
the top of the sloping bank, thence down the slope to the side of the 
station next to the bank, eight feet in diameter, connecting with a sup- 
ply pipe ten feet in diameter, running horizontally along the center of 
the tailrace from which the wheels would draw their water, by connec- 
tions from the bottom of the wheel case to the top of the supply pipe. 
In this connection, which is five feet in diameter, valves are placed so 
that any wheel can be shut down independently of the others. The 
wheels standing directly over this trunk discharge the water through 
draft tubes running down on either side of the supply pipe. 

Under general plans and specifications of the engineer, a contract was 
let to James Leffel & Co., of Springfield, O., for supplying the wheels 
now in use. The description of the wheels is as follows : The wheel 
runners, in case of three wheels which run the generators of the Pitts- 
burg Reduction Company and which run at a speed of 250 revolutions 
per minute, are seventy-eight inches in diameter ; in case of the other 
wheels which run at 300 revolutions per minute, sixty-five inches in 
diameter. The rim of the runner is the bucket ring and is cast solid 
from gun metal bronze. On this rim are two sets of buckets taking 
water on face and discharging it at each side of the rim. The bucket 
ring is bolted to the spokes of cast iron center, the tub of which is 
keyed to the shaft of hammered iron twenty feet in length. Surround- 
ing the outside of the runner is a cylinder in which the gates are fitted. 
The gates are about twenty per cent. less in number than the buckets. 
They are hung on steel pins and open by lifting one edge so that the 
direction in which the water enters the wheel is nearly tangential to the 
runner. Each gate has two arms which are connected to the rings by 
means of which they are opened and closed. This work is enclosed in 
a cylindrical case eleven feet in diameter and four feet long, which is 



207 

connected to the penstock by a supply pipe five feet in diameter. On 
the side of this case elbows are fitted to which the draft tubes are con- 
nected. The shaft passes out through these elbows through stuffing 
boxes. On the inside of the boxes lignum vitae steps are fastened, 
against which rings on the shaft work to prevent any motion in the 
shaft. Each end of the water wheel shaft is rigidly coupled to a direct 
current generator, capable of developing 560 kilowatts of electrical 
energy. 

The officers of the Niagara Falls Hydraulic Power and Manufacturing 
Company are: Jacob F. Schoellkopf, president; W. D. Olmstead. 
vice-president ; Arthur Schoellkopf, secretary and treasurer. \V. C. 
Johnson is the engineer. 

An enterprise of still greater magnitude has been inaugurated in 
recent years, the conception and execution of which has astonished the 
world and promoted the advancement and growth of Niagara Falls to a 
remarkable degree. The project of making use of the enormous water 
power inherent in the descent of Niagara River from above the rapids 
to the water level below the falls and applying it to industrial purposes 
through electricity, is now familiar to all. Its history, though extend- 
ing over a period of only about ten years, presents details and exhibits 
results that are a little less than marvelous, while the enterprise itself is 
the principal cause of the recent rapid growth of the city and the found- 
ation of its bright future prospects. 

The subject of using the enormous water power of the great cataract 
has received more or less attention from engineers and others in many 
past years ; but until recently those who made their speculations and 
advanced their theories were generally considered enthusiasts and vis- 
ionaries. From the old Hydraulic Canal in the year 1885 about 10,000 
horse power was derived. At that time Thomas Evershed was at the 
falls, where he had often been before, in his capacity of engineer on the 
western section of the Erie Canal. It was, therefore, natural that he 
should be consulted regarding the practical solution of the problem of 
controlling and applying such a part as seemed available of the im- 
mense water power represented in the great river as it rushes down the 
rapids and plunges over the precipice. After preliminary consultation 
with Mr. Evershed, Charles B. Gaskill and other citizens of Niagara 



208 

Falls, secured a legislative charter under date of March 31, 1886, v.hich 
has since been extended and amended as indicated in the State laws. 
On July I, of that year, Mr. Evershed issued his first formal plan and 
estimate. Its features were discussed in many prominent scientific me- 
chanical, and other journals, as well as by eminent engineers and gen- 
erally with unfavorable comment. The corporation organized for the 
prosecution of the undertaking took the name of the Niagara Falls 
Power Company, It required three years of earnest and persistent 
effort on the part of the originators of the project to convince the capi- 
talists and any considerable part of the public, that the plans, if carried 
out, would prove commercially profitable. 

Briefly, the plans contemplated the construction of a tunnel leading 
from a point in the gorge of the river below the falls near the upper 
Suspension Bridge, westward directly. under the city a distance of about 
7,000 feet, to a point above the city and near the river bank. There a 
shaft, or wheel pit, was to be built with an ultimate length of 400 feet 
and a width of twenty feet, into which great steel penstocks seven and 
one- half feet in diameter would convey the water led to them from the 
river through a short surface canal. In this wheel pit were to be 
placed turbine water wheels of great capacity, hung upon upright shafts 
and at such a depth from the surface as to give a fall of 136 feet. It 
was estimated that by the use of this tuunel there would be developed 
100,000 horse power, 

As the subject was further discussed and proofs were submitted, upon 
theory at least, that the power could be thus produced and supplied to 
consumers at a considerable less cost than it could be created by any 
other means, capitalists were found who were willing to invest in the 
undertaking. In 1889, after many preliminaries had been settled and 
wide spread interest awakened, the then existing interests in the devel- 
opment of the Niagara Falls power were combined in a corporation 
called the Cataract Construction Company whose acceptance of the 
construction contract rested upon two propositions, viz. First, that 
with proper organization and development the whole project would be 
valuable solely as a hydraulic installation. Second, that it gave 
promise of becoming in the near future vastly more valuable as a source 
of power for transmission. The last named company was the out- 



209 

growth of the appreciative interest in these propositions shown by the 
following men : William B. Rankine, Francis Lynde Stetson, J. Pier- 
poiit Morgan, Hamilton McK. Twombly, Edward A. Wickes Morris K. 
Jessup, Darius Ogden Mills, Charles F. Clark, Edward D. Adams, 
Charles Lanier. A. J. Forbes- Leith, Walter Howe, John Crosby Brown. 
Frederick W. Whitbridge. William K. Vanderbilt, George S. Bowdoin, 
Joseph Larocque, Charles A. Sweet, and John Jacob Astor. Many of 
these men have served the corporation in some ofhcial capacity and 
given freely of their time and experience in the conduct of the enter- 
prise. Edward D. Adams was chosen president of the company, and 
still retains the position. 

The general plan finally adopted (which largely followed that of Mr. 
Evershed) comprised the construction of a surface canal 250 feet in 
width at its mouth, on the margin of the river, a mile and a quarter 
above the falls, extending inwardly 1,700 feet, with an average depth of 
about twelve feet, serving water sufficient for the development of about 
100.000 horse power. The solid masonry walls of this canal are pierced 
at intervals on one side with ten inlets, guarded by gates which permit 
the delivery of water in the wheel pit at the side of the canal. This 
wheel pit is 178 feet in depth and is connected by a lateral tunnel with 
the main tunnel serving the purpose of a tail race about 7,000 feet in 
length, with an average hydraulic slope of six feet in 1,000, the tunnel 
having a maximum height of twenty-one feet and width of eighteen feet 
ten inches, its section being 386 square feet. Its slope is such that a 
chip thrown into the water at the wheel pit will pass out of the portal 
in three and one- half minutes, showing the water to have a velocity of 
twenty-six and one-half feet per second, or a little less than twenty 
miles an hour when running at its maximum capacity. On the other 
side of the canal are wells for users of hydraulic power. Over 1,000 
men were engaged continuously for more than three years in the con- 
struction of this tunnel, which called for the removal of more than 300,- 
000 tons of rock and the use of more than 16,000,000 brick for lining. 
The construction of the canal, and especially of the wheel pit, 175 feet 
in depth, with its surmounting power house, were works of correspond- 
ing difficulty and importance. 

After the most searching investigation by the ablest men to be found 

27 



210 

for the task, the turbine wheels designed by Faesch & Pickard, of 
Geneva, Switzerland, were adopted for the initial power supply. These 
wheels were built by the I. P. Morris Company, of Philadelphia, and 
three of them are now installed. 

These matters settled, it became necessary in 1890, to decide upon 
one of the four methods recommended for transmitting power by ropes, 
by hydraulic pipes, by compressed air, or by electricity. Some of the 
most prominent engineers as late as in the year just named, had little 
faith that any method except compressed air could be successfully 
utilized. To settle this important question, one of the engineers of the 
company (John Bogart), and Francis Lynde Stetson, vice-president of 
of the company, made a tour of inspection to various points in Europe, 
England, and America, and examined the best examples of such work 
to be found. 

The activity in discussion of all electrical problems, and the great 
development in the use of the subtle fluid during the past five or six 
years is well known ; and it may be safely stated that by far the most 
important result of such discussion and the investigation by Messrs. 
Stetson and Bogart, was the adoption of electricity for the transmission 
of power at Niagara Falls. This decision was reached in 1890, after 
the tour above mentioned was concluded — a decision based, to a con- 
siderable extent at least, on what was seen of such transmission in 
France. Later examples of transmission of power by electricity, sixteen 
miles from Tivoli to Rome, Italy, and for a long distance at Portland, 
Oregon, and elsewhere, still further strengthened faith in that method. 
In December, 1891, the company invited competitive plans and es- 
timates for development of its electric power and its transmission locally 
and to Buffalo. The result of the competition was the adoption of a 
two-phase alternating generator of 5,000 horse power capacity, develop- 
ing 2,200 volts. The form of dynamo adopted and employed was designed 
by the company's electric engineer. Prof George Forbes, of London. 
A contract for three of these dynamos was entered into with the West- 
inghouse Company, of Pittsburg, and after their completion they were 
thoroughly tested and installed. On April 4, 1895, Rudolphe Bau- 
mann, a Swisss engineer, who was conspicuous in perfecting the hy- 
draulic plant, moved the hand wheel controlling the first turbine, the 



211 

great generator at the top of the shaft began to revolve and the power 
was ready for transmission, testifying to the abihty and genius of the 
various men associated in the work of producing a 5,000 horse power 
unit of machinery, capable of transforming the energy of faUing water 
into electric energy and needing only suitable conductors to carry it 
across miles of country. 

The power developed by this company is already in large and suc- 
cessful use, both at Niagara Falls and in Buffalo. The first distribution 
of electrical power was made to the Pittsburg Reduction Company, 
which has erected a plant for the manufacture of aluminum near the 
company's canal, and began using the power in August, 1895. Several 
other companies with local plants, and the Niagara Falls Lighting Com- 
pany are now successfully using the power. In December, 1895, the 
city of Buffalo granted a franchise to the power company to supply 
power to that city, under the terms of which as extended it must be 
prepared to furnish 10,000 horse-power to consumers by December 31, 
1897, and 10,000 additional horse-power in each successive year. Un- 
this arrangement the Buffalo Railway Company contracted to take 
1,000 horse-power at a rate of $^6 per horse-power per year. A pole 
line was erected consisting of three continuous cables of uninsulated 
copper, the total length of which is about seventy eight miles. Shortly 
after midnight on November 16, 1896, the power was first transmitted 
to Buffalo under impressive circumstances. Everything operated suc- 
cessfully and 1,000 horse-power is now in use by the Buffalo Railway 
Company for the propulsion of cars. The news of the event was sent 
throughout the world, making the name of Niagara Falls more familiar 
than ever before. 

One of the important auxiliary features of the plans of this power 
company is the founding of the village of Echota as a suburb of the 
city. For this purpose the company purchased a tract of land about 
3,000 feet long in a direction parallel with the river and 1,500 feet wide, 
comprising eighty- four acres of flat land that had been comparatively 
useless. The improvements here made have been effected by the 
Niagara Development Company, which is intimately connected with 
the power company, and under immediate supervision of W. A. Brack- 
enridge, resident engineer of the latter company. Without attempting 



212 

to go into details, which is impracticable in these pages, it may be 
stated that on this tract of land is already founded a model industrial 
village, comprising thus far some seventy-four dwellings, built upon 
modern plans for perfect sanitation ; a building for stores with an assem- 
bly room above ; a handsome brick school building ; a complete plant 
for sewerage disposal according to the latest methods ; water from the 
Niagara Falls Water Works Company ; streets paved with Telford- 
Macadam pavement, and other features. The dwellings are all built by 
the company for rental to tenants. 

The power company owns about 1,200 acres of land adjoining its cen- 
tral station and the surface canal, which it is designed to lease for indus- 
trial purposes. This land has been laid out in streets and blocks and a 
freight railroad has been built connecting with the lines that enter 
Niagara Falls. This road was built by the Niagara Junction Railway 
Company, which is allied with the power company and runs through 
the whole length of the company's property, connecting with all the 
main lines of other railroads entering the city, and docks have been 
constructed on the river, making connection with the traffic of the great 
lakes. At about the same time a new water works plant was estab- 
lished with a capacity of 6,000,000 gallons per day, the water being 
taken from the river a mile above the falls. The whole city is thus 
given an excellent water supply. 

A handsome stone power house has been erected over the wheel pit, 
in which is a fifty-ton traveling crane ; the building is two hundred feet 
in length. 

The accompanying map shows a part of the city of Niagara Falls, 
with the location and comparative area of the properties of the power 
company and its allied organizations. 

There are three large corpoiations allied with the Niagara Falls 
Power Company, as follows : The Cataract Construction Company, the 
Niagara Junction Railway Company, and the Niagara Development 
Company. 

The rapid development of the present street railways of the city of Ni- 
agara Falls and the immediate surrounding country has been no less re- 
markable than the growth of other important interests. At the present 
time different parts of the city itself are connected with excellent roads 



213 

which are equipped with modern cars running at brief intervals, while 
Lewiston, Youngstown, Schlosser, La Salle, Tonawanda and Buffalo are 
all brought within short rides, some of which give the passenger glimpses 
of the grandest scenery in the country. The Niagara Falls and Sus- 
pension Bridge Railway Company was chartered October 20, 1882, 
with a capital of $750,000 This road with its equipment, as at pres- 
ent existing, has cost about $1,125,000, and owns about seventeen 
miles of track. It extends through and around the city and to the 
Whirlpool Rapids. John C. Brewster is superintendent. 

The Niagara Falls, Whirlpool and Northern Railroad Company was 
chartered March 3, 1894, with a capital of $50,000. The total cost of 
the road is $72,500; it has one and three- fourths miles of track, ex- 
tending from the city line to Devil's Hole in the town of Lewiston. 

The Buffalo and Niagara Falls Electric Railway Company was con- 
solidated May 24, 1895 ; construction on the line began May 10 of 
that year, and the road was completed September 22 of that year. The 
capital is $1,250,000, and thirty miles of track are operated. The cost 
of the road and equipment is $2,102,169. The cars are run by electric 
power supplied by the Niagara Falls Power Company. W. Caryl Ely, 
president ; Burt Van Horn, secretary and treasurer ; C. K. Marshall, 
superintendent 

The Niagara Falls and Lewiston Electric Railway Company, operat- 
ing the well known Great Gorge road, which extends from the falls to 
Lewiston at or near the foot of the cliffs along the river, was organized 
and the road opened in 1896. In the same year a road was extended 
to Youngstown. 

The Niagara Falls Gas Company was organized December 21, 1859, 
with the following officers : Stoughton Pettebone, president ; James F. 
Trott, secretary ; N. Walsh, treasurer ; George W. Parsons, superin- 
tendent and constructing engineer. The original capital of the com- 
pany was $20,000 ; this amount was largely increased in later years. 
The works were constructed as soon as practicable after the formation 
of the company, being completed May i, i860. At a later date the 
company's mains were extended to Suspension Bridge village and in 
1866 a gasometer was erected there. The company now has about 
twenty- seven miles of mains, and L. A. Boore has been its secretary 
and superintendent since October i, 1883. 



214 

At the present time the city is well lighted by electricity by the 
Buffalo and Niagara Falls Electric Light and Power Company, of which 
J. P. Chapin is manager. 

The first fire company of Niagara Falls was organized in 1834, with 
the name of the Belchertown Company, a peculiar title taken from the 
old hand engine then in use, which was purchased in Belchertown, 
Mass. In early years the customary devices of buckets and ladders and 
hooks were the only appliances for extinguishing fires, until the old 
engine was brought into use. Two substantial stone buildings were 
erected, the last one in 1875, for the use of the company and their ap- 
paratus, which at that time comprised Cataract Engine and Hose Com- 
pany, No. I, Niagara Hose Company No. 2, Rescue Hook and Ladder 
Company No. i,and Protection Fire Company No. i, then recently 
organized. 

At the time of the city incorporation the department consisted of 
the following organizations : Cataract Engine and Hose Company No. 
I, Niagara Hose Company No. 2, Rapids Hose Company No. 3, Belle- 
vue Hose Company, No. 4, Mayle Hose Company No. 5, Active Hose 
Company No. 6, Gaskill Hose Company No. 7, Excelsior Hook and 
Ladder Company No. i. Rescue Hook and Ladder Company No. 2, 
Flagler Hook and Ladder Company No. 3. 

The city charter provided for the appointment of a chief engineer, a 
first and second assistant engineer, a superintendent of fire alarm, and 
four fire wardens, one for each ward. Herman C Hertel is the present 
chief; Herman Hertel, first assistant; Oliver M, Young, second assist- 
ant ; William C Edwards, secretary and treasurer. The department 
as at present organized comprises all of the above named companies 
and also the Electric City Hose Company , the Mill Reserve Hose 
Company, Cataract Jr. Hose Company, Emerald Hose Company No. 8, 
Independent Hose Company No. 9. 

The Niagara Falls Water Works Company was organized January 
10, 1877, with the following officers: Franklin Spalding, president; 
Benjamin Rhodes, secretary; Fr. R. Delano, treasurer; Franklin 
Spalding, Stoughton Pettebone, Alvah Cluck, Francis R. Delano, D. 
R. Jerauld, William F. Evans, and Benjamin Rhodes, trustees. During 
the year 1877 three and a half miles of water mains were laid, and 



215 

twenty seven hydrants set, the water being taken from Niagara River 
by the Holly pump used in the Suspension Bridge Water Works. This 
company was a private corporation with a paid up capital of $25,000. 
In 1896, after the Niagara Falls Company had purchased most of the 
stock of this company, a new pumping station and filter plant was 
added at the Falls, with a capacity of 6,000,000 gallons daily. The 
present cost of the plant is about $308,000. There are fifteen miles of 
water mains. William B. Rankine is president of the company ; F. U. 
Wilcox, secretary and treasurer ; S. T. Murray, superintendent. 

VILLAGE OF SUSPENSION BRIDGE. 

The village of Suspension Bridge, which in 1892 became a part of 
the city of Niagara Falls, as before described, was originally named 
Bellevue, and was thus known until June 8, 1854, when it was incorpo- 
rated as a village under the name of Niagara City. Since about the time 
of the construction of the Roebling suspension bridge and the rapid ad- 
vancement of the place as a railroad center, it has been called Suspen- 
sion Bridge. 

The history of this village is almost wholly modern, except through 
its near relation to the important events which took place on ths Niagara 
frontier prior to the close of the war of 1812-15, which have been de- 
scribed in earlier chapters. As late as 1845 there were only two or 
three farm houses within the village limits as they existed at the time 
of its annexation to Niagara Falls city. There was at that time a sul- 
phur spring possessing considerable local popularity a little north of the 
end of the bridge, over which had been erected a building. The Row 
of water from this spring was largely stopped by the erection of the 
bridge. 

The land on which the village stands formerly was owned by E. P. -^ 
Graves, Orson Childs, and a Mr. Williamson, an Englishman. The 
latter owned the central part of the tract, which included the site of the 
bridge landing. In 1845 ^ speculative organization called the Bellevue 
Land Company was formed by Col. John Fisk, of Rochester ; Gen. 
Charles B. Stuart, of Schenectady ; J. V. E. Vedder, of Geneva, and 
Roswell G. Benedict, of Saratoga. The principal purpose of this com- 
pany was the purchase of a large part of the village site and the inaug- 



2l6 

uration and development of various improvements thereon. Their first 
important operation was the construction of a roadway from a point 
near the end of the bridge to a landing near the river edge a little far- 
ther up the stream. In 1846 the Maid of the Mist, a small steamboat, 
was built in the eddy above the bridge and began carrying pleasure 
seekers and travelers up and down and across the river. In 1854 a 
larger and better boat was built for this purpose and launched on July 
14 of that year. For a time the operations of the proprietors were suc- 
cessful and promising of satisfactory profits, and the future looked bright ; 
but later on opposing interests and other local causes resulted in ulti- 
mate loss. 

In the settlement of affairs the then owner of the Maid of the Mist, 
W. G. Buchanan, decided to sell the boat. Receiving an offer from 
persons who insisted on the delivery of the boat at the mouth of the 
river, the problem was presented of how to get her below the surging 
waters of the whirlpool rapids, through which no living animal had ever 
passed. Mr. Buchanan resolved to accept the offer, provided he could 
find some person venturesome enough to attempt to run the boat through 
the whirlpool and down the swift current to the mouth of the river. It 
was not easy to find a man for the hazardous undertaking and it was 
the opinion of many who were competent to judge, that if the attempt 
was made, the craft would inevitably be dashed to pieces and all on 
board perish. Finally, Joel R. Robinson came forward and offered his 
services to command the boat on the perilous trip, and James Mclntyre 
and James H. Jones volunteered to accompany him, the former to as- 
sist at the wheel and the latter as engineer A day was set for the voy- 
age and about three o'clock in the afternoon the start was made. On- 
ward swept the little craft and after a vain effort to keep her near the 
Canada side of the stream and out of the more violent plunges of the 
rapids, she darted out towards the whirlpool. For a few moments the 
boat was at the mercy of the tumultuous waters and was hurled hither 
and thither on the waves, but sooner than the story can be told she was 
through the most dangerous part of the voyage and in comparative 
safety, having suffered only slight damage. In seventeen minutes from 
the time she left the landing she came to the dock at Queenston. 

The Bellevue Land Company pursued its plans with energy and sent 



217 

out broadcast propositions to capitalists to establish manufactures on 
its land, but without expected returns. The Witmer grist mill was 
built in 1846-47, and in the latter year, on August 21, the International 
Suspension Bridge Company was organized with the following directors: 
William H. Merritt, Thomas C. Street, J. Cummings, Charles B. Stuart, 
J. Oswald, Samuel Zimmerman, Washington Hunt, Samuel De Veaux, 
Charles Evans, Isaac C. Colton, Lot Clark. William O. Buchanan was 
chosen superintendent. 

The first suspension bridge was built by the International Bridge 
Company, under the supervision of Charles EUct, jr., of Philadelphia, 
who came here in the winter of 1847 ^"^ P^^^ "P ^^ ^^^^ '^^^ Eagle 
Tavern, on the site of the International Hotel. The venerable Theo- 
dore G. Hulett was consulted by the engineer and tells the following in- 
teresting story of what followed: 

The engineer stated in detail his plan of construction. First, to provide some 
means of crossing the gorge with men and tools without crossing at a ferry at Lew- 
iston — five miles below — thus saving ten miles travel for each desired crossing. His 
plan was to erect two towers, one on either side, twenty-five feet in height, and to 
suspend a wire cable of thirty-six strands of No. 10 wire from the top of these tow- 
ers, with about thirty feet deflection, and upon which to place a yoke with grooved 
rollers at either end, and from which to suspend a cage of sufficient capacity to 
accommodate two men, and this cage to be drawn across from side to side by means 
of a stationary windlass on either side of the bank. The first thing to be settled 
was the size, form and material of which this cage should be constructed. The en- 
gineer proposed this cage to be made of wood, and instead, I suggested iron. The 
engineer's objection to iron was its weight. In answer, I suggested that I thought 
one of iron could be made of less weight and more secure than one of wood. To 
test this proposition, the engineer made a plan of his wooden cage, and carefully 
weighed, by figures, its weight. I then made a plan of a basket made of iron, 
which was also weighed and found to be ten pounds lighter than the wood. "We 
will have it iron," exclaimed the engineer, provided we can get it made. I assured 
the engineer that getting it made would present no difficulty, as I would make it 
with my own hands. The next interrogatory of the engineer was, "What shall be 
its form?" We both at the time were sitting in rocking chairs of the same pattern. 
I requested the engineer to arise, and these two rockers were drawn close together, 
the engineer exclaiming, "That is just what we want and will have." Next in 
order was the construction of the cable upon which the basket was to travel. This 
cable was to be constructed of thirty-six strands of No. 10 wire, each strand to be 
subjected to a uniform strain, and the thirty-six strands bound into a round form 
by being wrapped by a transverse wrapping of a small annealed wire at intervals 
of eight inches, each wrapping being about four inches in length. This cable was 
formed around an iron yoke or clevis at either end as a means of fastening to the 
28 



2l8 

rock. After the detail of making the cable was disposed of, then came the ques- 
tion of how to get it over. The engineer suggested offering a premium of ten dol- 
lars to the first boy who should successfully fly over the gorge his kite string and 
fasten its ends to a tree on either side. This premium brought a score of lads into 
the contest, and a boy by the name of Homan Walsh (who now resides in Lincoln, 
Neb.) was the successful winner of the prize, which was paid as soon as the kite 
string was secured on the bank of the stream. The following day a stronger line 
was drawn over by the kite string, and a rope of sufficient strength to haul over the 
iron cable was substituted. By means of this rope the iron cable was hauled across 
the river and its ends secured to the solid rock and placed upon the wooden towers. 
I made the iron basket and its attachments with my own hands, and it was placed 
upon the cable. A strong windlass consisting of a wooden drum of about four 
feet in diameter, and so geared that one man at the crank could haul over any re- 
quired load. One of these windlasses was placed on each bank, the draft rope 
passing around these drums at one end, and the other attached to the yoke from 
which the basket was suspended. This yoke was made of iron, with a grooved 
roller at either end that it ran upon, and the flanges astride the cable. 

The first passage of this basket was attempted to be made empty, but when 
almost across it suddenly stopped and the windlass on the opposite side would not 
bring it ashore. It could be drawn back, but not forward, and the basket was 
drawn back to the American shore. Engineer Ellett mounted the car, which was 
let loose from the tower, and which descended the down grade with great velocity 
until its momentum was arrested by the up grade on the opposite side, when the 
windlass on the opposite side was set in motion and hauled the basket with its pass- 
enger to the point of obstruction, which was found to be a spot in the cable that 
had been flattened when the cable was being hauled across, and to such extent that 
that exceeded the width of the groove in the roller, which caused the flange of the 
forward end of the roller to rise upon the cable and its edge to sink between the ex- 
panded strands of the cable, The engineer saw the difficulty at a glance, and he 
soon remedied it by contracting the width of the cable, and the rollers passed over 
and the first passenger landed in safety across the gorge in this fairy basket. It 
was found that the groove in the rollers was too shallow and the tread too narrow 
to prevent undue friction on the transverse wrapping of the cable, and new and 
deeper-grooved rollers were substituted. This change made this mode of transpor- 
tation was complete, and it was used for that purpose for more than one year, and 
carried across the gorge more than two thorsand passengers. This cable was used 
until the preliminary bridge structure was completed, and then removed. 

The preliminary bridge was but a slight structure of eight feet (roadway) in width, 
with a railing made from ash wood of oval form, one and one-quarter inches by two 
inches, locked together at its ends, and the splice bound together by fine annealed 
wire and woven into the suspenders of the bridge longitudinally. There were four 
of these on either side, one foot apart, which made a strong and safe railing five feet 
in height. This bridge was only intended as a scaffolding from which to build the 
platform of the intended railroad bridge. The mode of construction of this prelimi- 
nary bridge was not only unique, but was attended by a thrilling incident, which 
will not be forgotten by those who witnessed it, or its recital uninteresting to those 
who did not. 



219 

The first preliminary bridge was composed of four massive wooden towers, two 
on either bank, some eighty feet in height. There were four corner posts two feet 
square, consti^ucted of four timbers one foot square, each of different length and 
separated on their inner sides by an oak strip, and all bolted firmly together. The 
sections were united by each timber being of a different length, and thus built up to 
the top. There were cross beams twelve inches square running around the vertical 
posts at intervals ol about eight feet and bolted firmly to the corner posts, and brac- 
ing timbers from each cross beam to the corner posts. These towers were fourteen 
feet square at the base, terminating at their top at six feet square. These towers 
were mounted by a wooden roller of eighteen inches in diameter and six feet in 
length, upon which the cables were to rest. 

The cables of this preliminary bridge were four in number, two on each tower. 
Thej' were composed of about one hundred and twenty strands of No. 10 wire each 
wire having been stretched at an equal tension on the shore, with each wire passing 
around an iron yoke at each end as a means of anchoring the cables to the rock. 
These cables were wrapped transversely by small annealed wire at intervals of ten 
inches, each wrapping being four inches in length, the cable two and one-quarter 
inches in diameter. In getting these cables across, one end was anchored to the 
solid rock, a strong rope attached to the other end, which was connected with a 
powerful windlass on the Canada side, and by it the cable was hauled across the 
chasm and the ends anchored to the rock. This left a .sag in the cable below the 
cliff of about eighty feet. By means of rope tackle these cables were lifted to the 
top of the towers to their final resting place, leaving the lowest point of deflection of 
the cables some fifteen feet above the level of the surface rock on either side. These 
cables were spread upon the wooden rollers on the top of the towers, four feet apart, 
and the transverse wrappings for about four feet at their apex removed for the pur- 
pose of leaving the wires flattened to give each strand of wire an equal tensile 
strength, and to enable the oil, with which they were kept painted, to reach each 
wire to prevent any possible oxidization of the wires, this being the greatest point 
of strain on the cables. 

Next in order were placed strips of pine scantling, two by three, across the two 
cables on either side, and four feet in length, fastened with wire to the cables, so 
as to prevent the cables getting out of line, and a cross support for the suspenders, 
which were composed of two strands of No. 10 wire, each end of the suspender ter- 
minating at the bottom in a loop to receive the cross or needle beam of the flooring. 
As these suspenders and supports were shoved out, the floor was laid, which con- 
sisted of one-inch boards of two layers, each layer breaking joints. These tempo- 
rary platforms of only four feet in width, were to be carried across from either side 
simultaneously until being united in the center, and when so united the platform at 
once assumed its intended form, a beautiful catenary curve to the cables and an up- 
ward curve to the flooring, each being governed by the calculation of the length of 
each suspending wire. 

Two separate and distinct bridges were thus thrown across, after which they were 
brought together, side by side, and lashed firmly together, thus giving the support- 
ing cables a lateral curve from twenty-four feet at the top of the towers to eight feet 
at the center of the bridge. 



220 

It was while these preliminary platforms were being carried out as above described 
that a terrific scene occurred. The northerly platform was completed and the other 
commenced on either side, the one on the Canada side almost one hundred feet from 
the bank, and on the American side about two hundred feet. There arose a sudden 
and terrific wind storm. As a first indication of it a two-inch plank was lifted from 
the top of the tower and was being carried as a feather at the behest of the storm. 
Its effect on the bridge was that the unfinished part was swinging to and fro for one 
hundred feet, at last throwing that part on the Canadian side over and across the 
basket cable. There were two workmen on the Canada end of the structure at the 
time of the crash, who made their escape to the tower, but on the American side 
there were four men on the structure, only one of whom reached the shore, the three 
remaining having no other support than to firmly clutch the two No. 10 wires and 
resting their feet on the shifting flooring of the platiorm. Nothing could be done 
to rescue these men, until the violence of the gale subsided. When the gale had 
spent its violence a short latlder, twelve feet long, was attached to the iron basket 
with ropes and a request for some one to volunteer to go out in the basket to rescue 
the men. A young man named William Ellis stepped forward and said, " I am your 
man." Ellis sprang into the basket but before starting I instructed him that he 
under no consideration should bring but one man at a time, as it was impossible to 
estimate the strain upon the basket cable, as the weight of the entire Canada end of 
the bridge was upon it, but to take off the one farthest out, and return for the others. 
EUis's reply was "all right." Outwent the basket, passing the two unfortunates 
for the one farthest from the shore, the ladder was extended to the wreck, the un- 
fortunate was eagerly watched until safely landed in the basket. The next un- 
fortunate's appeals were so pressing to be taken in that Ellis forgot his instructions 
and the second unfortunate was soon seen crossing the ladder into the basket. The 
third was reached and the ladder was pushed out again, and he also was landed in 
the basket. The basket — the capacity of which was but for two — was slowly drawn 
to the shore laden with four stalwart men, and the four safely landed amid the 
shouts from the bystanders that silenced the raging elements. 

Under this temporary platform was built the wagon bridge of eight feet in width 
as above described. This road bridge was used as a carriage and foot way for two 
or three years, awaiting the change of hard times and the railroad it was intended 
to accommodate should be completed. At last this event happened, and Engineer 
John A. Roebling, of Brooklyn Bridge fame, was engaged as engineer to complete 
the original design — a railroad bridge. Massive stone towers took the place of the 
original ones, and a railroad bridge and a carriage track beneath was erected by Mr. 
Roebling, which was used for years, and after all the woodwork of the structure was 
replaced by iron except the floors, which took place about fifteen years since by 
Engineer L. L. Buck, who about five years after substituted the massive iron 
towers for the stone towers erected by Engineer Roebling, which began to show 
signs of decay. 

The engineering skill of Engineer Buck was manifested by the substitution of 
these present iron towers for the stone ones removed, when it is known that this 
change was made without interfering with railroad crossing for but two hours. 

The completion of the great suspension bridge marked the beginning 



221 

of rapid development in this village and soon gave it far-reaching im- 
portance through its railroad connections. The Monteagle Hotel, be- 
gun in 1848 and finished in 1855, was one of the largest and most ex- 
pensively furnished public houses of that time. During the period of 
construction of this house, the New York Central Hotel was built and 
afterwards burned. Since 1850 ten or twelve hotels of more or less 
pretense and importance, and many places of temporary refreshment, 
have been opened here. In recent years, however, the more rapid 
growth of Niagara Falls village and city and the strong attraction of 
the cataract itself has drawn a large share of travelers to that place. 

The Niagara River Bridge Company was organized April 15, 1883, 
with capital of $1,000,000. This company constructed the well known 
Cantilever bridge, which was finished in December, 1883. 

C. H Witmer inaugurated the milling business in the village in 
1848 and continued to 1859, in September of which year he was 
accidentally drowned by slipping into the river above the bridge. His 
sons succeeded to the business and also established the Witmer Brothers' 
Bank in October, 1874. This mill is now operated by H. E. Wood- 
ford ; the bank was closed about ten years ago. The post-ofifice was 
opened in 1849 ^'th Dr. Collier postmaster, who was succeeded by 
John Fisk. 

Extensive cattle yards were here established about i860 and con- 
tinued to do a large business until the founding of the stock market and 
yards at Buffalo, after which the business here declined. In 1863 the 
port of entry was removed from Lewiston to Suspension Bridge and 
the commodious custom house was erected. 

The petition for incorporation of the village of Suspension Bridge 
was prepared in April, 1854, and was signed by Marcus Adams, Elihu 
P. Graves, Lewis E. Glover and Rodney Durkee. A village election 
was held on May 30 to vote for and against incorporation, at which 
only two votes out of eighty-eight were against the measure. A census 
taken in the spring of that year showed the population of the village to 
be 827. The incorporation took place June 8, 1854, under the name 
of Niagara City, with the following officers: John Fisk, president; 
H. P. Witbeck, Rodney Durkee, George Vogt and James Vedder, 
trustees ; E. Stanley Adams, clerk. Soon after the completion of the 



222 

bridge the place began to be known as Suspension Bridge and finally 
that name was adopted, 

Under the general act of 1875, enabling cities and villages to supply 
themselves with water, a public meeting was called at Colt's Hall to 
discuss the subject of establishing water works in the village. The 
matter was favorably considered and at a later meeting a majority of 
the tax payers favored the project. After some opposition on the part 
of the New York Central Railroad work was begun in the spring of 
1876 and the plant on the well known Holly system was completed in 
August of the same year. The cost was about $60,000, to raise which 
the village was bonded for $3,000 annually for twenty years. This 
system still supplies that part of the city of Niagara Falls with water, 
and has cost to the present time about $250,000. There are twenty- 
one miles of mains and 175 hydrants. H. A. Keller has been superin- 
tendent since 1889. 

In 1856 a bucket company was formed in the village for extinguish- 
ing fires and in the following year a hook and ladder company was 
organized. Before the close of that year a fire engine was purchased 
for $1,700, a bucket wagon for $150, and other apparatus costing $250. 
A company was organized called the Rapids Engine and Hose Com- 
pany. Other hose and hook and ladder companies were soon organ- 
ized and the fire department was in an efficient condition when the 
annexation to Niagara Falls took place 

The first newspaper published in this village was the Niagara City 
Herald, the first issue of which appeared in October, 1855, under edito- 
rial and business control of N. T. Hackstafif. It was subsequently sold 
to C. B Gaskill, who discontinued it after a time. 

In 1870 A. G. Liscom established the Suspension Bridge Journal. 
In 1873 he sold it to John Ransom, who greatly improved the paper 
and secured for it a large patronage. Mr. Ransom was succeeded in 
the publication of the paper by Liscom Brothers and they by S. S. 
Pomroy, He was succeeded by the firm of Pomroy & Schultz (Will- 
iam F. Schultz). In June, 1897, Pomroy & Schultz sold the establish- 
ment to Edward T. Williams, the present proprietor. 

Edward T. Williams, editor and publisher of the Niagara Falls Jour- 
nal, is a grandson of John Williams, who came from Seneca county to 




EDWARD T. WILLIAMS. 



223 

Pendleton soon after 1810, and later became a pioneer of Somerset, 
where he died in 1880. Abram C. Williams, son of John and father of 
Edward T., was born in Pendleton and now resides in Somerset. He 
married Augusta E., daughter of George K. Hood, an early settler of 
Somerset and for several years a supervisor of that town. She died 
about 1877. Edward T. Williams was born on a farm in Somerset, 
Niagara county, April 30, 1868, and was early thrown, in a measure, 
upon his own resources. He attended the Somerset schools, the Wilson 
Union School, and Cornell University, and when seventeen assumed 
the management of his father's farm. While yet a youth he began to 
write for the newspapers, and in 1889 became connected with the staff" 
of the Lockport Union and Niagara Democrat. About 1890 he was 
made city editor of the Niagara Falls Journal, and in January, 1892, was 
appointed Niagara Falls correspondent of the BufTalo Courier, which 
position he held until May, 1897. On June i, 1897, he purchased the 
Niagara Falls Journal and became its editor and publisher. Mr, Will- 
iams has always been an active Democrat, and in 1895 was his party's 
candidate for member of assembly. June 21, 1893, he married Minnie 
F., daughter of W. C. Wilcox, of Somerset. 

At the time of the city incorporation in 1892, when the village of 
Suspension Bridge had a population of about 4,500, it was absorbed by 
the present city of Niagara Falls. It has never been an active business 
or manufacturing center, but will doubtless receive an impetus in this 
respect from its close municipal connection with the larger place. 



The first banking business in Niagara Falls was conducted by Riddle 
& Co. as early as 1855. They were succeeded by White & Hecker, 
and later John D. Hamlin opened a banking office in the International 
block. Soon after the war N. K. Van Husen came from Buffalo and 
started another private bank. In 1873 Dr. B L. Delano became an 
equal partner with Mr. Van Husen under the firm name of Van Husen 
& Delano, and in the same year they built and moved into a banking 
building on Main street. In November, 1874, Mr. Van Husen retired 
from the business and the firm became B. L. Delano & Co. On July 
9, 1877, the Cataract Bank was chartered, with a capital of $50,000, 



224 

and took the business of the former firm. The first officers of the 
institution were as follows : President, Stoughton Pettebone ; vice- 
president, Dr. B. L. Delano; cashier, F. R. Delano; directors, Stough- 
ton Pettebone, Alvah Cluck, George S. Haines, F. R. Delano, Hiram 
E. Griffith, Dr. B. L. Delano, Moses Einstein, John Hodge. There 
were numerous succeeding changes in the officers of the institution pre- 
vious to 1893, in which year it failed, during the presidency of Peter 
A. Porter, and while Delancey Rankin was cashier. Mr. Porter was 
made receiver and the affairs of the bank are not yet wholly settled. 

With the rapid growth of Niagara Falls in recent years banking 
facilities have necessarily been greatly extended. The First National 
Bank was organized June i, 1893, with a capital of $100,000, and the 
following officers : President, David Phillips ; vice president, David 
Isaacs; cashier, Henry Durk. On the 9th of December, 1896, Mr. 
Phillips resigned as president of this bank, and George B. Rand, presi- 
dent of the First National Bank of Tonawanda, was elected to the posi- 
tion. On the 10th a meeting of the directors was held and on the 
morning of the nth it was announced that the doors of the bank would 
not be opened for business. One of the principal causes of the trouble 
in the institution was the recent failure of the Niagara Falls Glazed 
Paper Company, with which some of the bank officials were intimately 
connected. The occurrences in connection with this matter are too 
recent to need detail here. 

The P^lectric City Bank was organized December i, 1894, with capi- 
tal of $75,000, and the following officers: President, Jerome B. Rice; 
vice-president, Frank A.Dudley; cashier, George G. Shepard. This 
institution is prudently and successfully conducted and now has accu- 
mulated a large fund of undivided profits, considering the length of 
time the bank has been in existence. 

The Bank of Niagara was organized in 1882, with a capital of $50,- 
000, and the following officers : President, Henry C. Howard ; vice- 
president, William C. Cornwell ; cashier, Edward J. Mackenna. Mr. 
Howard is still president; Mr. Cornwell was succeeded by Edward J. 
Mackenna as vice-president, George J. Howard taking Mr. Mackenna's 
position as cashier. The present directors are Ethan H Howard, Jacob 
F. Schoellkopf, Benjamin Flagler, Edward P. Bowen, Arthur Schoell- 



225 

kopf, Henry C. Howard, Eugene Gary, E. J. Mackenna. This bank 
has now a surplus of $50,000. 

The Power City Bank began business June 19, 1893, witli a capital of 
$100,000, and the following officers: Arthur Schoellkopf, president; 
Hans Neilson, vice-president; Fred I. Pierce, cashier. These with the 
following constitute the present board of directors : Eugene Gary, L. 
F. Mayle, A Kaltenbach, Alfred Schoellkopf, S. M. Glement, Henry 
Grigg, J. F. Schoellkopf. 

The Niagara Gounty Savings Bank began business January 2, 1891. 
The first president was Thomas V. Welch, who still continues in that 
position ; the first vice-president was Francis R. Delano, upon whose 
death Andrew Kaltenbach took the position ; Mr. Kaltenbach was the 
first second vice-president, and was succeeded by C. M. Young ; John 
Mackay has been secretary and treasurer from the first; VV. Garyl Ely 
is attorney. The following persons were chosen the first trustees of this 
institution: Franklin Spalding, Gharles B. Gaskill, William F. Evans, 
Lauren W. Pettebone, David Phillips, Francis R. Delano, W. Gary, 
Ely, Alexander J. Porter, Francis G. Beiden, Thomas Gaskin, Moses 
Einstein, Michael Ryan, S. M. N. Whitney, Peter A. Porter, Thomas 
V. Welch, Henry Durk, A. T. Gudaback, John S. Macklem, Andrew 
Kaltenbach, Ensign M. Glark, John G. Lammerts, G. M. Young, Henry 
S. Ware. William F. Gassier, Jacob J. Vogt. 

Of these Messrs Spalding, Delano, Einstein and Ware are deceased; 
Messrs. Gaskill, Phillips, Beiden, Gaskin, Durk, Macklem, Gassier, and 
Vogt are retired from the board, and the following have been elected : 
Jacob B. Vogt, Eugene Gary, Arthur Schoellkopf, J. G. Morgan. 

The village of Suspension Bridge has two banks in successful opera- 
tion, both of which were founded prior to the city incorporation, the 
latest one in the same year. The Bank of Suspension Bridge was char- 
tered August 10, 1886, with a capital of $25,000, which remains the 
same. The officers of the institution from the beginning have been as 
follows : Benjamin Flagler, president ; Henry G. Howard, vice-presi- 
dent ; Frank E. Johnson, cashier; Thomas J. O'Donnell, assistant 
cashier. The present directors are the foregoing persons with James 
Low, Louis S. Silberberg, Konrad Fink, Walter P. Home, and Henry 

29 



226 

E. Woodford. This bank has now in surplus and earnings about $27,- 
000. 

The Frontier Bank of Niagara was organized and incorporated in 
May, 1890, with authorized capital of $200,000, of which sum $50 000 
is paid up. Jacob Bingenheimer, president ; D. D. McKoon, vice- 
president ; William S. Pierce, cashier. 

Manufactures. — One of the old and important manufacturing 
industries of Niagara Falls was the Niagara Falls Paper Manufacturing 
Company, which was organized in November, 1855. The company 
erected a paper mill on Bath Island, where it obtained the necessary 
water for its purposes The original mill here, as before stated, was 
built in 1826, by Porter & Clark. This was burned August 12, 1858, 
but was immediately rebuilt with larger and improved facilities. At the 
organization of the paper company L. C. Woodruff was made presi- 
dent, and S. Pettebone, secretary. In later years this mill and its water 
power were greatly improved Lauren W. Pettebone was long officially 
connected with the company. 

The Pettebone Cataract Paper Company was organized and incorpo- 
rated October i , 1 892, with C. B. Gaskill, president ; L. W. Pettebone vice- 
president ; J. J. Mclntire, secretary ; and A. J. Porter, treasurer. Slight 
changes have made the present officers to include J. T. Jones, president ; 
Mr. Pettebone and Mr. Mclntire remain vice president and secretary 
respectively, with N. J. Bowker, assistant secretary and treasurer, and 
John H. HoUingsworth, superintendent. The capital is $350,000. 
This company is the successor of the Cataract Manufacturing Company, 
which was organized in 1880 by Gaskill & Mclntire, for the manufac- 
ture of paper pulp. In 1884, the mill on Bath Island, above described, 
was removed to the main land on account of the transfer of the island 
to the State, and upon the organization of the present company, be 
came a part of its plant. The product is news paper and pulp. 

The manufacturing works now operated by the Kelley & McBean 
Company were established in 1891, and the present company was or- 
ganized in 1895, for the manufacture of silver plated ware, silver and 
aluminum souvenir goods and advertising novelties, and patent dog 
collars, chains, etc. The officers of the company are H. W. McBean, 
president; D. M. Kelley, vice-president; S.J. Devlin, secretary and 
treasurer. 



22/ 

Tlie pulp mill originally started by John F. Quigley was succeeded by 
the present Cliff Paper Company, which was organized in the spring of 
1889, with John F. Quigley, president; Arthur C. Hastings, secretary 
and treasurer; C. H. Gilchrist, superintendent. In connection with the 
pulp manufacture the company has established a large paper mill. The 
present officers of the company are Jacob F. Schoellkopf, president ; 
Arthur Schoellkopf, vice-president ; A. C. Hastings, secretary, treasu- 
rer and manager. The capital of the company is $100,000, and the 
capacity of the plant is 50,000 pounds of newspaper and 60,000 pounds 
of pulp dally. 

The Central Milling Company was incorporated in 1884 and the 
present mill was built in 1885, to which a storehouse and cooper shop 
were added in 1888. The capacity of the mill is 2,000 barrels of flour 
daily. The capital of the company is $200,000, and the officers are 
George B. Matthews, president; A. R. James, treasurer; George W. 
Olmsted, secretary ; Henry Grigg, superintendent. 

The Cataract Milling Company, formed in 1854 by C. B. Gaskill, was 
the first to use the water of the hydraulic canal. It was subsequently 
incorporated with C. B. Gaskill, president, and G. J. Colpoys, secretary 
and treasurer; the capital is $200,000. The capacity of the mills is 
800 barrels of flour daily. 

The Niagara Flouring mill was built about 1877 by Schoellkopf & 
Mathews, the present proprietors. It has a capacit^^ of 2,000 barrels of 
flour per day. 

One of the largest industries in Niagara county is the Niagara P'alls 
Paper Company, which originated in 1888 as the Soo Paper Compan)', 
was incorporated in May, 1889, with a capital of $50,000, and with the 
purpose in view of building a mill at Sault Ste. Marie. The name of 
this company was changed in February, 1892, to its present title, and 
in September of that year a lease was signed with the Niagara Falls 
Power Company for 3,000 horse power. Immediate pieparations 
were made for the construction of a power house, pits and race-way, 
and a large modern paper mill. J. C. Morgan, the efficient secretary 
and manager of the company, located at the Falls in March, 1892, and 
in May, 1893, the manufacture of paper was commenced. These mills 
now cover a frontage of 400 feet and have five acres of floor space; 



228 

about i.ooo hands are employed ; 10,000 pounds of pulp are produced 
daily, while the immense paper machines have a capacity of 60,000 
pounds daily. The company own 50,000 acres of spruce timber land 
on Lake Superior, with saw mills for preparing the wood for shipment. 
The capital stock of the company has been increased to $1,000,000. 
Secretary Morgan is a practical paper maker and has had wide experi- 
ence in the business ; he is also a man of thorough executive ability 
which enables him to fill his responsible position with gratifying success. 

The Francis Manufacturing Company was organized in June, 1893, 
with capital stock of $55,000. H. A. Francis is president, and A. C. 
Hastings, secretary and treasurer. The product is hooks and eyes and 
other dress fasteners. 

The Oneida Community has a branch of its various interests in Ni- 
agara Falls for the manufacture of silver plated ware and chains. The 
business here was established in 1880; P. H. Noyes is manager. 

The Electric City Brewing Company was incorporated in 1895, capi- 
tal, $125,000, and succeeded the Whirlpool Co-operative Brewing Com- 
pany, which was organized March 7, 1893, with a capital of $80,000. 
M. W. O'Boyle is president; John S. Macklem, vice president; F. L. 
Lovelace, secretary ; A. C. Buell, treasurer. 

The Niagara Surface Coating Company was incorporated January i, 
1897, succeeding the Niagara Glazed Paper Company, in the manufac- 
ture of coated papers. John C. Lammerts is president ; Eugene Cary, 
secretary and treasurer. The capital is $35,000. 

The Carter Crume Company, organized in 1893, manufacture ex- 
tensively check books, autographic registers and supplies, paper boxes, 
butter dishes, sign letters and silver ware. The company has depart- 
ments at the Falls, Dayton, O., Saginaw, Mich., and Toronto. About 
450 hands are employed in the Niagara Falls estabhshment, Thomas 
McDowell is the efficient manager of this concern. 

Other establishments that must be included in the industries of the 
city are the F. W. Oliver Company, organized in 1894, contractors' and 
builders' supplies, F. W. Oliver, president and manager. The Niagara 
Electro-Chemical Company, established in 1896. The Mathieson Alkali 
Works, manufacturers of soda ash and kindred products, established in 
1897. The Albright & Wilson Chemical Company, manufacturers of 




W. A. PHILPOTT, Jr. 



229 

a chemical soda, began business in 1897. The Acetylene Light, Heat 
and Power Company ; Charles C. Adams, president, and Joseph P. De- 
vine, manager, established in 1896; the Chemical Construction Com- 
pany, P'rederick Overbury, general manager ; the Niagara Falls Brew- 
ing Company, Arthur Schoellkopf, secretary; Thomas E. McGarigle and 
Philpott & Leuppie. machinists; the Niagara Falls Distilling and Chem- 
ical Company; the Colt Block Company ; the Power City Lumber Com- 
pany, John ]\I. Diver, proprietor; the Cataract Ice Company ; the Car- 
borundum Works ; the Pittsburgh Reduction Company, manufacturers 
of aluminum, established in September, 1895. Several of these com- 
panies, as has been seen, are of recent origin and are directly the off- 
spring of the great power company, which, by selling them power at 
low rates, has made their successful existence here possible. While 
they are in some instances operated largely or wholly by foreign capi- 
tal, they are of great indirect benefit to the city, and an indication of 
what may be induced to follow their steps hither to secure the advan- 
tages which they are reaping. 

The Niagara Falls Tower Company was organized in 1893, with 
$200,000 capital, its purpose being the erection of a steel observation 
tower about 190 feet high over what is known as the Tower Hotel. R. 
W Jones is secretary and treasurer. 

The Dobbie Foundry and Machine Company was incorporated in 
December, 1896, and succeeded Dobbie, Stuart & Co., which was in- 
corporated in 1894, succeeding Dobbie & Stuart, who began business 
in 1892. John Dobbie is president and treasurer of the company; Ar- 
chibald Dobbie, secretary ; John T. Horton, superintendent ; the capital 
is $40,000. 

The Suspension Bridge^Cold Storage Warehouse Company was or- 
ganized about 1889 by H. P. Stanley & Co., who remodeled the old 
Monteagle Hotel for the purpose of storage ; the capacity is about 35,- 
000 barrels. Willis Van Horn has always been president and manager 
of the business. 

In connection v/ith the industrial interests of Niagara Falls, and 
especially for the general business advancement of the city, a Chamber 
of Commerce was organized in 1895, which at the present time consists 
of the following members, among many others : Hon. Arthur Schoell- 



230 

kopf, Hon. W. Caryl Ely, Gen. Benjamin Flagler, Capt. M. B. Butler, 
James Low, J. C. Morgan, Max Amberg, Augustus Thibadeau, 
City Engineer Reed, Hon. Frank A. Dudley, W. B. Rankine, W. A. 
Brackenridge, J. J. Mclntyre, C. S. Humbert, Major Hardwicke and 
John C. Lammerts. These men and other members of the organization 
are among the leading and most active citizens of the city, and the in- 
fluence of the Chamber of Commerce is already apparent. In June, 
1897, they purchased for $6,000 the old armory building on Walnut 
avenue from the county of Niagara, and perfected plans for converting 
it into a large convention hall. This armory was erected by the county 
and long occupied by the 42d Separate Company, 

The city of Niagara Falls to day occupies a unique as well as a most 
promising position in the municipal life of the State and the country. It 
is in a transition state and men of judgment and forethought believe 
that it has before it a future of unbounded prosperity and growth. All 
material indications point to such results. The harnessing of the mighty 
power of the great cataract is alone suflficient to give the city world- 
wide fame, while at the same time it must make it the seat of industries 
without limit, which can here find the motive power needed at less cost 
than anywhere else in the country. The grandeur of the scenery ; the 
various connections being rapidly perfected by electric railroads with 
other points of interest and profit ; the improvements made annually in 
the beautiful State Reservation ; the yearly addition to the population 
of many energetic men — these are a few of the potent actors that are 
working together in shaping the hopeful destiny of the city. 

Religious services were not generally held in this county so soon after 
the first settlements as in many other localities, on account of the fron- 
tier warfare to which it was long subject. There was no church organ- 
ization until 181 5, and it is an acknowledged fact that very few sermons 
were preached in the town before the war of 181 2 ; this is, of course, 
laj'ing aside the religious work of the Jesuits. The churches of the city 
at the present time are shown in the following notices : 

Parish of St. Marys of the Cataract. — Before the erection of Buffalo 
into an Episcopal See, the mission was occasionally visited by the 
priest residing at Lockport. Soon after the appointment of Rt. Rev. 



231 

Joliii Timon to the See of Buffalo, Lewiston, Youngstown, and Niagara 
Falls were formed into a parish (1847), the first pastor, Rev. John Boyle, 
fixing his residence at Lewiston, which was at the time the largest of the 
three places. Rev. John Boyle continued to hold the pastoral charge 
until 1850 and built the old stone church on the site now occupied by 
the present one. The church lot was donated to the congregation by 
Judge Porter at the request of Bishop Timon. 

Rev. John Boyle was removed in 1850 to another mission and died at 
Elmira (1857). He was succeeded by Father Nolan, who was suc- 
ceeded in 185 I by Rev. William C. Stevens. In 185 i Father Stephens 
changed the pastoral residence from Lewiston to the Falls, and built the 
church at Suspension Bridge. During the year 1856-7, the house and 
lot north of the church were purchased for a pastoral residence for the 
sum of $1,600. 

In 1859 Father Stephens was removed to Rochester, the Lazarist 
Fathers taking charge of the mission during the following three years. 
The pastors during this time were Rev. Ed. Maginnis, C. M., Rev. John 
Moynihan, C. M., Rev. Ed. M. Hennessy, C. M., and Rev. William A. 
Ryan, C. M. Rev. Father Stephens returned to the Falls in the month 
of April, 1862, and after a pastorate of only five months died on Mon- 
day, September i. His body was interred behind the old church, but 
owing to the enlargement of the building, now reposes at the head of the 
centre aisle, just in front and partly under the railing of the sanctuary. 

After his return, Father Stephens had charge only of St. Mary's par- 
ish (Niagara Falls), as the mission had been previously divided. 

Rev. Patrick Cannon succeeded Father Stephens on the i6th of the 
same month. During the following summer, 1863, the enlargement of 
the church was undertaken and the addition of the sanctuary, transept 
and side chapels was made. This work was completed in the fall, and 
opened for divine service on Sunday. 13th day of December, within the 
octave of the Immaculate Conception B. V. M., by Rt. Rev. Bishop 
Timon. On the same day he administered confirmation and conse- 
crated the main altar under the title and invocation of the Immaculate 
Conception, B. V. M., and placed in the sepulchre the relics of the 
Holy Martyrs, Castus, Benignus and Innocentius. 

In the month of August, 1864, the academy property was purchased 



232 

from A. H. Porter for the sum of $I0,000. Of this amount the first 
$2,000 were paid by the parish at the time of the purchase. The re- 
maining $8,000 were paid by the ladies who took charge of the institu- 
tion and opened a day and boarding school for girls. 

In the summer of 1865 the church enlargement was resumed, and 
the nave and side aisles were added to the part of the building put up 
two years before. In the second addition the old church almost totally 
disappeared, the front only being left standing. The site and size of 
the old building was exactly that now occupied and covered by the 
nave proper of the new church, the present pillars standing where stood 
the walls of the old church. 

The church was opened for service on Sunday, the 5th day of No- 
vember, of the same year (1865), by the Rt. Rev. Bishop, who also 
administered the sacrament of confirmation to nearly one hundred per- 
sons on the same day. 

in the fall of 1866 a very successful mission was preached in the par- 
ish by two of the Rev. Oblate Fathers, M. I. The number of commu- 
nicants was about eight hundred. In the spring of 1869 a new organ 
was purchased for the church at a cost of $700 and opened with a con- 
cert on May 13. On May 30, 1869, Rt. Rev. Bishop Ryan made his 
first official visit to the church, gave first communion to the children at 
the high mass, and administered confirmation in the afternoon to 140 
persons. After a pastorship of six years and ten months. Rev. Patrick 
Cannon left the parish to take charge of St. Patrick's church, Lockport, 
on July 12, 1869, and was succeeded by Rev. Patrick Moynihan, who 
entered upon his pastoral duties on the same day. 

The pastorate of the Rev. Father Cannon was replete with zeal for 
the welfare of his congregation. When we have to consider the sparse 
revenue with which he had to bring forth so many improvements, and 
the small amount of debt ($1,069.00) on the church when he left the 
parish, we cannot but admire his great administrative ability and untir- 
ing energy. As he is still laboring in the vineyard of the Lord, we 
forbear saying many things in his praise; the truth of which is attested 
by the monuments of zeal left after him, and the kind memories still 
lingering in the hearts of the people. 

The first work undertaken by Rev. Father P. Moynihan, after paying 



233 

off the debt ($1,06900), was to purchase the lot south of the church 
and the two frame buildings thereon, for the purpose of a boy's paro- 
chial school. The lot owned by Jeremiah Callahan was sold to the 
church for the sum of $1,500. 

On the 8th of October, 1870, the school was opened with 120 chil- 
dren, and the ladies from the Academy took charge for a salary of $400. 
Each boy paid towards this amount thirty cents per month. In the 
spring of 1873 Father Moynihan called a meeting of the congregation 
and proposed the erection of a new school house, or the building of a 
new church front. The latter motion prevailed. A committee was 
formed and the contract of building stone front and steeples was 
awarded to Philips & Wright. The estimated cost of the front was 
$10,000. 

The corner stone of the tower was laid by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Ryan 
on June 30, 1872, and the work completed by the following November. 
To meet the cost of this addition to the church, a mortgage of $3,000 
was given to the Erie County Savings Bank on the church property 
(lots 16, 18 and 20), and smaller sums were borrowed from private 
individuals, thus creating a debt of nearly $9,000. The balance was 
raised by voluntary subscription, and for extra work not covered by the 
contract, a fair was held. 

After the completion of the church front, the question of purchasing 
a bell arose, and a com"mittee was formed consisting of S. Geyer, presi- 
dent; Matthies Fedespiel, treasurer; Thomas V. Welch, secretary, and 
Messrs Robert Joyce and William Vaney, collectors, for the purpose of 
raising the funds necessary to procure the bell. The manner of solicit- 
ing was by issuing shares of $10 each, which were sold to all persons 
indiscriminately. The cost of the bell was $1,400, but by reduction 
for cash, $1,200. 

From the year i860 there existed in the parish a very flourishing 
temperance society, founded by Rev. Father McGinnis, Henry McBride 
being its first {^resident. The society had done valuable service in the 
cause of total abstinence, and numbered at one time over one hundred 
active members. Under its influence and direction, entertainments and 
concerts were given for the benefit of the church, and at all times the 
members of this society evinced a spirit of obedience and zeal toward 



234 

the interests of the church. The members formed debating clubs, 
speHing bees, and such like amusements for the youth, while once a year 
the members gave a supper, to which their friends were invited, and 
thus the society helped promote social intercourse among the members 
of the congregation. 

However, some members of the parish wished to have a society in con- 
nection with the church, to which they might affiliate themselves with- 
out foregoing the pleasures of the wine cup Accordingly, about the 
time of the solemn consecration of the bell, which took place in July, 
1876, a meeting of the men of the congregation was called. At the 
meeting the idea of a society similar to the A. O. U. W. originated, and 
the Rt. Rev. Bishop approving, the C. M, B. A. sprang into existence. 
Its first president was Mr. Barrett; Matthies Fedespiel, treasurer; 
James McKenna, secretary. From its modest beginning, it has spread 
itself over a great portion of the Northern States and Canada. 

For the last two years of his pastorate. Rev. Father Moynihan felt his 
health rapidly declining, and the cares of his parish weighing heavily 
upon him. He, therefore, resolved to carry out his long cherished wish 
of visiting once more the city of Genoa, where beneath the influence of 
the milder Italian atmosphere, and amid the scene of his loved alma 
mater, he expected to regain his lost strength and renovate his shat- 
tered health. On the 7th of September, 1878, he, therefore, started for 
Europe in company with the Rt. Rev. Bishop, who was then about to 
make his second visit ad limina. Father Moynihan died in Genoa on 
the 3d of December, 1878, and his remains were brought back to his 
native town, Batavia, New York, where lived his parents, one brother 
and two sisters. The Rt. Rev. Bishop assisted at the Mass of Requiem 
in Batavia, and preached a very beautiful sermon in which he paid a 
well deserved tribute to the piety and zeal of the deceased. 

At the same moment of his interment at Batavia, the C. M. B. A., 
which he had founded, was holding its second annual convention at Ni- 
agara Falls. On behalf of the congregation of Niagara Falls, Messrs. 
Michael Ryan, Jeremiah Callaghan, and Thomas V. Welch attended 
the obsequies of the deceased pastor, at which also were present a great 
number of priests from the diocese of Rochester. 

From the day of Father Moynihan's department for Italy until his 



235 

death, Rev. James A. Lanigan. the Bishop's secretary, acted as pastor 
pro teni. On the return of the Rt. Rev. Bishop from Rome, he was ap- 
pointed permanent pastor, or rector. His first efforts were directed 
toward diminishing the debt of the church, which was then about 
$9,000. 

On the 17th of November, 1881, a mission was begun by two Re- 
demptorist fathers, during which Holy Communion was given to about 
I 200 persons. At the conclusion of the mission, the Rt. Rev. Bishop 
administered the sacrament of confirmation to seventy- five persons. 
This was the second visit of the bishop for the same purpose since the 
advent of Father Lanigan to the parish, the former visit being on June 
22, 1879, on which occasion thirty-three children were confirmed. 

During the summer and fall of 1881 about $500 were expended on 
sacred vestments. A new brussels carpet was also purchased for the 
sanctuary, and the following year a new altar, designed by the pastor 
and built by Patrick Nolan, his labor being donated, was erected over 
the table of the old one. The Children of Mary presented the adoring 
Angels, and the boys of the parochial school, the large statue of the 
Sacred Heart of Jesus, which now adorns the altar. In the hand of the 
statue may be found a paper bearing the names of the boys who con- 
tributed. The brass Repositorium over the tabernacle was the gift of 
the French delegates to the Yorktown Centenary Celebration, the 
Marchioness De Rochambeau making the presentation. 

By the spring of 1883 the debt of the church had been reduced to 
$3,500, and the pastor, feeling the absolute necessity for a new school 
house and hall for church purposes, brought the matter to the notice of 
the congregation. Immediately, without leaving the church, a sub- 
scription was opened which realized promises to the amount of $2,200. 
A building committee was then formed consisting of Rev. James A. 
Lanigan, president; Michael Ryan, treasurer; Francis P. Lanigan, sec- 
retary ; John Maloney, Sebastian Geyer, Robert Joyce, James Reyn- 
olds, Patrick Gavin and Robert Thompson. Accordingly as the 
money on the subscription was paid in, it was placed on interest in the 
Cataract Bank. The following spring, the money being nearly all paid 
in, two plans, one of a two story building, estimated cost, $8,000, and 
another of a three-story, cost about $10,000, were submitted to the 



236 

men of the congregation ; the latter plan was the almost unanimous 
choice of all present. It was, therefore, adopted by the committee, and 
after the approval of the Rt Rev. Bishop had been received, bids were 
solicited for the erection of the building. Messrs. A. M. O'Brien, of 
Lockport, mason, and George E. Wright & Co., of Niagara Falls, car- 
penters, being in their respective lines, the lowest bidders, secured the 
contract. The old buildings were sold for the sum of $110. Ground 
was broken on the ist day of May. 1884, and by the 25th day of the 
following October, the building was completed. The ceremony of 
dedication took place on the 28th of October, at which the Rt. Rev. 
Bishop presided. 

While this work was going on the pastor undertook the renovation 
of the cemetery. About $200 were spent in building a road and plank 
sidewalk. The new ground was opened on Sunday, September 28, 
1884. This was the occasion of the regular official visitation by the Rt. 
Rev. Bishop, who, having assisted at the solemn High Mass, adminis- 
tered the sacrament of confirmation, confirmed a number of children 
and adults, performed all the duties of the episcopal visitation, conse- 
crated the old and new cemeteries, and closed the day's labors by assist- 
ing at vespers in the evening and preaching a sermon. 

Having paid off nearly all the debt on the school house with the ex 
ception of about $2,000 which were loaned by himself to the building 
committee, the pastor turned his attention to the erection of a new 
parochial residence. The house in which he lived had been purchased 
in 1850 by Rev. Father Stevens from John McAfee. It had formerly 
been a barn. At the time of which we speak it had fallen into decay, 
leaked at every angle, was in fact a veritable "cave of the winds." 
When offered for sale, no one would purchase it, so it had to be torn 
down in order to make way for the new edifice. This was begun May 
I, 1886, and the pastor celebrated the following Christmas in his new 
residence. The cost of its erection was about $7,000, but the attic was 
left unfinished ; $4,000 of this amount were raised by a fair and sub- 
scription, the balance was loaned by the pastor to the church. 

The following summer Miss Nardin notified the Rev. Pastor that she 
was forced by circumstances to give up the parochial school, and it be- 
came necessary to provide other teachers for the work. On the open- 



237 

ing of the school, five sisters of Mercy were sent by Rev. Mother Dol- 
ores, of Batavia, to take charge of the school. 

The first Presbyterian church was organized April 3. 1824, with the 
following trustees : Augustus Porter, Isaac Smith, Aaron Childs, 
Samuel De Veaux, Ira Cook and Ziba Gay. Aaron Childs and Isaac 
Smith were the first elders. The pulpit was supplied for a time by 
Rev. D. M. Smith, of Levviston, and the first regular pastor was Rev. 
H. A. Parsons. The first church edifice was erected on the corner of 
First and Falls street, and used until 1849, when it was sold to the 
Methodist society. The present stone church was built in 1849, and in 
1863 the parsonage was presented to the society by Miss Lavinia E. 
Porter. Rev. A, S. Bacon is pastor. 

Sketches of the Protestant Episcopal churches appear in the chapter 
devoted to Lockport. 

The history of Lewiston shows that there was a Baptist church in 
that town in comparatively early years and many of that faith living 
in Niagara attended service there until 1841. At that time (November 
17) a branch of that society was organized at Niagara Falls with the 
following members: William B. Dart, Catharine Dart, Joseph Nixon, 
Hard Munns, Elizabeth Munns, Maria Waite, Minerva Lyon, Sarah 
Hand, Sarah Collett, Charles Patterson, Peter O. Bronson, Jane Bron- 
son and Rhoda A. Chamberlin. The first deacon of this society was 
Hard Munns, and the first trustees, Hard Munns, John Kelly and Will- 
iam B. Dart. Rev. A. Cleghorn was the first pastor. The formal or- 
ganization of the church did not take place until February 21, 1842. 
The early meetings were held in private houses, but in the spring of 
1843 the society began the erection of a church edifice of stone; it 
was soon so far complete as to enable the congregation to use it for 
meetings, but it was not wholly finished until 1854. The property is 
now valued at $21,000. Rev. Lewis A. Mitchell has been pastor since 
December 10, 1893. A Baptist church which was organized in i860 is 
maintained on the Reservation. 

Methodism was introduced at Niagara Falls as early as 18 15, in 
which year a society was organized. In 1820 a Conference was held at 
Lundy's Lane, before the division of the church in Canada and the 
United States. From that date onward there was occasional preaching 



238 

in this faith at the Falls and in this vicinity. The meetings were held 
for some time, as were also those of other denominations, in a small 
union building on the site of the International Hotel In 1849 the so- 
ciety purchased the church edifice which had been erected and used 
until that time by the Presbyterians, and occupied it until 1864, when 
the site of the present St. Paul's Methodist church was purchased ; the 
stone edifice erected there cost about $25,000, and is still in use. 

St. James Methodist church (at the Bridge) was organized in Octo- 
ber, 1892, and a chapel was erected which was dedicated December 21, 
1892. W. J. West is pastor. 

The German Evangelical Lutheran Zion's church was organized in 
1850, and the old church was built soon afterward. This was in use 
until 1895, when the property was sold for $6,500 and a new site pur- 
chased for $10,000, where the present handsome edifice was erected at 
a cost of $25 000. This building is newly furnished in accordance with 
modern requirements. J. H. Asbeck has served as pastor since 1889. 

The Church of the Sacred Heart Heart (Roman Catholic) was origi- 
nally named St. Raphael's church. The edifice was erected in 1855, 
and enlarged in 1864. It was subsequently burned and the present 
church was erected nearly on the same site and the name of the society 
changed. The edifice was dedicated in 1889 and cost about $50,000. 
The incorporation of the society took place in 1891. In 1895 the 
society j)urchased the old stone church building of the Evangelical 
Zion's society and converted it into a school. 

The German Evangelical Lutheran Trinity church was organized and 
the edifice built in 1896; it is situated at the Bridge. Wilhelm H. 
Oldach is the first and present pastor. 

The South Avenue Evangelical church was organized in 1856, and 
soon afterward erected its first church edifice. This was superseded in 
1893 by the present structure, which was dedicated December 10 of 
that year. The first trustees were J. J. Vogt, D. Grauer, Gottlieb 
Rommel. The present church cost a little more than $12,000. 

What is known as the Church of God was organized by members of 
the Church of Christ in 1892, and the pastor of the former society 
joined with the new organization in December of that year. This de- 
nomination is strong in the west, but it has only small representation in 
this State. 



239 

The First Congregational church at the Bridge was organized in 
March, 1855, with eighteen members, and the same year the present 
substantial stone edifice was erected. The first pastor was Rev. J. D. 
Knapp. 

There are also at the Bridge a Free Methodist church, organized in 
1877, and a Church of Christ (Disciples). Pierce Avenue Presbyterian 
chapel was built and opened in April, 1893. 

The little village of La Salle is situated in this town at the mouth of 
Cayuga Creek, and is a station on the N. Y. C. Railroad between 
Buffalo and Niagara Falls. There was no settlement here of any ac- 
count until recent times, though one individual bearing the descriptive 
name of " Big Smith " is said to have lived there as early as 1806. As 
late as 1850 there were only a very few dwellings on the site and an old 
saw mill, which was owned by Henry W. Clark and Samuel Tompkins ; 
a blacksmith shop owned and occupied by Andrew White; and a small 
country tavern kept by a man named McCulloch. A school house 
stood north of the village limits which was built in 1844. This little 
settlement bore the name of Cayuga Creek. The place took its present 
name about the time the post office was opened in 1852. The first 
postmaster was Henry Clark, son of Henry W. Clark. He built a new 
store and post-office building. John Mason succeeded Mr. Clark as 
postmaster and held the office until 1866, when he was out for nine 
months, but was reappointed. He retired in 1868 and was succeeded 
by Alexander C. Leonard. The incumbent is P^rank E. Wilson, who 
also carries on a general mercantile business. Joseph H. Jones is another 
merchant there, and L. J. Quick is a dealer in coal, etc. The village in- 
creased its population very slowly and its business interests have never 
been extensive. A planing mill and lumber yard was established more 
than twenty years ago by Tompkins & Loucks ; H. S. Tompkins carried 
on brick and tile making, and a few shops and stores have been conducted 
there. A two-story town hall has lately been erected, and other im- 
provements have this year (1897) been inaugurated or projected. 

The Methodist society at La Salle was formerly a charge with that at 
the P'alls, and later with the one at Tonawanda. The formal organiza- 
tion of the society took place in 1856, with John Cannon class leader, and 



240 

A. M. Chesbrough and John Kent stewards. Prior to this time, and in 
1854, a number of persons met in the school house in district No. 4 to 
consult upon the undertaking of building a church. A building commit- 
tee consisting of A. M. Chesbrough, Samuel Tompkins and John Can- 
non, was appointed, and the building was soon erected at a cost of 
$1,100. In 1859, through a division in the church, a number of its mem- 
bers became identified with the Free Methodists, taking the edifice with 
them, as it stood on land owned by some of the disaffected ones. It was 
repurchased in 1877 ^"*^ ^^^^ since been occupied by the society. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

TOWN OF CAMBRIA. 

This was the earliest town erected in Niagara county, and the mother 
of all the other towns. The act of the Legislature, passed March 8, 
1808, that created Niagara county, contained the following language: 

And be it further enacted that that part of Niagara county lying north of the main 
stream of the Tonnawanta creek, and of a line extending west from the mouth of 
said creek to the boundary line between the United States and the dominion of the 
King of Great Britain, be erected inro a town by the name of Cambria ; and that the 
first town meeting in the said town be held at the house of Jo.seph Hewitt. 

It will be seen by this language that the town of Cambria included 
precisely the territory now embraced in Niagara county. 

The first town meeting was held on the 5th of April, 1808, as above 
directed, Robert Lee presiding. Joseph Hewitt was elected supervisor; 
James Harrison, town clerk ; Robert Lee, Benjamin Barton, and Charles 
Wilber, commissioners of highways ; Lemuel Cook, Silas Hopkins, and 
John Dunn, assessors; Stephen Hopkins, collector; Philomen Baldwin 
and Thomas Slayton, overseers of the poor ; Stephen Hopkins, Ray 
March, Stephen H. Baldwin, and Alexander Haskin, constables; Enoch 
Hitchcock for the eastern district, and Thomas Hustler, for the western 
district, poundmasters. Sixteen overseers of highways were also elected. 

The second town meeting was held at the house of Stephen Hopkins. 



241 

Among the earliest records of ordinances voted for the simple govern- 
ment of this great town was one for the erection of "one other pound 
in addition to the one ordered by a former towa meeting of the then 
town of Erie, in the eastern district, near the school house, on the land 
of Gad Warner, Esquire." A wolf bounty of five dollars was provided, 
and also " that one hundred dollars be raised for the destruction of 
wolves by a direct tax on the said town " This latter was a very 
unusuaJ proceeding and indicates that the destructive animals were very 
numerous. 

At the first election for State senator after the erection of the town, 
the aggregate vote was only sixteen. For member of congress, Peter 
B. Porter had 43 votes, Nathaniel W. Howell 28, and Archibald Clark 
2. In the year 181 5 the town was divided into nine school districts. 

The supervisors of the town have been as follows : 

Joseph Hewitt, 1808-09; Silas Hopkins, 1810; William Molyneaux, 1811-12; Silas 
Hopkins, 1818; Bates Cook, 1814; Joseph Hewitt, 1815-16; Rufus Spalding, 1817; 
A.sherSaxton, 1818; Daniel Pomeroy, 1819-20; Ephraim D. Richardson, 1821-22; Elia- 
kim Hammond, 1823-26; John Hills, 1827-28; William Scott, 1829-30; John Hills, 1831 ; 
William Scott, 1832; William Molyneaux, 1883-35; Charles Molyneaux, 1836; Darius 
Shaw, 1837; Hiram McNeil, 1838-40; Eli Y. Barnes, 1841; John Gould, jr., 1842; 
John Whitbeck, 1843; Moses Bairsto, jr., 1844-45; Henry Snyder, 1846; Charles 
Molyneaux, 1847-48; Hiram McNeil, 1849; John Gould, jr., 1850; Sparrow S. Sage, 
1851-52; Hiram McNeil. 1853; John G. Freeman. 1854; Thomas Barnes, 1855; Lewis 
Daggett, 1856-59; Hezekiah W. Nichols, 1860-62; Artemas W. Comstock, 1863-64; 
Lewis Daggett, 1865; Thomas Barnes, 1866-67; Artemas W^ Comstock, 1868-69; 
Thomas Root, 1870-71; James A. Pool, 1872-73; Samuel Kittinger, 1874; George W. 
Gould, 1875-76; Salem L. Town, 1877-81; George L. Freer, 1882; Edward Manning, 
1883-85; Edward Harmony, 1886-88; James L. Barnes, 1889-90; Edwin Harmony, 
1891-92; Walter V. Peterson, 1893-98. 

The Other town ofificers for 1897 are: 

William D. Crozier, town clerk since April, 1890 ; Isaac B. Blackman, Theron S. 
Elton, Franklin D. Habacker, and Willard F. McEwen, justices of the peace; 
Abrara K. Levan, Edward D. Ortt, and William J. Baker, assessors ; Frank Roberts, 
collector; John Farnsworth, Edward Manning, and Joseph B. Town, highway com- 
missioners. 

The town of Cambria, as it now exists, lies in the interior and west of 
the center of the county. The mountain ridge crosses through the center 
of the town, and the lake ridge crosses the north part. In the northern 
and the southern parts of the town the surface is level or undulating. 

31 



242 

The principal stream is Twelve-Mile Creek. The soil is chiefly made 
up of alternating sandy and clayey loam. The population is about 
2,200. 

Philip Beach, the first mail carrier between Batavia and Fort Niagara, 
in which occupation he became familiar with this region, was the first 
permanent settler in this town, locating on Howell's Creek in 1801. 
During that season his brothers, Jesse and John, came and settled near 
by. They came from Scottsville, N. Y., where lived Isaac Scott, father 
of Mrs. Jesse Beach. These families brought with them provisions for 
a year's supply, but they ran short through aiding others, and were 
forced to return to Scottsville for more. Philip Beach was a prominent 
citizen and died in 1840, after having lived on several different farms 
and last a little east of Molyneux's Corners. In 18 10 Jesse Beach set- 
tled finally on the farm occupied in recent years by his son, Cyrus 
Beach, west of the Corners. An older brother of these men, Aaron 
Beach, settled on the south ridge in 181 1. 

Joseph Hewitt succeeded Philip Beach on the farm first taken up 
by him, but about two years later exchanged it with William Howell 
and removed to the mountain above Lewiston. This transaction with 
Mr. Howell took place in 1808, and the farm has long been known as 
the Howell place. Mr. Howell built the first saw mill on Howell's 
Creek, and also kept a tavern which was next in succession to those 
established at Molyneux's Corners and Warren's Corners. Nathaniel 
Cook, who came to Lockport from Onondaga county when the work 
on the rock cutting of the canal was let, purchased his farm of the 
Holland Land Company in 1824; he married a daughter of William 
Howell. 

Joash Taylor settled early on the south ridge a mile east of Moly- 
neux's Corners. Harry Steadman (father of Adelia, who married 
Homer, son of Joash Taylor) purchased 190 acres of the Land Com- 
pany in 1808, on the north side of the east terminus of the south 
ridge; there he boarded the men working on the log road across the 
swamp between Wright's and Warren's. Mr. Steadman died in Au- 
gust, 1815. 

The place known many years as Molyneux's Corners, the name of 
the post-office now being Cambria, is situated near the northern line of 



243 

the town. In early years it was a point of considerable importance 
and was even at one time a contestant for the location of the county 
seat. Mr. Ellicott, the surveyor, caused the survey of a lot here before 
other surveys were complete, mainly to meet the pressing necessity 
for shelter for prospecting parties; this accounts for the irregular lines 
of the lot, which do not correspond with the section lines of the pur- 
chase. This arrangement is believed to have been made with two set- 
tlers named Plant and Klink. In 1809 John Gould purchased of Plant 
and opened a tavern in the original log house built here. In 18 11 he 
sold to one Odell, and he to Silas Hopkins in 18 12. Gould removed 
to Cambria Center, as noted further on. Hopkins transferred his pur- 
chase to William Molyneux, from whom the hamlet took its name, 
and he continued in possession until his death, November 7, 1830. His 
sons Charles, William and Robert were associated with him in conduct- 
ing the tavern and a large farm. The log house was superseded by 
the frame hotel in 1826. In the old tavern was established the first 
post office in the town, and William Molyneux was the first postmaster ; 
he was succeeded by Charles Molyneux. Subsequent to the death of 
the latter the office was kept in various private dwellings, and was 
ultimately located west of the Corners and given its present name of 
Cambria. Another post-ofiice with the name of North Ridge was es- 
tablished many years ago and still continues, about three miles west of 
Cambria. Here at present are the stores of George Smith and Burt 
Lafler. At Molyneux Corners is the store of Wakefield Woods. 

The settlement on the site of Warren's Corners was first made by 
John Forsythe in 1805 ; in the next year he opened a tavern there. 
There were at that date only three or four settlers between the site 
of Lockport and Dunham's. The following statement was given to 
the author of the History of the Holland Purchase by the widow of 
Mr. Forsythe: 

We brought in a few sheep with us; they were the only ones in the neighborhood ; 
they became the especial object of the wolves. Coming out of the Wilson swamp 
nights, their howling would be terrific. Two years after we came in, with my 
then small children, one day when I heard the sheep bleating, I went out to see 
what the matter was. A large wolf had badly wounded a sheep. As I approached 
him he left the sheep and walked off snarling, as if reluctant to leave his prey. I 
went for my nearest neighbor, Mr. Stoughton, to come and dress the sheep. It was 



244 

three fourths of a mile through the woods. On my way a large gray fox crossed the 
road ahead of me. Returning with ray neighbor, a large bear slowly crossed the 
road in sight of us. 

Warren's Corners took its name from Ezra Warren, who was a native 
of Vermont and served on this frontier in the war of i8i2. His com- 
pany was stationed along the Ridge road to arrest deserters. Mr. 
Warren and a squad of his men were posted four weeks at the tavern 
then kept by the widow of Mr. Forsythe After his discharge Warren 
returned to Vermont, but an attachment which he had formed for the 
widow brought him westward and he married her. He thus became 
landlord in the tavern ard so continued until 1825. Another early set- 
tler on the Ridge near Warren's Corners was Dr. Artemas Baker, who 
was the first physician in the town ; he came in 18 15. 

Early settlers in and about the site of Cambria Center, which is al 
most exactly in the geographical center of the town, were Benjamin 
and Suchel Silly, Peter Nearpass, William Scott, Enoch Hatch, Asel 
Muroy, David Waters and a family named Crowell. These all came in 
prior to 18 12. Mr. Scott purchased 500 acres from the Holland Com- 
pany, which included the site of the hamlet, of which he cleared sixty 
acres the first season. He also built and kept a tavern which was a 
popular resort, and was afterwards occupied as a dwelling by his son. 
Homer Scotc. The father died in 1841. 

John Gould, who has already been mentioned, moved from Moly- 
neux's Corn-ers to Cambria Center m 18 12 and purchased 240 acres of 
Nearpass, on a part of which his grandson, John B. Gould, lived in 
later times. Christopher Howder purchased 150 acres in 18 12, a mile 
and a half east of the Center. In the following year he sold a part of 
his purchase to Adam Houstater, father of Philip. 

William Campbell located in 18 17 on 138 acres purchased of Enoch 
Hotchkiss. John M. Eastman settled two miles east of the Center in 
1821 ; he was father of eleven children, among whom was Anson 
Eastman. 

Jacob Flanders purchased 150 acres of Elias Rose in 1820, two and 
three- fourths miles west of the Center, and later bought the farm and 
stone grist mill east of Pekin. 

The first burial ground in the town was situated a mile east of the 



245 

Center on the Lockport stone road, and was donated by William Camp- 
bell. Later another was provided a little south of the Corners, the land 
of which was given by William Scott. 

Russell Weaver and Joshua Cowell settled in the town prior to 1810; 
Pomeroy Oliver in 181 5 ; John Hitchcock in 18 16; Daniel P. Oliver in 
1817 ; and John IngersoU, Jason Lane, John Miles, Hezekiah Hill, 
Elijah Smith, Coonrod Keyser and Samuel Faxon in early years in dif- 
ferent parts of the town. Col. Andrew Sutherland and Philo Cowell 
came into the town as early as 1812 ; the former served in the war of 
18 1 2, and died in this town in 1838. Other early settlers were Reuben 
Hurd, James Barnes, John Carney and Jairus Rose, the latter two in 
the southwestern part of the town. Mr. Rose purchased at first 600 
acres, to which he soon added enough to bring his tract to 2,000 acres ; 
the land lay in the extreme southwest part of the present town. In 
18 1 3 he planted two acres with apple seeds, thus starting the first 
nursery in the county ; the trees were later sold by him for twelve 
cents each. Mr. Rose was made a prisoner in the foray upon Lewiston 
in 1 813 and was confined for a time in Canada. He was father of seven 
children, one of whom was George P. Rose, who passed his life on a 
part of the original purchase. 

Dr. M^Mon Orton settled in Cambria in i8i5,and here passed the re- 
mainder of his life ; he died in June, 1873. He was one of the founders 
of the County Medical Society, and combined farming with the prac- 
tice of his profession in the later years of his life. 

Among other settlers before 1820 were Jonas Chamberlin, Charles 
Trowbridge, Daniel Alvord, Obed Smith, Eli Bruce, Jabez Rogers, 
David Jeffers, Andrew Sutherland, Roderick Royce, Arthur Saxton, 
Thomas Fowler, Caleb Bugbee, Daniel Cross, Joshua Campbell, Charles 
Sweet, Ira Smith, Harvey Hitchcock, Russell Scott, Jason Lane, Abel 
Baldwin, William Carney, Philip Shaver, Aaron Rice, Alexander 
Freeman. 

Prior to 1830 there were h.liakim Hammond, Hiram McNeal, John 
Hills, John Gould, James Burnett, Myron Orton, Jared Comstock, 
Edwin M. Clap, Ezekiel Campbell, Isaac Canfield, Moses and David 
Beach, Calvin Wilson, David Gould, Frederick Saxton, Daniel Oliver, 
William G. Hathaway, Silas Belding, Henry Springsteen, George Rose, 



246 

Thomas C. Judd, William Prey, Ira Gregory, Warren Chaffee, Ralph 
G. Warner, James G. White, Stephen Barnes. 

William Crosier, father of William H. Crosier, was long a leading 
citizen of this town, in which he settled in 1821, a little east of Pekin 
village. In 1822 a post office was established on the line between 
Cambria and Lewiston, and given the name of Mountain Ridge; 
John Jones was appointed postmaster. The name of the place was 
changed in 1831 to Pekin, at which time a considerable hamlet had 
grown up. Mr. Jones had opened a store on the Lewiston side of the 
line, and in 1832 John Cronkite built a large hotel, while soon after- 
ward Benjamin Thresher erected a smaller one. Mr. Cronkite also con- 
ducted a mercantile business and had a large ashery. James McBain 
kept a grocery and dry goods store, and Josephus Taylor opened a store 
on the Lewiston side. Calvin Hotchkiss put a stock of goods in the 
store built by him, which was occupied in later years by George Beaber 
as a tavern. Peter F. Loucks was another prominent business man of 
the place, continuing in trade many years and finally removing to New 
York. E. H. Cox had a hardware store and tin shop here, and for a 
considerable period Pekin was an active business center ; in later years 
it has somewhat declined in this respect. The place now has four stores, 
kept by F. C. Williams, William Beaber, J. H. Parker, and Charles D. 
Timothy. There is also a frame church, called Church of Christ 
(Disciples), built in 1888, on the Cambria side, and an old stone M. E. 
church edifice, in Lewiston. 

The following were all residents of the town before 1850 : Sparrow 
S. Sage, S. Cady Murray, Thomas Root, John Fletcher, Hezekiah A. 
Nichols, John M. Eastman, John G. Freeman, William Elton, Josias T. 
Peterson. Josiah Pratt, Lorenzo Averill, David Gould, Calvin Thomp- 
son, Nathaniel Cook, Anson Eastman, Hunt Farnsworth, Hiram 
Flanders, Richard Hall, A. H. Houstatter, Thomas and Nelson T. 
Mighells, George W. Rose, John Williams, Erastus Weaver, Alfred 
Eddy, James Dutton, Joseph Miller, Elijah Parker, William O. Rogers, 
Gilbert Budd, William S. Howe, Samuel Saddleson, Henry Piatt, Chris- 
topher and Ransom Saddleson, Lewis Bevier, Nathaniel Brockway, 
David S. Brockway, Lewis Burtch (in 185 i). Ransom Campbell. 

Among present prominent citizens are Charles Angevine, Joseph 



247 

Bowers, Lewis Burtch, William H. Crosier, Anson Eastman, Albert 
G. Eighme, Albert Flanders, George S. Freer, Edward Harmony, A. 
K. Levan, Walter V. Peterson, Thomas Root, Ransom Saddleson, 
Elisha B. Swift, Paul B. Worden, Charles and Joseph Young. 

Hickory Corners is a little settlement and a post-office on the eastern 
line of the town, which will he further noticed in the history of the 
town of Lockport. 

On August 14, 181 5, the town was divided into nine school districts. 
There are now twelve, with a school house in each. The amount of 
public money received in the town is about $1,500, and a little more 
than that sum is raised by tax for school support. The first school in 
this town was taught in a log building in what is now district No. i, and 
accommodated Indian as well as white children. The building was on 
tlie Ridge west of Howell's Creek, and had been temporarily used as a 
sort of arsenal in the war. A frame building was subsequently built on 
the opposite side of the road. District No. 2 was formed next, between 
Warren's and Molyneux's Corners, and a log school house built in 18 15. 
At Molyneux's Corners the first school house was built in 18 19, within 
district No. 2 ; a disagreement caused the abandonment of this district 
and the district at Warren's Corners was set off as No. 2, and the former 
No. 2 was made No. 10. A number of other log school houses were 
built in the town, one at Pekin, in early years, but no records remain of 
them. 

The First Congregational church of Cambria was organized in 181 7, 
by Rev. David M. Smith, then preaching at Lewiston. It was through 
Mr. Smith's influence that the Holland Company donated 100 acres of 
land to this church, under its proposition to thus favor the first church 
in the town. This land was situated in what is now the town of Lock- 
port ; it was sold in 1827, and other land purchased with the proceeds 
nearer the center of this town. The first resident pastor was Rev. 
Silas Parsons, who came in 1827. Until 1836 meetings were held gen- 
erally in the school houses or dwellings, and later in the hall of William 
Scott's hotel in Cambria. The first church building was completed in 
1836, and was occupied until 1877, when a new edifice was begun and 
completed at Cambria Center in the following year. 

A Methodist society was early organized at Warren's Corners, and a 



248 

church erected on land donated by Ezra Warren. John Copeland was 
the organizer of the class. The first church was a small wooden build- 
ing and was replaced by the present brick edifice about i860. 

Of the four churches that have existed on the Ridge, the Methodist 
was the first that kept up its existence. The society erected a cobble 
stone church in 1845, on land given by Reuben Wilson, and the organi- 
zation has since been maintained. Near the west end of the Ridge 
were established the First Universalist church, the Roman Catholic 
church and the German Lutheran church. The first named was organ- 
ized in 1867, and in the following year its brick edifice was erected on 
land given by H. C. Denison. The Roman Catholic church was erected 
on the north side of the street ; it is a small wooden building. Opposite 
to this was erected a small building by the German Lutherans. 



CHAPTER XIV. 
THE TOWN OF HARTLAND. 

In carrying out the purposes of placing the histories of these towns 
in chronological order as to the date of their erection, the town of Hart- 
land comes next in order, although Porter was erected in the same year 
with Hartland. The latter was formed under legislative act dated June 
I, 181 2, and then embraced what are now the towns of Royalton, 
Somerset, and a part of Newfane, or 143,855 acres, as shown in the as- 
sessment roll of 1 81 3. At that time there were only 126 taxable in- 
habitants in that great town. The town remained with this area until 
Royalton was taken from it in 1817; Somerset in 1823, and a part of 
Newfane in 1824, leaving the existing area 31,145 acres. 

Hartland is the central one of the three eastern border towns of the 
county. Its surface is level or gently undulating, the principal inequal- 
ity being in the south part, where the lake ridge crosses. The principal 
streams are Eighteen mile and Johnson's Creeks. The former flows in 
a long and irregular bend into and out of the southern part, and the 
latter flows northeasterly across the southeastern part of the town. The 



249 

soil south of the Ridge is a clayey loam, while north of it is a sandy and 
gravelly loam. 

The first town meeting was held April 7, 1812, at the house of Gad 
Warner, and John Dunn, a justice of the peace, presided. The meeting 
adjourned after its organization to the barn of Enoch Hitchcock, where 
the customary votes were taken to form proper regulations for the gov- 
ernment of the community. Ephraim Waldo was elected supervisor; 
William Smith, town clerk; Samuel Jenks, Harry Ellsworth, and David 
Weasner,! assessors; John Dunn. 2d, John Bates, and Benjamin Wake- 
man, commissioners of highways; Amos Brownson, collector; James 
Lyman and Stephen Wakeman, overseers of the poor; Amos Brownson, 
constable; Enoch Hitchcock, poundkeeper. A vote declared that no 
money should be raised that year for support of the poor, and that 
$150 be raised for highways; also $100 for the destruction of obnox- 
ious animals and birds. 

Ephraim Waldo, the first supervisor, died before the close of that 
year, and at a special election James Lyman was elected to the office. 
Other primitive regulations were voted at ensuing meetings. It is 
worthy of note that at a special town meeting January 20, 18 18, an at- 
tempt was made for the division of Niagara county. Robert Edmunds, 
Samuel B. Morehouse, Hiram Allen, Titus Fenn, Almon H. Millard, 
and William Smith were appointed a committee to prepare and present 
to the Legislature a petition for the erection "of a new county embrac- 
ing the towns of Niagara, Cambria, Hartland, and Porter, in Niagara 
county, and Ridgeway and Gaines in Genesee county ; and firmly to 
remonstrate against any division of said Niagara county, unless such 
new county shall contain as great extent of territory as above de- 
scribed." It is probably fortunate that this arrangement was not car- 
ried out. 

The supervisors of Hartland have been as follows : 

1813, Ephraim Waldo and James Lyman; 181^-16, James Lyman; 1817,1818, Dex- 
ter P. Sprague; 1820, 1821, Asahel Johnson ; 1822, James Wisner; 1823, Smith Dar- 
ling; 1824-27, Daniel Van Horn; 1828, 1829, Dexter P. Sprague; 1830-33, Franklin 
Butterfield; 1834, Christopher H. Skeels; 1835, Daniel Chaplin; 1836, 1837, James 
C. Lewis; 1838-45, Christopher PL Skeels; 1846, Daniel Seaman; 1847, John Duni- 
gan; 1848, A. H. Jameison ; 1849, 1850, Christopher H. Skeels; 1851, G. L. Ange- 

'As spelled in records. 
32 



250 

vine; 1852, William Wheeler; 1853, F. A. Wright; 1854, G. Angevine; 1855, 1856, 
Linus Spalding; 1857, Curtis Root; 1858. William Morgan; 1859, Thomas Brown; 
1860-63, William Morgan; 1864, 1865, Linus Spalding; 1866-68, William Morgan; 
1869. 1870, Linus Spalding; 1871, William Morgan; 1872, Edward O. Seaman; 1873, 
John L. Beardsley; 1874, Edward O. Seaman; 1875, George B. Taylor; 1876-81, John 
L. Chase; 1882-83, James Allen; 1884-86, Abram Taylor; 1887-91, John H. Matte- 
son; 1892-96, James S. Rowe; 1897-98, Frederick R. Montgomery. 

The other town officers for 1897 ^^^ • 

George B. Taylor, jr., town clerk; George D. Bixler, George Clark, F. R. Mont- 
gomery and Seward Mudge, justices of the peace; John Dewhurst, highway com- 
missioner; John Slattery, collector; Albert J. Chase, John Garbut and Frederick 
Pike, assessors; Jefferson B. Landers and James Hudson, overseers of the poor. 

Charles A. Kendall was for twenty years from 1877 town clerk of 
Hartland, succeeding his father, Eber Kendall, and being followed in 
1897 by George B. Taylor, jr. Eber Kendall served from 1867 to 
1876. 

The first settlements in this town were made by John Morrison, 
David Morrison, Zebulon Barnum, Jedediah Riggs, Isaac Southwell, 
and Daniel Brown; these all came in 1803 or 1804. In 1805 Abel 
Barnum came in and Oliver Castle settled about two miles southwest 
of the site of Johnson's Creek hamlet, and became the first local 
preacher on the Holland Purchase. John Morrison located on the 
farm a mile east of Hartland Corners, where R. B. Weaver lived in 
later years. 

Jeptha Dunn came into the town in 1807 and settled two miles east 
of Johnson's Creek on the Ridge road. Benjamin Cornell settled in 
1809 a little west of Johnson's Creek. A Mr. Crane settled on the 
Ridge road in 1810, and David Van Horn at Johnson's Creek in 181 1 ; 
in the same year Benjamin H. Benson settled where he passed his long 
life, two miles south of Hartland Corners. James Shaw settled in 181 2 
on tlie Ridge road two miles east of Johnson's Creek. Dexter P. 
Sprague came to the town in 1809 and was justice of the peace until 
1840. In 18 14 Col. Richard Weaver, a native of Vermont, came to 
Hartland and became eventually a leading farmer and breeder of fine 
stock. He purchased the farm on which Isaac Southwell, the pioneer, 
first settled. He was prominent in the early militia, and received his 
title from offices held therein, 

Jesse Birdsall was a very early settler and was father of Mary, who 



251 

married Elisha Brownell. She passed her Hfe on the farm where she 
was born, on the Quaker road three miles north of Johnson's Creek. 
Her father died in 1825. 

Jesse Aldrich came with liis wife, and Asa Baker and his wife in 
June, 18 1 5, and were the first settlers in that part of the town which 
became known as the Quaker Settlement. They were probably the 
first settlers north of the Ridge road in the present town limits. At 
the same time, or soon after, Joseph Birdsall, Daniel Baker and Esek 
Aldrich located near by and aided in opening a road through the forest 
from the Ridge to Birdsall's land, a distance of about a mile and a half; 
they also put up a log house. This accomplished, the three last named 
men returned home, leaving the two families of Aldrich and Asa Baker 
in the lonely wilderness. In 18 16 this immediate locality was further 
settled by Joseph Baker, Hugh Jackson, Jesse Jackson, William Jack- 
son, Richard Earl, and Christopher H. Skeels, with their wives ; all 
except the last two were Quakers, and the Quaker Settlement became 
a thriving part of the town. 

To accommodate travellers, Jeptha Dunn opened his house as an inn 
in 1809; it was, as before stated, about two miles east of Johnson's 
Creek on the Ridge road, and was the first tavern in the town. Daniel 
Brown also kept a very early tavern in his log house a little west of 
Johnson's Creek on the Ridge road. Samuel B. Morehouse, whose 
name has been mentioned as one of the committee in the county divis- 
ion matter, and who became a locally famous character, built a hotel at 
Hartland Corners about 1813, and the place was known in early times 
as " Morehouse's; " he was postmaster of that little village in 18 16. 

The first physician to settle in this town was Dr. Asa Crane, who 
came in 18 10; Dr. Moore soon followed, and Dr. Butterfield came in 
18 1 2 or 18 13 and settled at Johnson's Creek. Drs. Crane and Moore 
located north of the Ridge near the corner of the Quaker road. Dr. 
Butterfield passed his life in the town and long had an extensive 
practice. 

Among other prominent residents of the town may be mentioned 
William Smith, Dexter P. Sprague, Hiram Allen, Daniel Van Horn, 
Daniel Seaman, Thomas Bills, Truman E Pomeroy, Hiram G. Dean, 
Cyrus A. Lewis, P^ber Kendall, Charles A. Kendall, Levi Hall, John 



252 

Scovell, Absalom Ladner, James Edmunds, Otis Leland, Jeremiah 
Turner, Silas Gilbert, Orlando Bates, Chailes Williams, John W. Davis, 
Otis B. Hayes, John Heland, John Kenyon, Michael J. King, John B. 
Robeson, C. D. Silby, William Sharpsteen, and Milo D. Pierce. 

At Hartland Corners (the name of the post-office now being Hart- 
land) the land was early owned on the east side of the Gasport road by 
Samuel B. Morehouse, before mentioned ; on the northeast of the four 
corners it was owned by George Reynolds, and on the southwest cor- 
ner by James C. Lewis. Here Thomas R. Stewart built the first frame 
house in 1814, and Mr. Morehouse built his tavern in 1 815. A Mr. 
Carrington started a blacksmith shop here in 18 16, a store was estab- 
lished in early years and there has always been a small mercantile busi- 
ness here. Michael J. King now has a store and basket manufactory 
there. 

At the point where Johnson's Creek breaks through the Ridge, in 
the southwest part of the town, a hamlet sprang up in the early years of 
settlement. The creek took its name from a family who located on its 
banks in early years. The land including the site of the village was 
formerly owned on the north side of the Ridge road, which passes 
through the place, by Henry Taylor, who settled there in 18 16. He 
built a log house and later this was superseded by a frame structure. 
Mr. Taylor spent his life here and died in May, 1870. The land on the 
south side of the road and east of the creek was owned by Thomas F. 
Stewart, John Secor and others, and west of the creek by Mr. Stewart 
and others. Stewart built the first frame house in the place, just west 
of the creek, which was used in later years by John L. Chase for a horse 
barn. John Secor opened a primitive tavern in early years and in 181 2 
carried on a small grocery. James and Daniel Van Horn opened a 
general store in 18 15 and in the same year George Robson and two 
others opened blacksmith shops. The Van Horns were succeeded as 
merchants in 1818 by George Reynolds; the store building was erected 
in 181 5 by George C. Pease. Marvin Miner early kept a grocery. 

In early years the grain that had to be ground for the pioneers was 
carried usually to Schlosser. About 1820, or a little earlier, some of 
the enterprising settlers built a grist mill on Johnson's Creek where it 
crosses the Ridge. In later years another was built at the creek by 



253 

Ebenezer Seeley. As early as 1820 the first saw mill was built on the 
creek where it crosses the county line. Mr. Seeley built one at John- 
son's Creek as early as this or a little earlier. There was one tannery 
here which was built as early as 18 18, but when the bark disappeared 
the establishment went to decay. 

Among former merchants at Johnson's Creek were Shubal Merritt, 
Uriah D. Moore, Hiram Hoag, Robert Deuel, Harvey Hoag (who 
was burned out about 1885), ^"d A. H. Jameson, who built the 
present brick store. Others still are Parker & Goutermout and Taylor 
& Goutermout, both of which firms also had an ashery. The latter 
firm was succeeded by Jay S. Rowe, one of the present merchants. 
John C. Watts and John S. Chase also have stores there now. Taylor's 
hotel was originally built as early as 1830 by George Judson; it was 
enlarged first by Alexander H. Jameson and later by Lewis Gouter- 
mout, and is now owned by George B. Taylor, sr. 

North Hartland is a post-office and small hamlet in the northwest cor- 
ner of the town. A small mercantile business and a few shops have 
been conducted here many years, and the Methodists also have a church 
in the place. 

The first school in this town was taught by Nancy Judson in 18 13. 
In the next year Samuel Colton, James Welch, and Samuel B More- 
house were elected school commissioners, and Daniel Cornell, John 
Leach, and William Smith were chosen school inspectors. In i8i6the 
town was divided into six school districts, and the sum of $60 was 
raised for the support of schools. The Quaker road school house was 
built about 181 8, of logs, and Rachel Pease taught there first in 18 19. 
The number of districts was gradually increased and for many years 
there were eighteen ; the present number is seventeen, with a school 
house in each. 

The Quakers of this town built a meeting house about 18 18, of logs, 
on the Ridge road at the corner of Quaker road. It was occupied until 
1835, when it was displaced by a cobble stone structure, about three- 
fourths of a mile east of the old one. 

Through the efforts of James Edmunds, Abial Tripp and a few other 
pioneers. Baptist services were held in this town in early years. In De- 
cember, 1 817, twenty- two persons of this faith organized the First 



254 

Baptist Church of Hartland, under ministration of Rev. Simeon Butcher, 
of Gaines, The first regular pastor was Rev. WiUiam Harring- 
ton, who was settled there in 1820. The society was incorporated in 
1822, with James Edmunds, Otis Leland, and Holden Le Valley, trus- 
tees. During the first seven years services were held in houses or 
barns, after which the society raised $100 and added ten feet to the 
length of a school house at Johnson's Creek, and meetings were held 
there until 1833; in that year the first church edifice was erected. 
This being the first church organized in the town, it received the ap- 
propriation of fifty acres of land, taking the southwest corner lot in the 
town ; this was sold and the proceeds used in building the church. In 
1868 the building was remodeled and enlarged at a cost of $6,000, and 
in 1877 the parsonage property was purchased. 

A Methodist church is situated on the Quaker road, about two miles 
north of the Ridge road, which was organized in 1842, and a wooden 
church was built in 1843; this was burned in 1872 and on the site a 
brick church was erected, A prosperous existence has since been main- 
tained. 

A Methodist church is located at Hartland Corners and another at 
North Hartland. The former was built about 1862 and remodeled in 
1887. 

St. Patrick's Roman Catholic church is situated on the Quaker road 
near the north line of the town. Services had been held by this denom- 
ination for some time prior to 1856 in private houses, and in that year 
under the ministrations of Rev. T. Sheehari. of Newfane, a frame edifice 
was erected; it was dedicated by the then bishop of Buffalo in 1857, 
In 1865 the building was enlarged, and again in 1872. a modern tran- 
sept, sanctuary and vestry were provided. A rededication took place 
in July, 1875. Rev. Thomas P, Brougham was the first resident pastor, 
removing thither from Newfane. 



255 



chaptp:r XV. 

THE TOWN OF PORTER. 

The other one of the three towns which were set ofif from Cambria in 
1 812 (Niagara and Hartland having already been described) was Por- 
ter, which was erected on the same date with Hartland — June i of that 
year. When erected this town included what is now the town of Wil- 
son which was set off in 18 j 8. The town was named in honor of Judge 
Augustus Porter. It is the northwestern town in the county and in- 
cludes Fort Niagara, Youngstown and Lewiston along its lake and 
river front — localities which, as the reader has already learned, were 
the scene of some of the most memorable early events in American 
history. The surface of this town is generally level and the soil along 
the lake shore a marly clay, while in the central and southern parts it 
is sandy and gravelly loam. Four-mile and Six mile Creeks cross the 
town in a northerly direction and the west branch of Twelve-mile Creek 
crosses the southeastern part in a similar direction. The first town 
meeting was held at the house of Peter Tower, but the date is probably 
lost. There is an existing record that the town meeting was held 
April II, 1815, two years after the erection of the town. In the old 
book with this record are meagre accounts of a few other meetings, 
but containing nothing of especial importance. It is quite probable 
that the war interfered to such an extent that these meetings were al- 
most wholly interrupted in the early years ; but there is nothing to 
indicate that the meeting of 18 15 was the first one held, while the 
absence of records for two or three years prior to 18 19 could scarcely 
be attributed to the war troubles. Following is a copy of the proceed- 
ings of the meeting of April 11, 181 5. as recorded in the old book : 

Dexter F. Sprague, supervisor; Elijah Hathaway, town clerk; Joseph Pease, 
Nathaniel McCormick and Thaddeus N. Sturges, assessors; Conrad Zittle and 
Zebulon Coates, overseers of the poor; Benjamin Kemp. John Martin and John 
Brown, commissioners of highways; David Porter, constable and collector; Thad- 
deus Mclntyre, constable ; Conrad Zittle and David Porter, poundkeepers. 



256 

On the 20th of June of that year Reuben Wilson was chosen super- 
visor in place of Mr. Sprague, the reason not being recorded. At the 
town meeting of April 6, 18 19. the following officers were chosen: 

Michael Helms, supervisoi"; Thomas Brown, town clerk; Jonathan Bell, George 
Ash and William Doty, assessors; John Dunlap, collector; Conrad Zittle and Daniel 
Kelley, overseers of the poor; Conrad Zittle, Daniel Kelley and Richard Cuddaback, 
commissioners of highways; Moses Barto, A. G. Hinman and John A. Hyde, com- 
missioners of schools; Jonathan Bell and Isaac Swain, inspectors of schools; John 
Dunlap, constable; Daniel Kelley, poundmaster. 

The usual regulations for the government of the town were voted at 
this and the preceding meetings. Among them was the appointment 
of fourteen pathmasters to have charge of the road districts. 

The supervisors of Porter from 18 19 to the present time have been 

as follows : 

Michael Helms, 1819-24; Moses Barto, 1825-27; William Doty, 1828-29; no elec- 
tion, 1830; Leverett Bristol, 1831-34; Timothy Hosmer, 1835; Leverett Bristol, 
1836-41; John Porter, 1842; Ziba Henry, 1843; Jehiel C. S. Ransom, 1844; Solomon 
Moss, 1845-47; John Porter, 1848; Solomon Moss, 1849; Ira Race, 1850-53; Peter 
Simmons, 1854; Ira Race, 1855; George Swain, 1856-59; James L. Fowler, 1860-62; 
Ezra S. Holden, 1863-64; Ira Race, 1865-66; Rensselaer Ward, 1867-70; Elton T. 
Ransom, 1871-73; James M. Foster, 1874; Elton T. Ransom, 1875-77; Richard D. 
Balmer, 1878; Peter S. Tower, 1879; Rensselaer Ward, 1880; Joseph Thompson, 
1881-82; Alonzo U. Gatchell, 1883-84; Joseph Thompson, 1885; George Swain, 1886; 
Nelson D. Haskell, 1887; A. Judson Eaton, 1888; Harvey Cudaback, 1889-90; John 
E. Reardon. 1891-93; Elmer E. Brookins, 1894-96; Edwin S. Carter, 1897-98. 

The other town officers for 1897 are : 

Edward G. Hall, town clerk ; William J. Sweet, H. H. Helms and Warren Curtis, 
justices of the peace; Francis Kyte, Frederick Kelley and William Hill, assessors; 
George Parker, highway commissioner; William N. Burmaster, collector; George C. 
McCormick and John W. Haskell, overseers of the poor. 

The town has now a population of about 2,300. 

John Gould came from New Jersey in 1788 as a drover. He gave 
some of his recollections to Turner as follows: 

Col. Hunter was then in command at Fort Niagara. Our cattle and pack horses 
were ferried across to Newark in bateaux and Schenectady boats. Nothing then at 
Newark but an old ferry house and the barracks that had been occupied by Butler's 
Rangers. The Massasauga Indians were numerous then in Canada. They had no 
fixed habitations; migrated from camping ground to camping ground in large par- 
ties; their principal camping grounds, Niagara and Oueenston. There were their 
fishing grounds. Sometimes there would be five or six hundred encamped at 



257 

Niagara. They were small in stature, gay, lively, filthy; and much addicted to 
drunkenness. 

We sold our cattle principally to Butler's Rangers. They were located mostly at 
the falls, along the Four and Twelve-mile Creeks. Oxen brought as high as £^0, 
cows, ;,^20. 

The settlement of this town which may be considered as permanent 
did not take place until about the beginning of the present century, al- 
though momentous events had preceded along the frontier. John Lloyd, 
who had been a soldier in the garrison in 1799, settled in 1801 about 
three miles from the fort. After the war he occupied a farm on lot 27. 
The following list embraces the names of all who took land from 
the Holland Company down to the year 1807, and are given in the 
order of the dates of their contracts: 1803, Elijah Doty, John 
Waterhouse, Silas Hopkins, Peter Hopkins, Obadiah Hopkins, Con- 
rad Zittle, Ephraim Hopkins, John Clemmons, Robert Bigger, James 
Benedict and William McBride. 1804, Peter and Ephraim Hopkins, 
additional land, Samuel Hopkins, John Freeman and John Wilson. 
1805, William Coggswell, Jonathan Jones, Abijah Perry and Samuel 
Shelly. 1806, Peter Ripson and John Brown, and William McBride 
took additional land. A few of these men were not actual settlers, 
but bought for speculation, among them Silas Hopkins. Conrad Zit- 
tle located at what became known as Zittle's Corners, later as Por 
ter Center. Abijah Perry was father of William Perry, born 
August II, 1812, the first birth in the town after this permanent 
settlement began. William Coggswell was a man of considerable 
education and taught the first school in town in 1806. Jonathan 
Lutts settled in 1806 and afterwards bought a farm of the Holland 
Company and lived in the town thirty years or more. 

In 1808 Isaac Swain, who had previously settled on the Military 
road, in the town of Niagara, removed to this town and purchased 
eighty acres of John McBride. which was the southern half of lot 
3 of the Mile Reserve. He had an exciting war experience and was 
father of William and George Swain. Michael Lutts came in about the 
same time with his brother Jonathan, and William Arbuthnot came dur- 
ing or directly after the war. 

Settlement here was almost wholly stopped by the war, only two 

pioneers of importance coming in 18 14; these were Rudolph Clapsaddle 
33 



258 

and Joseph McCullum. The former located on lot 4, and the latter on 
lot 9. John Vrooman came in at the close of the war, having been 
stolen by Indians during the Revolution and brought to Two mile 
Creek, where he remained a captive a number of years. He was after- 
wards rescued and taken to Montreal, whence he removed to his former 
home in Schoharie. John McLoughlin settled in town in 1815, coming 
over from Canada. Peter Tower also came that year, he and his brother 
Otis making their way from Massachusetts with a two horse wagon. 
Peter bought lOO acres of Conrad Zittle, and Otis settled on another 
farm in this town. Michael Helms was living in town before the war ; 
Peter Tower lived with him before his marriage and worked at his trade 
of carpenter and cabinet maker. He was a prominent citizen in public 
affairs and caused the opening of the first road east from Four mile 
Creek to the Cambria line. 

William and John Clapsaddle came into the town in 18 16, John 
locating on lot 9. He built the first saw mill and grist mill about the 
year 1817, and kept an early tavern at what is now Tryonville. In the 
same year David Baker settled in Youngstown, worked there as a car- 
penter three years, and then removed to the site of Porter Center, 
where he purchased land of Gideon Curtiss. In the next year Mr. 
Curtiss took up land within the limits of Ransomville, and cut the first 
timber in that part of the town, and helped to lay out the road through 
the village and the one from the Ridge to the lake. His brother, Capt. 
Gilbert W. Curtiss, came in and ultimately made a home near by and 
went back to Connecticut, their native State, for his bride. They re- 
turned in a one-horse limiber wagon, and when they reached the Ridge 
they were compelled to cut a road through the woods to the site of 
Ransomville. They brought apple seeds with them, from which an 
orchard was started, which was the beginning of the large fruit growing 
interest of the eastern part of the town. He was a captain in the old 
militia, and from that position obtained his well known title. In 1825 
he opened a tavern at Ransomville in a log building which stood in 
front of the later hotel. His brother Gideon had already opened an 
earlier inn at this place, but gave up the business before 1825. The 
tavern was kept in later years by the two sons of Captain ^irtiss, the 
well known business firm of Curtiss Brothers. Captain Curtiss died in 
1868. 



259 

Other prominent settlers in the town between 1820 and 1840 were 
Stephen Eaton, who came about 1820 and settled where his son =ubse- 
quently lived; Charles Onade, who was the first settler on lot 51, and 
in 1830 built a tavern at what was then called Quade's Corners, and 
afterwards Ransomville ; Jonathan Moss, who came from Vermont in 
1823 and took up 186 acres at Moss's Corners, a mile and a half west of 
Ransomville; David Force, who settled on lot 25, in 1825; Horace 
Munson Durand, who arrived about 1823 ; the Jeffords family, who 
came in 1826, and purchased of Richard Cuddaback the farm occupied 
in later years by James Warren ; Jehial S. C. Ransom, after whom Ran- 
somville was named, who came from Ulster county on foot about 1826; 
he was the first postmaster at Ransomville ; L. C. Bcals, William Kyte, 
and John Hutchinson, who came in 1829; J. B. Clark, father of P. C. 
Clark, came in 1830; Charles G. Willie, who settled on lot 11 in 183 i ; 
Lyman Whittaker and Erastus Downer, both of whom settled in town 
in 1831 ; David Johnson, William C. McCormick, John Robertson, and 
David Johnson, all of whom came in 1832 ; Chester Balcom, John 
Powley, and William and John Whitfield, who settled in 1834; James 
Warren and Henry Balmer, who came in 1836. Many other families 
are represented in Part HI of this work. 

Among the prominent residents of the town are S. Park Baker, Peter 
S. Tower, Daniel Bradley, Samuel Brookins, E. S. Carter, John and 
Joseph Clapsaddle, Robert and William Clapsaddle, James M. Foster, 
Francis Kyte, Henry Lutz, Madison McCollum, Richard McCracken, 
George L. Moot, George Parker, H. B. Timothy, George P. Tower, H. 
B. Tower, John E. Reardon, William Smithson, Christopher Quade, 
George C. McCormick, N. D. Haskell, Nicholas and Frank Hoffman, 
Edward Calvert, Almeron Barker, Smith Bradley, Leander Dutton, A, 
J. Eaton, Charles R. Ayer. 

A tannery was in existence in this town before the war on lot 9 of the 
Mile Reserve, and was owned by Burton & Son. John Clapsaddle built 
a small grist mill in 181 7, which was operated some years, when the 
water power failed and the town was without a mill until the building 
of the one at Youngstown in 184O. Mr. Clapsaddle also built a saw 
mill about the time of the erection of the grist mill; it long ago went 
to decay. 



26o 

The village of Youngstown is one of the oldest on the frontier, as the 
reader has learned in earlier pages of this work. At the establishment 
of the Niagara customs district in 1799, the port of entry was located at 
Fort Niagara and remained there until 181 1 when it was removed to 
Lewiston. Only a very small settlement was gathered at Youngstown 
at the time of the devastation of the frontier by the British in 18 13, and 
that was wholly destroyed. After the war the locality again assumed 
considerable importance and activity ; the cutting of the fine oak timber 
in this section gave employment to many of the early settlers, and the 
shipment of large quantities of the timber to England for use in shipbuild- 
ing was a source of a considerable commercial interest here for some 
years. Later on a good deal of wheat was shipped from here to Oswego, 
and other business interests came into existence which contributed to 
the growth of the place. 

Robert Grensit kept the first tavern in this town on the site of 
Youngstown, and the house was conducted by his widow after his 
death. Colonel Hathaway, a prominent early resident, kept a tavern as 
as early as 181 5 on the site of the present Ontario House ; a small gro- 
cery was connected with the house. Peter Tower, before mentioned, 
opened a small public house here about 1819-20. John Young, who 
came from Niagara, Ont., probably kept the first store, and the village 
received its name from him ; he was identified prominently with the 
early public interests of the place. A school was opened in the village 
in 1806 by William Cogswell, and the first school house was built 
about 1823. The village was a small and quiet hamlet until towards 
1825, after which the business interests were extended more rapidly. 
The following decription of the place in 1823 is taken from another 
work; 

The woods grew down to the rear of the lots on Main street, aud between this 
place and Lewiston the road passed through the forest that extended, to the east- 
ward and to the edge of the river on the west. There were not more than a dozen 
frame houses within the limits of the present corporation, There was only one 
store, which from the color of the building in which it was kept, was called the "red 
store." It was conducted by two young men named Chittenden and Woodruff, but 
John Young furnished the merchandise, and the business was carried on in his 
interest. Of taverns there seems to have been more than the business of that time 
demanded, there being no less than three. The first was located at the north end 
of Main street and was kept by Phillips & Williams; the second about midway of 



26l 

the street, was that of Col. Elijah Hathaway, and the third, which stood at the end 
of the street, was conducted by Robert Campbell. The accommodations were good 
for that day. There was one wagon shop and one blacksmith shop, the first being 
the property of two men named Squires & De Wolf, and the secotid that of Nathaniel 
Brown. Judge A. G. Hinman was the postmaster, the post-office being in his house, 
near tlie center of the settlement. Mail arrived daily by stage from Lewistou and 
points east and south 

The foregoing gives a clear picture of Yotingstown in its early busi- 
ness existence, and is sufficient evidence that as late as 1820 the village 
was not one of great importance or bright prospects. Gordon Davis 
came from Connecticut in 1823 and soon afterward began business 
in the shoe and leather trade. David Burge came from New Hamp- 
shire to the village the same year and afterwards was a partner with 
Mr. Davis; they added other goods to their stock and for some years 
carried on a large trade. Mr. Davis retired from the firm in 1830 and 
Mr. Burge continued it. 

Jason Davis, brother of Gordon, came to Youngstown in 1835, with 
his sons, Bradley D. and Nelson R. Davis. They had previously in 
1830 spent one year in Lewiston, and returned to New Hampshire. 
Soon after their arrival in Youngstown the father and Bradley D. Davis 
opened a grocery under the firm name of J. Davis & Son. A general 
stock of goods was later added and for twenty years the firm did a 
large trade for the times; the firm was dissolved by the death of the 
senior member. BraHley D. Davis, and later the firm of B. D. Davis & 
Co. carried on the business. 

Dr. John A. Hyde came to Youngstown in 1818, and for many j-ears 
was the only physician there. 

W. H. Doyle, who later became a member of the business firm of W. 
H. Doyle & Co., merchants, came to the village in 1835. Alfred Emer- 
son, at one period a member of the firm of Alfred Emerson & Co , 
settled early in the village, became a leading merchant and buyer of pro- 
duce. Alexander Barton, a painter, came to the village in 1823, 
worked at his trade for a time and afterwards opened a hotel, which 
was burned with other structures on the night of April 19-20, 1863, 
and was rebuilt by him. Ira Race settled in the place in 1826, followed 
farming until 1833, when he was chosen deputy sherift' and held the 
position three years; after that he held various local offices, and for 

I 



262 

about forty seven years was a justice of the peace. He is still living 
(1897), with his wife, both being over ninety. 

Judge A. G. Hinman was a conspicuous citizen of Youngstown for 
many years, was respected for his high character exhibited in his official 
life and his activity in promoting the early religious and educational in- 
stitutions of the town. George Swain uas a son of Isaac Swain, the 
pioneer, and became a prominent citizen. He was born in the town in 
1 8 19, was a successful farmer and held various public offices; his brother 
William, born in 182 I, also was prominent as a farmer and fruit grower. 

The stone grist mill in the village was erected in 1840 by Heze- 
kiah H. Smith ; it was burned on the night of February 22, 1851, but 
was soon afterward repaired and was operated by Jason and Nelson 
R. Davis, and still later by B. D. Davis. It is still standing, though 
used for other purposes. 

In 1855 B. D. Davis & Co. erected their large brick block. The 
stone hotel (the Ontario House) was built in 1842 by Alexander Lane, 
near the site of the old Hathaway tavern; it subsequently became the 
property of Robert McKnight, and later of his heirs, and has been con- 
ducted under the name of the Ontario House by H. C Root and oth- 
ers. It is now kept by Timothy J. Murphy. The El Dorado Hotel, 
of which Frank C. Steele is proprietor, was built about i89r. 

A saw mill was built in Youngstown in 1866 by W. D. Clark. A 
foundry was established and long conducted by William Ripson & Co. ; 
it is now conducted by Julius Ripson. D. & J. Onen manufactured 
barrels for a time. The present business interests of the village con- 
sists of Edward G. Hall, shoes, etc.; Charles L. Taylor, drugs; John A. 
Haskell, George M. Carter, and L. C. Beals, groceries ; William A. 
Hutchinson, general store ; F. C. Thompson, dry goods ; and W. R. 
Robinson, hardware. 

The Youngstown News was started March 4, 1 881, by Nelson D. 
Haskell, who on January I, 1889, was succeeded by G. Oliver Frick, 
the present editor and publisher. It is an eight- page weekly. 

G. Oliver P'rick, editor and proprietor of the Youngstown News, is 
the son of Joseph A. and Clara Elizabeth P. Frick, and was born in 
Pittsburg, Pa., January 26, 1872. He came to Wolcottsville, Niagara 
county, in 1880, and in 1884 removed to Youngstown, where he finish - 

I 



263 

ed his education, which was supplemented by attendance at the pubHc 
schools of Buffalo. When thirteen he began learning the printer's trade 
on the Youngstown News, then owned by Nelson D. Haskell, and he 
also spent one year in Buffalo in the book department of Matthews, 
Northnip & Co. On Jahuary i, 1889, he purchased the Youngstown 
News, of which he has since been the editor and proprietor, and which 
he has placed in the front rank of Niagara county weekly newspapers. 
He was married in September, 1893, to Sarah W., daughter of Aaron 
Winchester, of Youngstown. 

The village of Youngstown was incorporated April 18. 1854, upon 
the presentation of a petition to the Legislature prepared by the follow- 
ing persons: Ira Race, A. G. Skinner, W. H. Doyle and L. P. Babcock. 
The boundaries of the village were made to include lots i and 2 and 
parts of lots 3 and 4 of the Mile Reserve. The first village election was 
held on the 4th of October, 1854, and the following officers chosen : 
President, George Swain; trustees, George Swain, Samuel P'osdick, 
Nelson R. Davis, Lewis C. Beals, and Alfred P^merson ; clerk, S. Olney; 
assessor, David Burge; collector, Paul Durfee ; treasurer George C. 
Hotchkiss; poundmaster, John Hart. 

The present (1897) village officers are Frank C. Steele, president; 
Charles Ripson, August Turner, and Patrick Fitzpatrick, trustees ; John 
W. Thompson, clerk. 

The settlement on the site of Ransomville was of little importance 
until after the location there of Jehial C. S. Ransom in 1 826, and the estab- 
lishment of the post-office. He opened a store and established a good 
business. Other pioneers here were Lambert Hall and Leverett Bris- 
tol In 1839 William H. H. Ransom, a nephew of the pioneer, settled 
in the village and worked at his trade of carpenter until 1843, when he 
bought out his uncle's store, and was the leading merchant until his 
death ; his son, Elton T. Ransom, was associated with him under the 
firm name of W. H. H. Ransom & Son, which is still retained. 

The Curtiss Brothers, before mentioned, have long been prom- 
inently identified with the business interests of the village. Besides 
conducting the hotel, the Ransomville House, they, in 1877, built 
the P^xcelsior elevator and grain storehouse with a capacity of 25,- 
000 bushels, and are engaged largely in the handling of grain and 
fruit. 



264 

W. H. H. Ransom & Son built a large brick store in 1872, and in 
1877 erected a brick storehouse on a side track to the R., W. & O. 
Railroad, which runs through the village. They carry on an extensive 
grain, produce and general mercantile business. 

Fowler & Harwick built a brick store building, which passed to 
possession of James Bullock, who carried on mercantile business there. 
Other old merchants were C. A. Barnes, Clark Ransom, A. U. Gatchell, 
S. D. McCracken and George I. Eaman. The present merchants are 
W. H. H. Ransom & Son, William T. Gentle, Corwin & Hubbell, F. 
D. McCormick, A. J. Barry, Dwight Sanger and A B. Thompson & 
Sons. 

David Bagley also has a cider and vinegar works. The Ransom- 
ville Basket Manufacturing Company was started in 1894 and gives em- 
ployment to a number of hands S. H. Morris is president and W. T. 
Gentle secretary and treasurer. 

East Porter, Tryonville and Porter Center are hamlets in this town, 
the latter having a general store kept by C. C. Clapsaddle. 

Fort Niagara is situated at the mouth and on the east bank of the 
Niagara River, and its historic periods are recorded in Peter A. Porter's 
book as follows : 

Recognizing the title to the spot where Fort Niagara stands as vested in the Sen- 
ecas after their conquest of the Neuters in 1651, we may divide its history into the 
following periods: Indian ownership, 1651-16(59; Indian ownership, French in- 
fluence predominating, 1669-1725; Indian ownership. French occupation, 1735-1759; 
Indian ownership, English occupation, 1759-1764; English ownership and occupa- 
tion, 1759-178B; American ownership, English occupation, the hold-over period, 
1788-1796; American ownershijD and occupation (excepting December 19, 1813, to 
March 27, 1815), 1796-1896. 

The history of the fort has been noticed in detail in earher pages of 
this volume. It has been garrisoned, with the exception of a brief in- 
terim, since March 27, 18 15, and the last defensive work of conse- 
quence — the brick facing of the bastions, facing east, dates from 1861. 
It is now the regimental headquarters of the 13th U. S. Infantry, Col. 
Alfred T. Smith commanding. 

The village of Youngstown and vicinity in late years has attracted a 
nnmber of summer residents, whose pretty homes have added much to 
the beauty of the place. In 1896 an electric railroad, known as the 



265 

" Old Fort Route," was built by the Lewiston and Youngstown Fron- 
tier Railway Company, of which Laurence D. Rumsey is president ; 
Henry C. Howard, vice president ; Karl Evans, secretary ; George R. 
Teller, treasurer; and Robert B. Goodman, superintendent. The main 
line, opened August i r, 1896, is eight miles long ; a branch extends to 
Rumsey Park and Beach on Lake Ontario. 

The first school in this town has been mentioned. The town was 
early divided into districts and school houses gradually built, to accom- 
modate the growing population. The first school house in Youngstown 
was built about 1 823, and was subsequently moved away and a stone 
structure erected in its place. The first school house was used for re> 
ligious meetings until churches were built. For the last fifty years the 
number of districts has been eleven, and there is now a comfortable 
school house in each. The town with six others of the county consti- 
tutes the second commissioner's district. A graded school building was 
erected of brick in Youngstown about two years ago. 

The first religious services in the town were held in very early years 
at the fort, but there was little attempt to hold regular meetings else- 
where until 1823. Methodist itinerants came into the town with more 
or less regularity and held meetings. In 1823 a preacher named 
Everett visited Youngstown and finding a few persons who were in- 
clined to CO operate in the formation of a church, he appointed a meet- 
ing at the house of Judge A. G. Hinman for that purpose. The society 
was organized in the Presbyterian faith in 1823, with the following 
members: Mr. and Mrs. Bartol, Mr. Kelly, Mrs. Lutts. Mrs. Mc- 
Cormick, Mrs. Rebecca Hathaway and her daughter Pauline, and 
Judge Hinman. A church was built in 1836 under direction of 
Hezekiah H. Smith, John A. Hyde, Gordon Davis and David Burge. 
The building was enlarged in 1844 to accommodate the increasing 
membership. In 1896-97 this was replaced by the present structure. 

The Baptist church at Ransomville was organized in March, 1834, 
with thirty seven members. The first pastor was Rev. Samuel J. 
Olney. The first church was built in 1840, of wood ; it was remodeled 
in 1870. 

A Methodist church was organized at Porter Center, a hamlet in the 

34 



266 

central part of the town, in March, 1838, with forty members. A church 
edifice was built in 185 i. The first pastor was Rev. William Buck. 

Another Methodist church was organized at East Porter, the class of 
which was formed in 182 1; but the church (Fillmore chapel) was not 
built until 1852. The original members numbered fourteen. This 
society was in the Porter Center charge. 

The Methodist church of Youngstown was regularly organized in 
June, 1852, with twenty members; meetings were held in the school 
house until 1854, when the church edifice, begun in the previous 
year, was finished. Through the prevailing division in this denomina- 
tion, which took place in 1869, this church was sold at auction, and 
was purchased by John Carter for the purpose of having services con- 
tinued. Regular meetings were held until 1869 after which no stated 
services were held. . In July, 1872, regular meetings were renewed and 
in that year the conference united the Youngstown and Porter Center 
churches in one charge; they were again separated in 1876, in which 
year Mr, Carter deeded back the church building to the society under a 
favorable arrangement. It was re opened in May, 1877, and has since 
continued active. 

St. John's Episcopal church at Youngstown is noticed in the chapter 
devoted to Lockport. 

St. Bernard's Roman Catholic parish was organized in Youngstown 
about 1830, when a chapel was instituted, and services were conducted 
by priests from Suspension Bridge or Lewiston. 

The Free Methodist church of Ransomville was built about 1880. 
The Wesleyan Methodists also have a church there. 



267 



CHAPTER XVI. 

THE TOWN OF ROYALTON. 

There were two towns set off from Hartland after its erection in 18 12; 
these were Royalton in 18 17, and Somerset in 1823. Royalton was 
erected on April 5, 18 17, and was a little reduced in its area by setting 
ofif a portion to Lockport in 1824; it now contains 38,820 acres. It is 
the southeastern town of the county, and the most populous, excepting 
Lockport and Niagara, which include the two cities. The population 
as given by the census of 1892 was 4,768. There are at the present 
time seven post- offices in the town, as follows: Dysinger, Gasport, 
Middleport, McNalls (Corners), Orangeport, Royalton (Center), and 
Wolcottsville. The surface of the town is generally level or undulating, 
except the northern part, where the mountain ridge crosses it. The 
soil is principally a clayey loam and very productive in most parts. 
Tonawanda Creek forms the southern boundary, and Eighteen-mile and 
Johnson's Creeks, flowing northwardly, and Mud Creek, flowing south- 
west, have their sources in this town. 

The first town meeting was held on the first Tuesday in April (the 
7th), 18 18, at the house of Almond H. Millard, a justice of the peace, 
who presided. The first officers, elected on that day, were : 

Almond H. Millard, supervisor; William Smith, town clerk; Warren Rosenkrans, 
Henry Elsworth, and Asher Freeman, assessors; James Lyman and Nathan Corn- 
stock, overseers of the poor ; Allen Williams, Robert H. Henderson, and Benjamin 
H. Packard, commissioners of common schools; William Smith, Nathan Comstock, 
and Noah Brooks, commissioners of highways; Solomon Richardson and Samuel 
White, constables and collectors; Almond H. Millard, Burroughs Holmes, Nathan 
Comstock, Joel Amsden, and William Green, inspectors; and fifteen fenceviewers 
and overseers of highways; 1, Phalarius Russell; 2, James Williams, jr. ; 3, Demas 
Hart; 4, Ezra Harwood ; 5, Cyrus Tripp; 6, James Webb; 7, Solomon Mead; 8, Wil- 
liam Letts; 9, Nathan Comstock; 10, Samuel White; 11, John Griswold; 12, Paul 
Sawyer; 13, David C. Culver; 14, Barney Allen; 18, Reuben Hayes. 

The supervisors of the town have been : 



268 

1818-20, Almond H. Millard; 1821, Nathan Comstock; 1822-23, Daniel Washburn; 
1824-27, John Garnsey; 1828-30, Asher Freeman ; 1831, D. S.' Fenn ; 1832, Asher 
Freeman; 1833, Ethan Fenn; 1834-37, James Baldwin; 1838-40, David Hurd; 1841, 
John McNall; 1842, David Hurd; 1843, Peter P. Murphy; 1844-45, Samuel Z. Ross; 
1846, Grandus Davenport; 1847, William S. Fenn; 1848-49, Alfred Colwell; 1850, 
Samuel Z. Ross; 1851-52, Alonzo W. Newcomb; 1853, John Thorn; 1854-55, Oliver 
R. Brown ; 1856-59, Alonzo W. Newcomb ; 1860, Alfred Colwell ; 1861-62, Rufus W. 
Briggs; 1862-65, Robert F. Pierson; 1866-67, Orrin L. Hudnut; 1868, Chauncey Shel- 
don ; 1869-70, Marcus Mabee; 1871-72, Elijah H. Woodworth ; 1873-74, Orrin L. 
Hudnut; 1875-76, John P. Brown; 1877-79, Francis Hunter; 1880-81, Ruthven Kill 
1882-84, George B. Holdridge; 1885-87, Racine C. Clark; 1888-90, Francis Hunter 
1891-92, WilHam W. Johnson; 1893-94, Caleb C. McNair; 1895-96. John L. Sheldon 
1897-98, Arza .G. Sherwood. 

The other town officers for 1897 are: 

William E. Graham, town clerk since 1885, excepting one year; W. H. Rhinehart, 
J. A. Good, George F. Thompson, and George Sayers, justice of the peace; Peter T. 
Turrell, Edward J. Behe, and Jacob Belie, assessors; Henry Siegler, highway com- 
missioner; Charles W. Schubel and George H. Baker overseers of the poor; F. S. A. 
Coon, collector. 

The first settlement within the limits of this town was the result of 
an accident, if tradition may be believed. Joshua Slaton was on his way 
from Vermont, his native State, to Canada, with his family, when his 
wagon broke down about two miles east of the Cold Springs. What he 
saw of this locality during his necessary delay pleased him and he look- 
up land in the northwest corner of the town, cleared a part of it, and 
built a log house; that was in the year 1800. His land included the 
site of Orangeport hamlet, and also of Slaton Settlement, about half a 
mile north of Orangeport. Thomas Slaton, brother of Joshua, came in 
with him or very soon after and was instrumental in founding the set- 
tlement. The Erie Canal and the Central Railroad both pass through 
land formerly owned by these men. Joshua Slaton was an able and in- 
fluential man, and generous in his efforts to promote the settlement. 
He gave land to Mr. Gaskill, the first blacksmith in town, on which to 
build a shop ; he donated, also, land on which was built the first church, 
and land for the earliest graveyard. 

The little settlement was augmented in 1802 by the arrival of Stephen 
Bugbee and Andrew Brown, and in 1803 by Varney Gaskill and Will- 
iam Smith. In 1804 Benjamin Hale, Varnum Treadwell, and Marvin 
Harvvood came in, all from the same town in Vermont. Stephen Bug 



269 

bee built the first frame house in r 804 at the settlement, and Marvin Har- 
wood opened a store there in the same year. 

In 181 1 Asher Freeman, sr., purchased 500 acres of land about one 
and a half miles south of the site of Middleport, paying $3.25 per acre. 
He cleared a tract, sowed it to wheat in 18 13, and in 18 15 moved upon 
it and built a log house. He built his later brick house in 1824. 
Stephen Bugbee had already built one a little earlier at Orangeport. In 
1 81 5 there was no house between Mr. Freeman's and the Buffalo road. 
He was father of Asher P'reeman, long a respected citizen. 

Severus Swift came into the town early and located in the southern 
part on the farm afterwards owned by his son, J. C. Swift, half a mile 
north of the site of Wolcottsville, the old Indian trail crossing the farm. 
He came about 1818, at which time all south of him to Tonawanda was 
a wilderness. Other settlers now came in more rapidly, the clouds of 
war having passed away. Daniel Benedict settled on Tonawanda Creek 
soon after Mr. Swift's arrival, and Chauncey McKie located in 18 16 north 
of the Lewiston or Niagara road on Griswold street. Eliphalet Edmunds 
and John Griswold came to that vicinity about the same time. In 18 16 
Benjamin Barlow was keeping a tayern half a mile south of Middleportsite, 
what was early known by half a dozen names of Corners, but finally 
settled down to P'reeman's Corners. Carrington Fisk opened a tavern 
in 1808 at Royalton Center, which was probably the first in the town. 
In 1818 John McNall opened a tavern west of Royalton Center, at what 
is now McNall's Corners, on the old Niagara road, and a little hamlet 
grew up there. 

The old Indian trail that was used during the Revolution, and prob- 
ably long before, in approaching or leaving Niagara from the east, 
passed through this town, entering near the southeast corner in the 
Tonawanda Reservation, and running in a northwesterly direction, 
passing just north of the site of Wolcottsville. A little farther on the 
trail divided, the two branches going on either side of a swamp and 
coming together again just south of McNall's Corners. A little farther 
on it struck what became the Niagara road, and so passed on out of the 
town and through Lockport town. One of the earliest roads laid out in 
Royalton ran through Slaton Settlement in the northwest corner of the 
town. The most prominent highway in the town, or in this region, in 



270 

early years, was the well known Military Road, or the Niagara Road, 
as it is frequently called. 

In 1820 Alexander Lafferty was keeping a tavern southeast of Roy- 
alton Center, on the road just mentioned. About the same time Levi 
Cole opened a hotel in a log house on the corner of what are now Main 
and State streets in Middleport. Soon afterwards a frame house was 
built on an opposite corner and Mr. Cole moved into it and kept a 
tavern until after the beginning of the canal. In 1S04 Marvin Harwood 
opened a small store at Slaton Settlement. He came from Vermont 
and found great difficulty in hauling into the wilderness his small store 
of merchandise. About 18 18 stores were opened at McNall's Corners 
and Freeman's Corners, and formed trade centers around which small 
settlements gathered. James Northam, the first merchant at Middle- 
port, began business in 1822. 

In early years saw mills were scattered about several localities in the 
town, where a little water power existed ; most of them were aban- 
doned long ago. Asher Freeman had an early mill, and there were 
two on Johnson's Creek at Middleport. At Mabee's, a little east of 
Gasport, was located what was probably the first grist mill in town, 
and there was also an early saw mill there. It is claimed by some that 
the first one was on the site of Middleport, while others claim that the 
first one was on the farm owned in recent years by J. Richardson. F. 
B. Lane and James Northam operated early grist mills. Many of 
these were started about 1820-25. In 1828 a carding mill was estab- 
lished at Middleport, and another on the Richardson farm just men- 
tioned. In 1 8 17 Benjamin Barlow built and started a distillery at Bar- 
low's (Freeman's) Corners ; he had also an ashery with which he did a 
large business. John Mabee also had a distillery about 1821. Asa 
Scott was an early settler and a blacksmith with a shop at PVeeman's 
Corners in 18 17. 

William Smith was the first surveyor in this immediate locality and 
after settlement became active; he was constantly employed in his pro- 
fession. The first resident physician was Dr. Packard, who came about 
1 817 and settled about a mile southwest of Middleport. Dr. Chatter- 
ton soon followed him. In 1820 Dr. John McLoth settled in the south 
part of the town on the Niagara road, and in 1835 Dr. Peter P. Murphy 



271 

located at Royalton Center, where he practiced many years. The first 
couple married in the town was Henry Ellsworth and Polly Cornish in 
1 8 10. The first white male child born in town was Daniel Vaughn, in 
1806. 

Among other early settlers prior to 1830 were Spellman Underwood 
(in 1 8 19), Erastus L. Williams (born in Royalton in 18 14), Joseph H. 
Otis, Asa Carrington. Alanson Doty, Jeremiah Westgate, John Mc- 
Nall, Elias Safford, William Depue, Levi Leonard, Simon Bixby, Hiram 
B. Smith, Timothy Paige, Amos Bronson, James Fisk, Jeremiah Tur- 
ner, Daniel W. Crapsej;-, George R. Benedict, Lemuel Foster, Richard 
J. McLeland, John Timmerman, Noah Wheeler, John Woodworth, 
George Mitchell, Benjamin Hale, George Bugbee, John W. Stone, Ira 
Weatherby, Jacob Hutchins, Richard Mackey, Thomas Roberts, Asa 
Westcott, William Adams. 

Other early settlers were Avery S. Delano (miller and lumber manu- 
facturer in Middleport), Henry Dysinger, John Ernest, William Ewing, 
John Weyand, Oliver L, Wilcox, Gotlob D. Witterman, and Dr. P. 
Faling. 

At this point mention should be made of present or more recent 
residents of the town, as follows : Joseph and George Arnold, O. D. 
Bates, Andrew J. and Edward J. Behe, R. H. Bennington, Fred C. 
Berner, George W. Bowen, John Bowers, Rufus S. Brackett, Nicholas 
Bowers, B. F. Brownell, Henry H. Bugbee, Arnold Button, Nathan 
Campbell, William H. Chase, Chauncey Childs, Martin J. Dale, William 
Dewey, Thomas Dobbins, George Dunbar, Aaron W. Dysinger, Henry 
Dysinger, Chauncey A. and William Dysinger, George W. Eggleston, 
Henry Ernest. Isaac N. Ewing, Charles H. Francis, B. F. Freeman, 
James and John Freeman, William Fritz, William B. Gardner, George 
W. Good, Washington Good, George B. Holdridge, Solomon Hollen- 
beck, Charles and John J. Jackson, Cornelius and James R. Ketcham, 
Hon. Ruthven Kill, John W. La Bar, jr., George W. Lewis, Daniel and 
Reuben Long, William Luckman, John Mack, John S. Maynard, Jacob 
Miller, Uriah H. Mitchell, Robert Pearce, Conrad and Christopher 
Ramming, William W. Ross, John P. Sawyer, John L. Sheldon, Joseph 
Sheldon, Alfred J. and Pitt H. Smith, George D. Swift, Leroy Sybrandt. 
Cortez Taylor, Frank Terry, William and Kelsey Todd, William Tur- 



2/2 

rell, Theodore Van Wagoner, Frederick Walter, J. M. Williams, James 
Compton (formerly county clerk). 

The villages in this town were mostly brought inco existence by the 
construction of the Erie Canal. Royalton Center is an exception, where 
Carrington Fisk opened his tavern in 1808. He owned the land on 
which the hamlet stands east of the corners, and a Mr. Dewey on the 
west. The first post-office in the town was removed from what is now 
Reynale's Basin (formerly Royalton) to Royalton Center soon after its 
establishment, another office being established at Reynale's Basin at a 
later date. A small mercantile business and a few shops have since ex- 
isted here. 

An academy was established at Reynale's Basin in 1837, and a build- 
ing erected with funds raised by subscription. The first trustees were 
Dr. Peter P. Murphy, Anson Baldwin, and William Sibley, all leading 
citizens. Donald G. Frazer was principal, and an attendance of about 
ninety pupils was secured. The institution continued about ten years, 
when it was given up and the building demolished. 

The present business interests of Royalton Center consist of two gen- 
eral stores kept by Norton E. Davison and Chauncey C. Bixby, the 
harness shop of William E. Graham, a large frame hotel, and a post- 
office with George W. Good, postmaster. 

Wolcottsville, also, does not owe its existence to canal influence. It 
is situated in the southeast corner of the town, near the Tonawanda 
Reservation, which extends over the line into Royalton. The land on 
which Wolcottsville stands was a part of 2,000 acres bought of the Hol- 
land Company by Anson Wolcott. He settled there in 1847-48. Ehr- 
ick Sutherland had "squatted" on a part of this tract at an early date. 
When Mr. Wolcott was located he built a steam saw mill, where Charles 
H. Schad's store stood in recent years. The mill employed a large num- 
ber of hands while timber was left to saw. After a few settlers had 
come in there, Mr. Wolcott, in 185 1, deeded his whole tract to four 
trustees, viz., Frederick Moll, Christian Moll, Frederick Welland and 
Carl Martins, who laid it out in small lots and in 1872-73 seventy -five 
families from Prussia settled here, drawing their locations by lot. This 
gave rise to the name, Prussian Settlement, which has been applied to 
the immediate section thus settled. After this transfer was made Mr. 
Wolcott removed his saw mill across into Erie county. 



273 

Joseph Rhodes opened the first hotel in the place in 1866, and a con- 
siderable trade and shop interest soon came into existence. In 1875 
there were in the place seven hotels of all kinds of pretension, five stores, 
a cigar factory, five wagon and blacksmith shops, a saw mill, two 
churches, and about 1,000 inhabitants. The present merchants are 
Albert Retzloff, William Luckmann, W. H. Rhinehart (also postmas- 
ter), and Mrs. John Hoepsal. Henry Siegler is a hardware dealer and 
blacksmith. 

Middleport is the largest and only incorporated village in Royalton. 
It is emphatically a canal village, for previous to the opening of the 
great waterway there was no settlement here, the business of the north- 
eastern part of the town being done at Freeman's Corners, half a mile 
to the southward. When the canal was opened business interests rap- 
idly gathered where Middleport stands. The village takes its name 
from its being about midway between the canal villages of Lockport 
and Albion (formerly Freeport). The land on which the village stands 
was formerly owned by Arunah Bennett on the west side of Main 
street, south of the canal; by William Taylor on the east side, south 
of the canal ; by Gad Mather on the east side of Vernon street, north 
of the canal ; and by F. B. Lane on the west side of Vernon street, 
north of the canal. 

The opening of Levi Cole's tavern here in a log house soon after 
1820 has been noticed. Mr. Cole was imprisoned for a short time for 
killing a workman on the canal, who was one of a party in his tavern, 
and who had insulted Mrs. Cole. The man was knocked down by Cole, 
when the whole party attacked him and in the ensuing struggle he 
struck one of his assailants with a club and killed him. This was the 
first homicide in this locality. 

James Northam opened the first store in the village in 1822, in a small 
frame building erected by him about where Main street crosses the 
canal and near the canal bank. A. S. Baker was his clerk. At that 
time the canal was not cut through and the trees along the canal line 
had been cut only recently and the brush was still piled along Main 
street at that point. Mr. Northam subsequently sold out his business 
to John Craig and Thomas Dunlap, and they were succeeded by Lane 

35 



274 

& Baker. Mr. Craig was the father-in-law of Daniel W. Powers, of 
Rochester. 

G. and E. Mather established a small tannery in 1824 and also car- 
ried on a boot and shoe business. Smith & Calkins were blacksmiths 
about 1820 and later. John Macker began here as a tailor in 1830, the 
first in the place. He was followed by Messrs. Bridgeman, Stone, 
Snell and Charles Wilcox. In 1840 John Van Brocklin established a 
blast furnace, the first and only one ever in the village ; it was later 
operated by his son. 

Among other old-time merchants of Middleport were Timothy Bray, 
grocer; A. G. Taylor, drugs; James P. Compton, hardware; Alden S. 
Baker, who was also a justice of the peace ; Roswell Kelsey, Albert 
Day, David Gardner (of Gardner & House) L. T. Mather, B. P. Barnes 
(afterward the owner of the flouring mill now operated by John F. Little 
& Son), Peirce & McClean, Linus Spalding, Mason & Son, Jonas P. 
Lane, William S. Fenn, Harvey Francis, Ferdinand Hinchey, S. N. 
Spalding, Daniel Van Brocklin, and Davis Brothers (lumber) A. D. 
Rich has been a hotel keeper here for about twenty- three years; he 
built his present brick hotel in 1884 on the site of a frame house, which 
burned. 

The present (1897) business interests of Middleport are carried on by 
M. E. Dobmeyer and F. M. Smith, dry goods ; E. F. Lahey and Max 
Harpuder, clothing; W. H. Garland and G. A. Wickham, shoes; A. K. 
Laird, L. H. Spalding, C. W. Platts, Joseph Lewis and Carey Brothers ; 
Edgar B. French and W. I. Van Brocklin, hardware ; Compton & Ben- 
nett, furniture ; C. R. Dunkin, jewelry ; Jerry Tracy, bakery ; C B. 
Taylor, drugs and banking ; L. S. Freeman, banking; William D. Hoyt 
and W. J. Hinchey, notions ; Lee Compton, meats ; Robert Pearce, 
harness. 

William J. Sterritt located in Middleport in 1867 and established a 
cooperage business, which still continues. In 1878 he purchased a 
heading mill. In 1884, with Messrs. Eddy and Rowley, he bought the 
Middleport paper mill property and in 1886 became sole owner. In 
1 891 he organized the Hartland Paper Company for the manufacture of 
box boards; the capacity is 2,500 tons per annum. 

The Royalton Door Company succeeded the Middleport Manufac- 



275 

turing Company in 1896, and does a large business. The Batavia Pre- 
serving Company, of which Charles H. Francis is manager, is another 
important concern in Middleport. 

The Middleport Union School District No. i was organized August 
II, 1 89 1, with the following Board of Trustees: H. A. Wilmot, presi- 
dent; George D. Judson, clerk; William J. Sterritt, Linus S. Freeman 
and George A. Wickham. The present (1897) board consists of 
William J. Sterritt, president ; George F. Thompson, clerk ; Rev. James 
J, Roche, George G. Judson, Linus S. Freeman and Dr. John B. Hoyer. 
The principal is Frederick R. Stevens. The old stone school house was 
enlarged by a brick addition in 1893 at a cost of about $6,500. 

The Middleport Library Association was formed in 1873, by Rev. 
James H. Dennis, with the following officers : President, C. W. Gould ; 
secretary, E. L. Downey ; librarian and treasurer, E. A. Phillips. The 
first collection of books was donated by citizens of the village ; these 
were added to by funds obtained from several lecture courses. The 
institution, after several years of usefulness, finally went down. 

The Middleport Mail was issued as a weekly newspaper for several 
years by S. H. Clark. In September, 1888, J. E. Cooper established 
the Middleport Herald, which in September, 1885, was sold by him to 
W. John Hinchey, the present editor and publisher. 

W. John Hinchey, editor and publisher of the Middleport Herald, is 
a son of Ferdinand and Emeline (Horsfall) Hinchey, and was born Feb- 
ruary 8, 1869, in Middleport, N. Y., where his parents settled at the 
close of the civil war. His father was a cigar manufacturer, postmaster, 
and merchant in that village, and died December 23, 1889. Mr. Hinchey 
was educated in the Middleport Union school and the Clinton Liberal 
Institute at Fort Plain, N. Y,, graduating from the latter in 1889. After 
teaching school for two years he engaged in mercantile business in his 
native village, and in September, 1895, became the editor and publisher 
of the Middleport Herald, which he has made one of the leading papers 
of the county. 

Middleport has always been an excellent market for produce, not 
only during the period when it all had to be shipped by canal, but also 
since the completion of the branch of the Central Railroad. This was 
the chief factor in its rapid growth during the first twenty }ears of its 



existence. The population had become so numerous and pubHc affairs 
of so much importance, that village incorporation at length seemed de- 
sirable. Accordingly a village election to vote upon the proposition 
was held February 26, 1859, and a vote favorable to the change was 
polled. The first election of village officers was held March 22, 1859, 
and the following were elected trustees : A J. Baker, B. P. Barnes, 
Horace Pierce, Thomas F. Smith, and F. S. Taylor. The first official 
meeting was held March 28, and Francis S. Taylor was chosen president 
of the board. Since that time the successive presidents have been as 
follows : 

1860, Milton Seaman; 1861, Francis S. Taylor; 1862-3, Allen H. Pierce; 1864, A. 
S. Baker; 1865-67, Milton Seaman; 1868, Avery S. Delano; 1869, John Todd; 1870, 
John N. Dunn; 1871, A. H. Pierce; 1872, Henry McClean, jr., who was appointed 
March 26 and served to June 3, 1872, when a new village charter went into force 
under which the president was elected by the people and Avery S. Delano was 
chosen. The number of trustees was also reduced to three. 1873, C. R. Blakslee ; 
1874, Henry McClean, jr., 1875, Charles H. Francis; 1876, J. H. Dunn; 1877-78, 
Charles H. Francis; 1879, C. W. Laskey; 1880, Benjamin F. Freeman; 1881-82, 
Henry McClean ; 1883, Charles H. Francis; 1884-85, Henry McClean; 1886-88, Will- 
iam J. Sterritt; 1889-90, Charles H. Francis; 1891, Thomas W. Jackson; 1892, Ezra 
B. DeLano; 1893, George W. Eddy; 1894, Edward J. Tuttle; 1895, William J. 
Sterritt; 1896, Edward J. Tuttle; 1897, Michael E. Carey. 

The other village officers for 1897 ^''^ • 

Everett A. Pearce, clerk ; Alfred J. Lewis, Romiro E. Hunt, and Michael O'Shaugh- 
nessey, trustees; Truman Jennings, collector; Lewis H. Spalding, treasurer; N. L. 
Wallace, street commissioner; William D. Aldrich, light commissioner. 

The fire department of Middleport was organized in 1884, and con- 
sists of the W. J. Sterritt Engine Co., the L. H. Spalding Hose Co., 
and the A. D. Rich Hook and Ladder Co. Dr. Eli Clark is chief; 
James Brath, first assistant ; Clark D. Brewer, second assistant. In 
1888 a reservoir was built for fire purposes ; later another was added, 
and this year (1897) two more are being constructed. In 1895 a new 
steam engine gave place to an old horse power engine. Prior to the 
organization of the present fire department the village was protected 
from fire by a few hydrants supplied with water from private sources. 

Gasport is a small village the existence of which is largely due to the 
canal. It is situated about midway between Lockport and Middleport. 
It has been stated that Samuel Hitchcock built the first house here 



277 

about 1824, and kept the first tavern. He owned a good deal of the 
land on which the village stands, other portions being formerly owned 
by Col. Jonathan Mabee and a Mr. Melick. The village derives its 
name from the fact that inflammable gas formerly rose from certain 
springs that were subsequently destroyed in digging the canal. After 
some experimenting, the gas from these springs was confined and sent 
into pipes which were laid to a store and warehouse in the village, 
which were well lighted for a time. The first flouring mill here was 
built by Col. Jonathan Mabee a little northeast of the village on Eight- 
een-mile Creek, and about the same time Andrew and Amos Brown 
had a saw mill south of the village. The first store in the place was 
opened in 1823 by Sextus Shearer. A Mr, Woolworth was an early 
wagon maker, and a Mr. Marcy a blacksmith. Ur. Timothy Y. G. Page 
was the first physician. A. Colwell was the first postmaster. The 
present merchants are Caleb C. McNair and Blakeman & Pease, general 
stores, Samuel G. Barton, grocer and postmaster; and Mesler & Pease, 
hardware. Charles L. Wilson is proprietor of the hotel here. 

To promote education in Gasport an academy was founded in 1850, 
through the organization of a stock company, and a brick building 25 
by 40 feet in size and two stories high was erected. William Crocker 
was chosen principal and about seventy pupils attended. The institu- 
tion received a fair patronage during nearly twenty years, when it was 
closed and the building sold to the Congregational church for a par- 
sonage. 

After the opening of a store and John McNall's tavern at McNall's 
Corners, in 18 18, on the Niagara road, a little hamlet grew up about it 
and for a time small business interests were maintained there. In 
recent years a post-office has existed there under the name McNall's. 
The hamlet is about two miles west of Royalton Center. 

The hamlet of Reynale's Basin, is situated on the canal about five 
miles west of Middleport. It was formerly a point of considerable im- 
portance for shipping produce and the first post office in the town was 
established here ; it was subsequently removed to Royalton Center, as 
before stated. When Middleport and Gasport began their rapid devel- 
opment, business at this place declined and has almost disappeared. 
The place derives its name from George Reynale, who located here as 



278 

soon as the canal was completed and built a frame structure on the 
north side of the canal and west of the road crossing there. He opened 
a grocery and soon began buying staves and heading and other prod- 
ucts of the locality. Cornelius Mock has a general store there. John 
VV. Shafer came here about 1857, from Johnson's Creek, and engaged 
in the mercantile business for nine years, when he built his present cold 
storage plant. 

Dysinger, in the central part of the town, is a post-office estab- 
lished in recent years. The place derives its name from the Dysinger 
family, who have lived in the neighborhood for many years. There is 
a Baptist church there, but no business of account. 

Orangeport. a post office and hamlet in the northwest part of the 
town, on the Erie Canal, was originally settled by Joshua and Thomas 
Slaton. The former was the real founder of the place, and gave the 
sites for the first church, blacksmith shop, and burying grounds, the 
latter of which is the oldest in town, the first burial in it being that of a 
Mr. Elsworth in 1804. The post-office was established about 1850 
with a Mr. Hart as postmaster. There is now a hotel and the store of 
Mrs. M. E. Atwood. 

South Royalton is a locality in the south part of the town, and be 
sides a few houses contains a frame M. E. church. 

The Mountain Ridge Cemetery Association was organized June 16, 
1848, with Alanson T. Odell, president; Philip Freeman, M. W. Bal- 
dwin, Oliver Brown, James Culver E. Odell, Franklin Knapp, and 
Stephen Green, trustees. The cemetery is located four and one half 
miles southwest of Middleport. 

Of the early schools in this town there is not much record. The first 
one was probably established in or near the Slaton Settlement, where 
the first comers located. There was a school house in district No. 23 as 
early as 18 18, which was at that time the only one south of the Military 
road. The first teacher there was Margaret Pixley, and Dr. John Mc- 
Loth taught in the following winter. April 20, 18 18, the commissioners 
of common schools, Allen Williams, Robert H. Henderson, and Benjamin 
H. Packard, met and divided the town into eight school districts; on 
May 16 of the same year this number was increased to nine. As the 
population increased the town was divided and subdivided into school 




J. W. SHAFHK. 



279 

districts and better school buildings superseded the first ones, which 
were generally of logs. For the past forty years or more there have 
been twenty- four districts, which is the present number, with a school 
house in each. With Cambria, Wheatfield, Lockport and Pendleton 
the town constitutes the first commissioner's district. 

The first religious services and the first church organization were in- 
stituted at or near the site of Orangeport. Prayer meetings were held 
at first until considerable interest was awakened, when the first 
preacher, Oliver Castle, came to the neighborhood. In June, 1813, 
Elders Joel Doubleday and Joel Nathaniel Brown came and baptized a 
number of persons. In August, 1817, a memorable revival began, and 
during that year seventy-three persons were baptized. In the sum- 
mer of 18 18 a frame church was built, but it was not vi holly finished 
until six years later ; it is believed to have been the first house for 
public worship on the Holland Purchase. On the 5th of February, 
1821;, a society was incorporated with the title, The First Christian 
Society of Ro3'alton, with William Smith, Benjamin Hale, and Nathan 
Stone, trustees. In that year the church building was painted red and 
it was always known as the " red meeting house on the hill." In the 
winter of 1845 '^ was burned and the new church built on the site. In 
the spring of 1861 the society purchased the property adjoining on the 
south for a parsonage. 

The Congregational church of Royalton, situated at Gasport, was or- 
ganized October 5, 1817, by Rev. Eleazar Fairbanks, a missionary, 
with seventeen members. The present church edifice was built in 1848, 
from which time the church was without a settled pastor for many years ; 
but the pulpit was supplied with considerable regularity. In 1877 Rev. 
Edward Harwood was settled with the church. The society purchased 
the brick academy building in 1870 for a parsonage. 

The Methodist Episcopal church of Royalton was organized through 
the work of a class formed in April, 18 18, by Daniel Shepherdson and 
Cyrus Story, circuit preachers; Joel Bixby was the first leader. There 
were sixteen members and meetings were held every four weeks at the 
house of the leader. The first trustees were elected in 1836, and the 
original church edifice was erected in 1838; it was rebuilt in 1862, is 
of brick and originally cost $3,000. The society has had a flourishing 
career. 



28o 

The First Baptist church of Royalton is situated four miles south of 
Gasport and near Dysinger. The organization was effected August 20, 
1822, by eleven members, and the first meeting was held in the school 
house of district No. 13. From 1822 to 1836 Elders Parsons and 
Waterbury were the pastors, after which to 1847 there were no stated 
services, but the church was supplied by surrounding societies. A 
church was in 1823 erected which was burned and replaced by another 
in 1866. The parsonage adjoining the church was purchased at a cost 
of $2,000. 

The Presbyterian church of Middleport was organized June 1 1, 1833, 
and was received into the Presbytery of Niagara in the same month. 
The society had a fairly prosperous existence, the services being usually 
held by stated supplies, until 1875, when the church property was sold 
to the Roman Catholics. There were at that time about eighty mem- 
bers and the society was nearly free from debt. The price received for 
the property was $1,700. In 1888 the present frame church was 
erected. 

The Catholic mission which purchased this property immediately im- 
proved and repaired the edifice and have since used it for their services. 
This is known as St. Stephen's Roman Catholic church, and Rev. J. J. 
Roche is the pastor. 

The Middleport Methodist church was organized April 18, 1827, with 
Francis B. Lane, James Williams, John Bickford, Arunah Bennett, and 
Abijah Terry, trustees Rev. John Copeland was then preaching and 
the large wooden church edifice was built in the same year. The society 
owns also a comfortable parsonage. 

The Universalist church of Middleport was formed as the result of 
preaching in that faith which was begun by Rev. Linus S. Everett, whose 
services were secured by Judge A. S. Baker. Mr. Everett continued to 
preach in the school houses for some time, and finally a society was or- 
ganized and a church building erected of stone and brick in 1841. The 
building was extensively improved in 187 1. 

A Free Will Baptist society was organized in early years and in 1839 
a church was built about two miles south of Middleport. Elder Oilman 
was the first pastor. In after years the building was occupied by other 
denominations also. 



28l 

Trinity church (German Lutheran) is in VVolcottsville and was organ- 
ized in 1854. The present brick church was built in 1S67, the brick being 
made on the lot where the chnrch stands, the work being done by the 
members. The society is largely made up of the German residents of 
that part of the town. 

In 1858 the Evangelical Association was organized at Gasport, with 
about thirty members. For nearly thirty years meetings were held in 
the old school house. In 1878 a new wooden church was erected. 

The German Lutherans also have a frame church in VVolcottsville 
that was built more than twenty-five years ago. 

St. Mary's Roman Catholic church was organized in 1858, with about 
fifty members. A frame church was built the same year in Gasport. 

Trinity (Episcopal) church at Middleport, is noted at length in the 
chapter devoted to Lockport. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

THE TOWN OP^ LEWISTON. 

The town of Lewiston was erected from Cambria on February 27, 
18 1 8, and has always retained its original area, which is 22,231 acres. 
The town is the central ore of the three western tier and borders on 
the Niagara River. The mountain ridge divides the town into two 
nearly equal parts, and the surface is broken and rolling along the base 
of the ridge, while elsewhere it is comparatively level. The soil is 
generally a productive sandy loam. Four-mile, Six- mile and Twelve- 
mild Creeks rise in this town and flow northeasterly to the lake ; Fish 
Creek flows westerly to Niagara River in the southern part, and several 
small streams help to drain the town. The Devil's Hole, the scene of 
the terrible massacre in the French war, is on the bank of the river in 
the extreme southern part of the town. Five miles above Fort Ni- 
agara and bordering the river is a peculiar flat of several acres which 
is more than sixty feet lower than the surrounding territory and bears 
the name of Five-mile Meadow. It was here that the British landed 

36 



282 

the night before the capture of Fort Niagara, in December, 1814, as 

described in earlier chapters. This town possesses scenery of great 

beauty and grandeur, and its history in early years is replete with 

tales of stirring events. 

Upon the erection of the town the first town meeting was ordered 

held at the house of Sparrow Sage, and the second was held at the 

house of John Gould. The date of the first meeting was April 7, 

1 8 18, and it was presided over by Rufus Spalding and Gideon 

Frisbee, justices of the peace. The following officers were then 

elected : 

Supervisor, Rufus Spalding; towu clerk, Oliver Grace; assessors, Benjamin Bar- 
ton, Amos M. Kidder and William Miller; highway commissioners, John Beach, 
Aaron Childs, Reuben Reynolds; overseers of the poor, Jacob Townsend and Arthur 
Gray; school commissioners, Joshua Fairbanks, William Miller and Rufus Spalding; 
inspectors of schools, Amos M. Kidder, Reuben Reynolds and William Hotchkiss; 
constable and collector, Eleazer Daggett; sealer of weights and measures, Amos S. 
Tryon. Eleven overseers of highways were also chosen, one for each of the districts 
into which the town was divided. 

The usual ordinances for governing the town, regulating the restric- 
tion of domestic animals, placing a bounty on bear scalps, raising $200 
for improvement of roads, and $75 for support of the poor, were voted 
at the first town meeting, and added to at subsequent meetings, as 
necessity demanded. 

The supervisors of Lewistown have been as follows : 

Rufus Spalding, 1818; Benjamin Barton, 1819-27; (Nathaniel Leonard filled out 
an unexpired term of Mr. Barton's in 1823); Jacob Townsend, 1828-30; Sheldon C. 
Townsend, 1831; Lothrop Cook, 1832; Alexander Dickerson, 1833-41; Sherburne B. 
Piper, 1842-45; Benjamin Hewitt, 1846 ; Seymour Scovell, 1847-48; Benjamin Hewitt, 
1849; Arthur Gray, jr., 1850; Leander K. Scovell, 1851; Andrew Robinson, 1852-53; 
John L. Whitman, 1854; John Robinson, 1855; Reuben H. Boughton, 1856; Frank- 
lin Spalding, 1857; Benjamin Hewitt, 1858; Franklin Spalding, 1859-60; Isaac C. 
Cook, 1861-62; Moses Bairsto, 1863-66; Silas S. Hopkins, 1867; Moses Bairsto, 1868; 
Sherburne B. Piper, 1869-74; William J. Moss, 1875-77; William P. Mentz, 1878-80; 
Galen Miller, 1881-85; William J. Cooke, 1886-90; Galen Miller, 1891; Wilber T. 
Pool, 1892-98. 

Thomas P. Scovell served as town clerk for forty consecutive years, 
from 1852 to September 29, 1892, when he resigned, and Milton Rob- 
inson was appointed to fill the vacancy. The present town clerk is 
William C. Townsend. 



283 

This town is the permanent abiding place of the Tuscarora Indians, 
whose reservation occupies about a third of the area in the central and 
northern part The history of this tribe is well known. In the war of 
the Revolution such of the Tuscaroras and the Oneidas as joined the 
British forces and fled before the approach of Sullivan in his expedition 
westward, sought refuge with the British garrison at Fort Niagara. In 
the next year a part of these returned to their former haunts in Central 
New York, and the remainder took up their abode on a mile square of 
land on the mountain ridge here, which had been given them by the 
Senecas. At a later date the Holland Company granted them two 
square miles adjoining their former possessions, and in i8o8 they pur- 
chased of the company an additional tract of between 4,000 and 5,000 
acres. These lands constitute the present reservation, which has been 
brought under good cultivation, and the occupants have so far advanced 
in civilization that they form a respectable element in citizenship. They 
have two churches, Baptist and Presbyterian, the latter having been in 
existence since 1805. There are also good schools and the council 
house. The nation was long ruled by Chief John Mountpleasant, 
son of Captain Mountpleasant, who was born on the island of Mack- 
inaw in 1779 and came to the reservation two years later. He was 
an oflScer in the British army in 1812 and participated in the battle 
of Queenston ; he also served as interpreter, being versed in the 
language of various tribes. After the war he returned to the reserva- 
tion, where he died October 9. 1854. John Mountpleasant, the son, 
was born January 18, 1810, and was elected chief in 1827, when only 
seventeen years old. In 1831 he was married to Jane Green, a daugh- 
ter of the tribe, who subsequently died and he married Caroline G. 
Parker, a Seneca woman and sister of Gen. Ely S. Parker, who was 
General Grant's military secretary. This chief was possessed of a good 
degree of intelligence and executive ability and was a representative 
Indian ; he served as one of the delegates of the Six Nations at the 
obsequies of Red Jacket in Buffalo ; he was one of the trustees of the 
Thomas Indian Orphan asylum, and a corresponding member of the 
Buffalo Historical Society. His administration of the affairs of his peo- 
ple was marked with ability, judgment and kindness. He successfully 
cultivated a large farm, and lived in a large and handsome dweHing 



284 

where the most liberal hospitality always prevailed. Chief Mount- 
pleasant died May 6, 1887. 

The first permanent white settlement in this town was made at 
about the beginning of the present century on the site of Lewiston 
village. Among the few who were located here in 1800 were the 
families of Frederick Woodman, William Gambol, Thomas Hustler, 
Henry Hough, Henry Mills, Joseph and John Howell, and two others 
named Middaugh and McBride. Thomas Hustler was an early tavern 
keeper, his house standing on a corner of what is now Center street 
opposite its junction with Portage street. His house was long well 
known and popular. Middaugh was keeping a tavern as early as 
1788, and McBride built a tannery here in 1799. The History of 
the Holland Purchase states that Silas Hopkins said he spent most 
of the summer of 1788 in Lewiston, buying furs, and that the only white 
inhabitant then was Middaugh. In published reminiscences of John 
Mountpleasant it is stated that the Middaughs were from the North 
River, and that when they came here they occupied one of the old 
houses left by the Mohawks. Hough had a Mohawk wife and lived in 
a house that had been occupied by Brant. 

In 1802 Lemuel Cooke settled here and was conspicuous in the early 
history of the place, and his sons were afterwards leading citizens. Mr. 
Cooke had been a surgeon in the army. One of his sons was Bates 
Cooke, who held the office of comptroller of the State, and was a member 
of congress with Daniel Webster; he died in Lewiston May 31, 1841. 
Another son was Judge Lothrop Cooke, who died in July, 1855. A third 
was Isaac Cooke, who died earlier. 

Jesse Beach settled in the town in 1801, and two years later located 
on a farm two miles east of Lewiston village. Later he owned the 
farm occupied at one period by Colonel A. Dickerson at Dickersonville 
and there built the first dwelling and blacksmith shop. Silas Hop- 
kins, before mentioned, settled in the town in the first year in which 
the lands of the Holland Company were offered for sale. He was 
afterwards a colonel in the American army in 18 12, and subsequently 
was one of the judges of this county. John Robinson, from Pennsyl- 
vania, settled on the west third of lot 1 1, in 1 806. Asahel Sage came 
into the town and located on his farm in 1807; his neighbors were 



285 

John Gould, and two families named Rragbill and Smith, who had lo- 
cated on the first tier of lots east of the Mile Reserve. There were then 
no settlers father east on the mountain. Solomon Gilbert was an early 
settler in tlie town, and Joseph Hewitt came in several years before 
the war, having removed from Connecticut to Genesee county in 1803, 
and later to the town of Cambria, until he exchanged farms with Wil- 
liam Howell and became owner of the place occupied subsequently by 
his son, J. P. Hewitt. Isaac Colt came in from Sussex, N. J., in 1809, 
bringing his wife and six children, making the journey with two yoke 
of oxen; he lived a short time on lot 24, on the Military road, but soon 
located on lot 25, where he opened a tavern. In the same year Aaron 
Childs came with his wife and four children and settled on the Ridge 
road, where he kept a tavern a number of years, and finally removed to 
Niagara. 

Dr. Alvord was the first resident physician, but it is not known just 
when he arrived. He was followed by Dr. VVillard Smith in 18 10. A 
school was opened in 1806 by a Scotchman named Watson, and the 
following year Jonas Harrison, who was a pioneer lawyer, opened an- 
other in a log building on what is now Center street. One of the two 
rooms in the building was used for a dwelling and the other for the 
school. The village has been described as it appeared in 1807, when 
"it contained two small frame and five or six log houses. The ground 
on either side of Main (now Center) street, for a short distance, was 
cleared and fenced in, and corn and other grain was grown on it. 
There were many old dry trees standing, and thick woods bounded it 
on the north and south sides." 

Joshua Fairbanks, long a resident of Lewiston, made his first visit to 
Western New York in 1791, and narrated to Mr. Turner his experiences 
on his journey and after his arrival as follows : 

We coasted up Lake Ontario ; going on shore and camping nights. We were sev- 
enteen days making the journe}' from Geneva to Qiieenston. The only person we 
saw on the route, from Oswego to Niagara, was William Hencher, at the mouth of 
Genesee river. We made a short call at Fort Niagara, reporting ourselves to the 
commanding officer. He gave us a specimen of British civility, during the "hold- 
over" after the Revolution. If was after a protracted dinner-sitting, I should think. 

He asked where I was going. I replied to Chippewa. "Go along and be d d to 

you," was his laconic verbal passport. There was then outside of the garrison, 
under its walls, upon the flats, two houses. No tenement at Youngstown. 



286 

I landed at Queenston — went into a house, partly of logs and partly framed, 
and commenced keeping tavern. There was then a road from Fort Niagara to 
Fort Erie. At Queenston, Hamilton had a good house built, the rest were small 
log huts. 

Benjamin Barton settled in Lewiston in 1807, but had previously be- 
come interested in business with General Porter. As soon as the Mile 
strip on the Niagara River was surveyed into farm and village lots, he 
attended the sale at the office of the surveyor-general in Albany ; that 
was in 1805. While there he met General Porter and their long friend- 
ship began. They purchased several farm lots, including the property 
around the falls, and bid off at public auction the landing places at Lew- 
iston and Schlosser, for which they received a lease for twelve or thir- 
teen years. In 1806, under the firm name of Porter, Barton & Co. 
(which has been noticed in the history of Niagara), they commenced 
the carrying trade around the falls on the American side ; they were 
connected with Matthew McNair, of Oswego, and Jonathan Walton & 
Co., of Schenectady; and this was the first regular and connected line 
of forwarders that ever did business from tide water to Lake Erie on 
that side of the Niagara. After the war of 1812 Mr. Barton moved 
with his family to Lewiston, his favorite place of residence, and com- 
menced rebuilding and repairing the property which had been injured 
in the war. During the last fifteen or twenty years of his life he re- 
tired from business, excepting agriculture, to which he was much at- 
tached. He died in Lewiston in 1842, at the age of seventy-two years. 

In May of 1801 Gen. James Wilkenson arrived on the frontier, com- 
missioned to open a road between Lakes Ontario and Erie. He 
ordered General Porter, then at Fort Niagara, to aid in the work with 
the soldiers in the garrison. Of this work Turner says : 

In the season of 1802 it was opened as far west as the brow of the mountain at 
Lewiston; and from thence to a mile west of Tonawanda creek, the timber was cut 
down, but not removed. The work of the season included the erection of bridges 
over the Tonawanda and Cayuga creeks. The road was left in this condition until 
1809, when an appropriation was made by the Legislature for its further improve- 
ment, of $1,500; the sum to be collected from the debtors to the State for land pur- 
chased upon the Mile strip. Joseph Landon, Peter Vandeventer, and Augustus 
Porter were appointed commissioners to lay out the mone}'. It was used to make a 
passable wagon road from Black Rock to the Falls. This was the end of govern- 
ment appropriation. 



28; 

Judge Silas Hopkins narrated some of his reminiscences to Turner, 
in which is found the following : 

I spent most of the summer of 1788, at Levvistou, purchasing furs. I bought prin- 
cipally beaver, otter, muskrat, mink. The Indian hunting grounds for these animals 
were the marshes along the Ridge road, the bays of the Eighteen, Twelve, and Four- 
mile creeks. The marsh where I now live (six miles east of Lewiston), was then, 
most of the year, a pond or small lake. The only white inhabitant at Lewiston, 
then was Midpaugh. He kept a tavern — his customers, the Indians, and travellers 
on their way to Canada. I carried back to New Jersey about four hundred dollars 
worth of furs, on pack horses. At that period, furs were plenty. I paid for beaver, 
from four to six shillings; for otter about the same; for mink and muskrat four 
cents. There were a good many bears, wolves, and wild cats; but a few deer. Im- 
mediately after the defeat of St. Clair, the Indians were very insolent and manifest- 
ed much hostility towards the whites. 

Asahel Sage settled on a farm in Lewiston in 1807. He gave the 
following reminiscences to Turner: 

I moved upon the farm in Lewiston, where I now reside, in 1807. John Gould, 
Bragbill, Smith, were then settled on the first tier of lots back of the Mile- 
strip; no other settler farther east up the mountain. Sanders, Doty, Goodwin, Web- 
ster, Hawley, were the pioneer settlers in Sanders' Settlement. Jairus Rose, 

Defoe, Springsteen, the Carneys, went in west of Pekin after the war. The Rey- 
nolds and Carneys were the first settlers at Pekin. Beamer, Wil.son, Bridge, Dr. 
Ortan, Bliss, Earls, were among the earliest settlers between ridge and mountain 
west of Scott's. 

Besides those already mentioned there are known to have been sev- 
eral other settlers in Lewiston village before the war. John Latta be- 
came a settler a few years before the war and built a tannery which he 
operated until the burning of the place. Caleb W. Raymond and a 
man named Hull were blacksmiths, and a man named Dorman was an 
apothecary. It is likely that there were a few other residents. 

Achish Pool, with his wife and two sons, Thomas and William, made 
the journey from Massachusetts in 181 1 and arrived at Lewiston Oc- 
tober 13. Their conveyance was a covered wagon which was drawn 
by a yoke of oxen and one horse. The Gillette family were also early 
settlers at Lewiston. 

A list of other prominent though later residents of the town includes 
Joseph P. Hewitt, a contractor, farmer, and lumberman ; Hetzel Colt, 
born here in 1809; Walter Lotta, born in town in 1826; Jeremiah G. 
Campbell, many years assessor, who came here from Vermont in 1S19; 



Robert and A. J. Nichols, fruit growers and natives of Lewiston ; Ziba 

A. Downer, who arrived in 1832 ; James Buckley, who came herewith 

his parents about 1835 ; and John A. Cleghorn, Edgar W. Barber, 

Lewis W. Hull, James Kelley, Leander K. Scovell, Samuel Treichler, 

Capt. James Van Cleve, Charles McConnell, William P. Mentz, William 

Legg, Miles Parker, J. N. Babcock, James Johnson, William Patterson, 

Charles and George Hotchkiss, Samuel Burns, Philip Bechtel, Asa 

Thompson, Isaac N. Jack, Samuel B. Russ, Charles A. Bairsto, W. S. 

McCollum, J. O. Hooker. J. W. Murray, and others. 

The war came and with it all the attendant terrors of hurried flight 

by the inhabitants, destruction of property and cessation of industry. 

There was a rude arsenal building in Lewiston at this time which stood 

near the site of the later American Hotel, in which were stored arms 

and other munitions of war. A small battery was built on the brow 

of the mountain opposite Queenston Heights in 1812, which was called 

Fort Gray, after the man who superintended the work. Some years 

before the war, even, the inhabitants had a foretaste of what was in 

store for them. In 1808 the 41st British Regiment was stationed in 

Fort George, some of whom deserted and came over to this side. The 

British employed Indians to arrest the deserters and return them to 

their command. An incident of these proceedings is thus related by 

an early resident : 

I have seen a large number — twent}^ or more — British soldiers sent over the river, 
tramping with impunity up and down the Main street of Lewiston, inquiring and 
searching for deserters. The Indians caught two and took them past Lewiston in 
the night, over the river. They were severely flogged, and it was reported that each 
received five hundred lashes. The feelings of our people became aroused at this 
insolent manner of capturing deserters, and they determined to stop it. For two or 
three miles on the road running east of Lewi.ston the people had ten hours to give 
notice to each other of trouble. I remember that one bright moonlight night we 
were all aroused by the blowing of the horns, and men armed came rushing in with 
the information that the Indians had got some deserters and were coming in with 
them. The alarm proved false. About the same time Sergeant McDonald, who 
had charge of some twenty-five men at Queenston, came over with three or four men 
to hunt for deserters. This party the citizens captured, and were about starting, 
them off to jail at Batavia, when a committee of some of the leading men in Canada 
came across the river, and an agreement was made with our people that no more 
soldiers should be sent to our side, or Indians employed to catch deserters. 

Another incident that took place in connection with the embargo on 
trade, was thus related : 



289 

Mr. Dorman, who has been mentioned as an early apothecary in the village, had 
goods and potash that were of great value in Canada, but the embargo prevented 
their being taken over. On town meeting day, which wasthe first Tuesday of April, 
when every man in the place was attendmg the meeting, some twelve miles distant, 
Dorman had three boats come from Queenston with twenty or twenty-five men, 
armed with clubs swinging at their wrists. They opened the store, and rolled the 
ashes and carried the other property down the hill and took it over the river. Hav- 
ing so much to do, they did not quite get through until the men began to return from 
the meeting, where they had got information of what was going on. As a conse- 
quence the Canadians had to leave a large share of the property, which fell into the 
hands of the citizens of the village. 

The following interesting notes on the local situation on the frontier 
in this immediate locality, were contributed to a county newspaper re- 
cently : 

At the junction of the Portage road with Main street, there was a public house for 
many years, which, during the war of 1812, was kept by a man named Gad Pierce, 
who was an active frontier partisan. When hostilities commenced between the two 
countries, there was a very small number of troops on the American side of the 
river, and oi.h^ a single company to garrison Fort Niagara. It was expected every 
night that the Fort would be attacked by the British, who had a large force at Fort 
George. Mr. Pierce, aware of this state of afi^airs, one day rai.sed all the inhabitants 
in the surrounding country, and had them assemble at Lewiston. Horses of every 
kind were brought into requisition, and when the citizens were mounted, they ap- 
peared at a distance like a formidable troop of cavalry. Among them, too, were 
several Tuscarora Indians, who entered with spirit into the maneuvre. Instead 
of swords they used walking canes, sticks and ramrods Several of the ramrods 
were polished sceel or iron, which made a very bright and flashy appearance. 
The cavalcade moved from Lewiston, along the river road, in sight of the enemy, 
and entered Fort Niagara, the blankets of the Indians fluttering in the wind, and 
the various habiliments of the farmers, the limping and overstrained plow horse, 
the nibbling gait and twitching head of the wild pony, with now and then a 
noble looking horse, formed, to those who were near, a most ludicrous .spectacle. 
In the fort they dismounted and performed some slight evolutions in the most 
laughable manner. At the command to mount some of the Indians executed the 
order in such a masterly way as to throw themselves entirely over their ponies. 
To the British, the imposing appearance of the troops with their steel ramrods, 
which glittered in the son like broadswords, had the desired effect; the contemplated 
attack was not made. At the time of the general invasion Mr. Pierce had his family 
removed to a place of safety, but would not himself quit the premises. He and four 
others formed the little garrison, with which he determined to defend his home. 
They waited for the approach of the enemy. At length a company of British regu- 
lars appeared and a fire was opened on them. They continued the defence for some 
time, but as their opponents were numerous, it was impossible to keep them at a 
distance. A part advanced upon the front of the house and succeeded in breaking 
37 



290 

down the door, firing the guns as they entered. The defenders effected their escape 
in an opposite direction without any of their number being wounded. 

After the investment of Fort George and P'ort Erie by the Americans 
in the spring of 18 13, and when the frontier was in tJieir possession, 
they estabhshed a ferry just below the site of the later Lewiston suspen- 
sion bridge. It is related that on occasion a party of Canadians gathered 
at the ferry wharf and attempted to kidnap or otherwise harass our 
people as they crossed the ferry. Thereupon a squad of boys, with the 
assistance of one man, secured a four-pounder gun, dragged it to a 
point commanding the Canadians, loaded it with grape shop, fired upon 
the intruders and drove them away. 

During the battle of Queenston, which was, of course, seen from this 
side, balls from the heights came across into the settlement, some of 
which passed through or partly through buildings. It will be remem- 
bered that the American militia refused to cross the river in that battle, 
for which conduct they were charged with rank cowardice. Miles 
Gillet, a son of Solomon Gillet, was one of a number who did cross 
with the intention of taking part in the battle. He hid behind a stump 
and placing his hat on its top, drew the fire of some of the British In- 
dian allies. His hat was riddled with bullet holes, and he returned the 
fire. The experiences of the elder Gillet have been detailed on an 
earlier page. 

When the invasion was made no place on the frontier suffered more 
than Lewiston. The attack was a surprise. The Indians, preceded by 
the British a few minutes and under the license given them by Rial), 
their commander, they began the indiscriminate shooting of the people. 
The little force under Major Bennett, that was stationed at the settle- 
ment, were soon compelled to retreat after losing a number of men. A 
few days earlier a small force of Americans and friendly Indians had 
been gathered for the defense of the frontier between Lewiston and 
Five mile Meadow; but they were likewise surprised in an unorganized 
condition and forced to flee. It was in this party that the elder Gillet 
was engaged, as before related. Soon the only thought on the part of 
the inhabitants was how to reach a place of safety. An " Old Pioneer" 
wrote the Lockport Journal a few years ago, as follows : 

At one time when the red-coats were seen landing at Lewiston, every owner of a 



2gt 

a horse hitched up to his sleigh and piled in their goods and escaped to the moun- 
tain. But one woman was left alone in her cabin. As two "reds" came to the house 
they seized her infant child which happened to be outside and threatened to kill it if 
she refused to let them in. But she persisted, when they dashed the child's brains 
out against the corner of the house, and then mounting the roof began descending 
the chimney. With quick presence of mind she emptied her straw bed into the 
fire which smothered them so that she easily finished them with her axe. After 
washing the soot off their faces she recognized two of her neighbors who were tories. 

The killed at Lewiston numbered about twelve, among whom was 
Dr. Alvord. the pioneer physician, Thomas Marsh, Jarvis Gillet, v. ho 
was only seven years old and who was shot while trying to escape with 
his mother, and two others named Tiffany and Finch. All but one 
were scalped and that one was beheaded. Dr. Alvord had just mounted 
his horse before his dwelling to ride away, but was shot before going 
far. The escape of Lothrop Cooke and his brother, Bates Cooke, has 
been narrated. 

Reuben Lewis lived at the foot of the mountain on the outskirts of 
the present village, and having agreed with a neighbor that he would 
never be taken alive, he fought after he was wounded until the enemy 
came up and killed him. For other details of the invasion the reader 
is referred to the earlier chapter treating upon this war. 

The Tuscarora village shared the fate of Lewiston. We quote from 
Turner as follows : 

The Ridge road presented one of the harshest features of the invasion. The in- 
habitants on the frontier, en masse, were retreating eastward, men, women and 
children, the Tuscarora Indians having a prominent place in the fight. The resi- 
dents upon the Ridge who had not got the start of the main bod}', fell in with it as it 
approached them. There was a small arsenal at the first four corners west of 
Howell's Creek, a log building containing a number of barrels of powder, several 
hundred stand of arms and a quantity of fixed ammunition. Making a stop there, 
the more timid were for firing the magazine and continuing the retreat. The braver 
counsels prevailed to a small extent. They made sufficient demonstrations to turn 
back a few Indian scouts who had followed up the retreat to plunder such as fell in 
the rear. The mass made no halt at the arsenal, but pushed on in an unbroken 
column, until they arrived at Forsythe's, where they divided, a part taking the 
Lewiston road and seeking a.sylums in Genesee county and over the river, and a 
part along the Ridge road and off from it in the new settlements of what are now 
Orleans and Monroe counties, and Wayne and the north part of Ontario counties. 
All kinds of vehicles were put in requisition. It was a motley throng, flying from 
the torch and the tomahawk of an invading foe, with hardly a show of military or- 
ganization to cover their retreat. 



292 

The enemy pressed on up the river, destroying everything of vahie 
on the way. Isaac Colt was wounded at his tavern on the main road 
toward Niagara Falls. Major Mallory, who seems to have been in 
command at Fort Schlosser, made a little resistence, but in vain, and the 
settlement at the falls suffered the fate of Youngstown and Lewiston. 
Late in the month (December) a strong force of Ikitish went from Fort 
Niagara east to Wilson and as far as Van Horn's mill in Newfane, de- 
stroyed the mill and most of the buildings on their way. During the 
following summer, the British being in possession of Fort Niagara, small 
marauding parties, mostly Indians, paid unwelcome visits to the settlers 
who had ventured back to their homes. An Indian who was passing 
through the woods came out on the Ridge road at the house of Sparrow 
S. Sage. Mr. Sage was absent and the house was occupied by his wife 
and another woman. The Indian took them prisoners and started 
towards the fort. Before they had proceeded far the companion of 
Mrs. Sage escaped, found Mr. Sage and told him of the outrage. He 
pursued and caught the Indian, wounded him severely and rescued his 
wife. The concluding events of the war, as far as they related to this 
frontier, have been sufficiently described in the chapter before re- 
ferred to. 

It must be borne in mind that the sufferings of the refugees from 
the frontier were much greater than they would have been if the settle- 
ment was an older one. Few of them had much money and many had 
very little property. What they did possess was in many instances 
abandoned in the hurried flight and was carried off or destroyed. The 
whole country was in a state of poverty. Prices of the necessaries for 
life were high and money hard to obtain Trade was at a stand-still 
and settlement in new localities had ceased. But the pioneers who 
had begun their homes in this town, as well as others elsewhere, were 
a courageous, hardy and determined class ; otherwise they would not 
have been there in the first place, and when the terrors of near-by con- 
flicts had given way to peace, they hastened back to rebuild their 
homes, and were rapidly joined by others. 

Many of the settlers returned in 18 15. Isaac Colt, the tavern keeper 
who was wounded, brought back his family and bought lots 24 of the 
Mile Reserve and 30 of the Holland Purchase. Aaron Childs, John 



293 

Robinson, Achisli Pool, Silas Hopkins, Joseph Hewitt and their fami- 
Hes, and others, returned before the close of i8i6. Among the new- 
comers at about that time were Richard Ayer on the Ridge road ; 
Jairus Rose, the Carney family, the Defoe and the Springsteen fami- 
lies settled at and near Pekin ; the Bliss, Earl, Bridge, Balmer, Wilson, 
Dr. Orton and other families located between the ridge and the moun- 
tain early after the war. 

Between 1815 and 1825 settlement advanced rapidly. G. P. Nichols 
settled in 1819; Andrew A. Farley in 1823 and Thomas Balmer in 
1825. Later comers were Abel White in 1826; the Pletcher families 
in 1829; Peter Spickerman in 1835; Joseph Shippy, Sanford White, 
and John Cleghorn in 1836; James Buckley in 1838; Erastus Downer 
in 1 841 ; Charles McConnell and Reuben M, Doty in 1842 ; and many 
others who will be found properly noticed in Part HI. 

At the close of the war the only structures left standing in Lewiston 
village were the stable belonging to Solomon Gillet, which was built of 
logs, and the walls of the stone house of Jonas Harrison, which he 
erected in 1809. The village had been surveyed into lots and a few 
streets in 1805 by Joseph Annin, and in 1822 it was chartered. When 
the troubles were over the warehouses of Porter, Barton & Co. were 
rebuilt and transportation between the village and Schlosser was re- 
sumed. Thomas Hustler returned to the place as soon as he could and 
began keeping tavern again. A man named Hart kept a tavern in the 
place in 18 16; Josiah Shepard in 18 17; Solomon Herseyin 1823; Sam- 
uel Chubbuck at the riverside in 1824, and Thomas Kelsey in the "Kel- 
sey Tavern" in the same year. Here La P'ayette stopped in 1825. The 
Frontier House, built by Benjamin and Samuel Barton, opened in 1826, 
is still standing and occupied as a hotel. The American Hotel, at the 
boat landing, built by Nelson Cornell on the site of his old Steamboat 
Hotel, was opened about 1850. But in spite of what would seem an 
unusual number of public houses in the early years, the village did not 
grow rapidly. It was a port of entry from 181 1 to 1863. 

Joshua Fairbanks returned and began his mercantile business. Amos 
Tryon opened a store in 1815 ; Solomon Hersey and Crosier & Parish 
in 1 8 16; Fairbanks & Thompson in 18 17; Calvin Hotchkiss in 18 18; 
Townsend, Bronson & Co., in 1819 ; John Wyner, druggist, in 1820; 



294 

N. Tryon & Co , in 1823 ; Norton Tiebout and L. & A. Woodruff in 
1825 ; Joseph A. Norton, 1826; William Hotchkiss, jr., F. J. Hotchkiss 
and Guy Reynolds about 1830; Hugh Fraser, 1838. Other business 
men of the village during this period were Samuel Mackin, who had a 
tannery about 1820; Joseph Tryon, a tailor, who began as early as 1825; 
Harvey Shepard and Leonard Shepard, blacksmiths in early times ; and 
Benjamin Barton, who was nearly or quite the first postmaster. Later 
merchants were Nelson Cornell, Burr & Belden, John L. Whitman, 
Cady Murray, and Sanford White. The present merchants are C. C. 
Whitney, John Fleming, Mrs. Eugene Murphy, Mrs. John Hamilton, 
Murphy & Townsend, and Powell & Welch. The St. Elmo was built 
as a residence by Shurburne B. Piper and in 1895 converted into a 
hotel. 

Drs. Alvord and Willard Smith, the early physicians, have been men- 
tioned. Dr. Smith came back after the war and continued in practice, 
dying in 1835. He had as a partner for a time. Dr. Frisbee, who was 
the next physician to arrive here. Dr. William McCollum came from 
Porter in 1834 and became a partner with Dr. Smith, and removed to 
Lockport after the death of the latter. Dr. Ambrose Thomas, a pioneer 
physician at Niagara P"alls, settled in Lewiston about 1837 and re- 
mained to about 1855. In 1843 Dr. George P. Eddy, sr., came; he 
subsequently removed to the Falls. Dr. Edward Smith, son of Dr. 
Willard Smith, practiced in the place in later years, as also did Dr. 
George P. Eddy, son of the senior physician of that name, and Dr. 
Milton Robinson, son of John Robinson, the pioneer. Drs. Coon, 
Whittaker, Cole and Thomas were also physicians of past years. 

Jonas Harrison was the first lawyer in Lewiston and was here before 
the war. Judge William Hotchkiss settled here in 18 10 and remained 
until his death in 1848. Bates Cooke, before mentioned, probably 
studied with Mr. Harrison, and became a prominent official. Ziba 
Colvin practiced at one period as partner of Judge Hotchkiss. Sher- 
burne B. Piper settled in Lewiston in 1833. Other lawyers of former 
times were Judge Birdsall, James H. Paige, Leonard Bennett, John V. 
Berry, and Judge Horatio J. Stow, who was once recorder of Buffalo. 

Immediately after the war the citizen* of Lewiston, as well as of the 
other parts of the town, adopted measures for the establishment of 



295 

scliools. A few log school houses had been built and schools taught 
before that event, the first one in 1806. In this village a stone school 
building was erected and finished in 18 16, in which Jonas Chamberlain 
was teacher. It stood in what was afterwards known as Academy 
Square. This was superseded by a brick building on the public school 
lot, and that by a more commodious one which was erected about 1845. 

The Lewiston Academy was an incorporated institution, the corner 
stone of which was laid by Niagara Lodge, No. 345, F. & A. M., July 4, 
1824. It participated in the general school fund and also was endowed 
by the Legislature with the proceeds of the Lewiston ferry license, 
which yielded in some years nearly $1,000. The academy building 
was erected under the supervision of Benjamin Barton, William Hotch- 
kiss, David M. Smith and Robert Fleming, building committee. The 
first principal was Rev. David M. Smith. The institution was prosper- 
ous for a number of years and drew many students from Canada These 
were mostly lost after the time of the Navy Island affair, and seriously 
reduced the receipts. It continued in existence, however, until 1851, 
when the building of the Lewiston suspension bridge caused the dis- 
continuance of the ferry and the consequent failure of that endowmer^t, 
when it was closed. During the life of this old academy many young 
men were educated within its walls who in later years became promi- 
nent in public or private life. 

Lewiston was connected with Rochester by a stage line as early as 
1 8 16, and the business continued until it was displaced by railroads. 
A survey was made for the Lewiston and Junction Horse Railroad, to 
connect with the Lockport and Niagara Falls Railroad in 1835, ^^^ 
work on the line soon began. The organization was named the Lewis- 
ton Railroad Company, which was incorporated under the names of 
Bates Cooke, Jacob Townsend, Oliver Grace, Leonard Shepard, Joshua 
Fairbanks, Calvin Hotchkiss, Amos S. Tryon, Seymour Scovell, Ben- 
jamin Barton and Lothrop Cooke. The route of the road was from the 
river bank at the landing along the course of the river to a little above 
Tuscarora street; thence it turned, crossed that street, followed up 
Fourth street to Center, which it followed to its intersection with 
Portage, whence it crossed several farms to a point of junction about 
two and a half miles from the landing. The road was finished in 1837, 



296 

and though a primitive affair in all respects, it served its purpose more 
than ten years. When in 1851 the Rochester and Niagara Falls Rail- 
road was built, the charter of the horse railroad company was sold to 
the Bufifalo and Niagara Falls Railroad Company. 

The Lewiston suspension bridge was built by two incorporated com- 
panies, one on each side of the river; these were the Lewiston Suspen- 
sion Bridge Company and the Queenston Suspension Bridge Company. 
The board of directors of the Lewiston company were James Van 
Cleve, president ; Joseph E. Ways, Calvin Hotchkiss, Seymour Scovell 
and William Fitch, directors; A. V. E. Hotchkiss, secretary and treas- 
urer. Edward W. Serell had charge of the construction as engineer, 
and Thomas M. Griffith was the builder. The bridge cost $56,000 
and was opened in the spring of 185 1. The bridge was partially 
destroyed in January, 1864, and was not used after that time. Its 
ruins are still visible. 

The business growth of Lewiston seems to have been most active 
between 1845 ^"<^ the close of the war of the Rebellion, and a num- 
ber of enterprises were projected which promised to aid in the growth 
of the village. In 1851 the Legislature granted a charter for the con- 
struction of the Lewiston Water Works, the purpose being to con- 
struct a small canal to bring water from the Niagara River above the 
falls to a convenient point on the brow of the mountain near Lewiston, 
where a heavy fall could be secured for manufacturing purposes. This 
canal was projected twelve feet wide and four feet deep, and would 
have cost $175,000. The survey was made and estimates calculated ; 
but the difficulty of obtaining so large a sum of money for the purpose 
killed the enterprise. 

A large steam stone grist mill was erected on the bank of the river at 
the foot of Center street in 1824, but it had been in operation only 
about a year when it was burned. A water power mill was afterwards 
built on the river between the steamboat landing and the suspension 
bridge, but it was carried away by ice in 1844. 

The most destructive fire in the village was that of about 1867, which 
burned the Lewiston Hotel, in which it originated, and all the build- 
ings between that point and the tunnel on the railroad, with the cabinet 
shop and dwelling of Lemuel Cooke on the west side of the hotel and 
the buildings beyond. 



297 

The village has always been very inadequately supplied with appa- 
ratus for extinguishing fires, and the place has suffered severely on 
several occasions on that account. A fire company which had charge 
of a small hand engine was organized about 1838. At the present 
time there is no organized fire department. 

The first newspaper published in Lewiston was the Niagara Dem- 
ocrat, which was established in 1821 by Benjamin Ferguson ; it was re- 
moved to Lockport in the following year, when the chances of Lewiston 
being the county seat began to diminish. The paper was renamed the 
Lockport Observatory. The first number of the Lewiston Sentinel 
was issued September 20, 1822, by James D. Daly. In the following 
April it passed into the hands of Oliver Grace and was continued by 
him a few years. The Lewiston Telegraph and Ship Canal Advocate 
was established in the spring of 1837 and had a brief existence under 
management of Harrison & Mack. The Lewiston Review was pub- 
lished here for a time by Edward and William Rayment. 

Lewiston was incorporated as a village under an act of the Legisla- 
ture dated April 18, 1843. It was divided into two wards, the first 
comprising the territory east of the middle of Fifth street, and the sec- 
ond that west of that line. The first village election was held on May 
2, 1843, and the following officers elected : 

President, William Hotchkis.s; clerk, Jonathan Bell; collector, George W. Shockey ; 
treasurer, Carlton Bartlett ; constable, John T. Beardslej' ; trustees, Lothrop Cooke, 
E. A. Adams, R. H. Boughton, Nelson Cornell. The present (1897) officers are 
Wesley J. Bedenkapp, president; John Carter, Robert Pendergast, Charles A. 
Howell and J. W. H. Kelly, trustees; John C. Hooker, clerk. 

The Lewiston and Youngstown Frontier Railroad (the Old Fort 
route) was opened in 1896, as was also the Niagara Falls and Lewiston 
Railroad (i^he Great Gorge route). Both are electric lines, connecting 
the points indicated, and afford easy and quick communication with all 
the historic spots along the Niagara River. 

In 1855 Rev. J. J. Lynch, C. M , afterwards archbishop of Toronto, 
conceived the plan of erecting on the shore of Lake Erie an educational 
institution for the young of Catholic parents, and to accommodate 
those whose purpose it was to study for the Catholic ministry. Subse- 
quently a site for the institution was chosen on the Niagara River about 

two miles below Suspension Bridge. The institution, which was given 
38 



298 

the name, Seminary of Our Lady of Angels, had begun its existence 
on the lake shore and later was removed to Buffalo for a short time, 
where it had a feeble existence, until May i, 1857. Father Lynch was 
now a'ded by generous persons to purchase an old inn which stood on 
the highest point of Monteagle Ridge and there the institution was 
opened in May, 1857. Other priests were associated in its manage- 
ment and it entered on a career of prosperity. On the 20th of April, 
1863, a charter was obtained. On December 5, 1864, the building was 
almost wholly burned, one student perishing in the flames. Prompt 
measures were adopted for rebuilding. Pope Pius IX contributing 
$1,000, and the Seminary re -opened with 150 names on the roll in Sep- 
tember, 1865. At that time only one wing of the present main build- 
ing was completed. In 1866 the main structure, with a front of 214 
feet, was erected; in 1868 another wing was added. In 1874 the build- 
ing of the college chapel, 78 by 120 feet, was commenced and soon 
finished. The buildings are handsome stone structures. 

In 1883 it was erected into a university, under the present title of 
Niagara University, by the Regents of the University of the State of 
New York; its original name and individuality, however, are still pre- 
served in the department of arts and theology. In the same year a 
medical department, located in Buffalo, was organized. 

Faculty of the College— Yevy Rev. P. McHale, C. M., president; Rev. J. W. 
Hickey, C. M., professor of French; Rev. C. J. V. Eckles, C. M., professor of Latin, 
trigonometry and rhetoric; Rev. E. L. Carey, C. M., professor of mental philosophy, 
chemistry and natural philosophy ; Rev. J. V. O'Brien, C. M., professor of Latin, 
Greek and rhetoric; Rev. J. P. Cribbins, C. M., professor of mental philosophy; 
Rev. J. J. Brady, C. M., professor of astronomy and elocution; Rev. J. F. Kennedy, 
C. M., professor of Christian doctrine; Rev. J. A. Tracy, C. M., professor of Greek; 
A. L. Kraegel, professor of music; J. E. Fitzgerald, A. B., professor of differential 
and integral calculus; W. J. Kuellertz, professor of German; A. F. Veit, professor of 
German. 

Board of Trustees. — Rt. Rev. James E. Quigley, D. D., chancellor; Very Rev. 
James McGill, V. C. M. ; Very Rev. P. McHale, C. M., president; Rev. J. O. Hay- 
den, CM, vice president and treasurer; Rev. L. A. Grace, C. M., secretary and 
librarian; Rev. J. W. Hickey, C. M., Rev. C. J. Eckles, C. M., Rev. R. F. Walters, 
C. M., Rev. E. L. Carey, C. M., Hon. T. V. Welch. 

Rev. Patrick Vincent Kavanagh, C. M., whom Rev. P. McHale suc- 
ceeded as president in 1894, was born in Ireland in 1842, came to Buf- 
falo in 1849, was graduated from this seminary in 1866, and the same 



299 

year was ordained to the priesthood by the late Bishop John Timon. 
He became connected with the institution soon afterward, was elected 
vice-president in March, 1871, and in 1878 succeeded Rev. Robert 
E. V, Rice, C. M., as president, which position he held till 1894. He 
is now pastor of the Church of the Immaculate Conception of Baltimore, 
Md. 

There are a number of societies connected with the university, notably 
the R. E. V. R. Literary, organized September 20, 1866; the Basilian 
Literary, October 20, 1 869 ; the S. O. L. A. Literary, October 26, 1869 ; 
the Niagara Cecilian Association, November 20, 1869; the Sodality, 
1870; the P. V. K Shakesperian Society, October 22, 1887 ; and the 
League of the Sacred Heart, September, 1892. The first attempt at a 
college journal was Niagara's Tribute, which appeared January i, 1870. 
In 1 87 1 this sheet gave place to the Index Niagarensis, which on De- 
cember 15, 1884, became the Niagara Index, which is issued semi- 
monthly. It is edited and conducted by a staff of students appointed 
by the president, and printed in the university. 

The village of Sanborn is situated in the extreme southeastern part 
of the town on the Falls branch of the New York Central Railroad. It 
takes its name from Rev. E. C. Sanborn, an enterprising man who lo- 
cated* there in 1846. The first settler here was Seth Lyon, who took 
up lot 33 in 1826. In 1863 Rev. Grififin Smith came to the town and 
located at Pekin on the eastern town line. In 1864 he associated him- 
self with Lee R. Sanborn, son of Rev. E. C. Sanborn, in the purchase 
of land on the site of Sanborn village. The purchase included ninety 
acres lying on both sides of the railroad, and in the following year the 
tract was divided, Mr. Sanborn taking about thirty- five acres, Mr. 
Smith ten, the remainder being deeded to Ryan Smith, a brother of the 
minister. The part going to the Smiths was fenced as farm land, while 
Mr. Sanborn carried out his previously formed plan of la\ing his tract 
out in village lots and placing them in market. John Button was the 
first purchaser. Lee R. Sanborn built a saw mill here in 1854, which 
was burned July 3, 1861, and immediately rebuilt on a larger plan. 
He was a member of the Legislature in 1870 and 1871. The first post- 
master was John Starr. Sanborn Union Hall was built in 1865. A 
cheese factory was started in 1867 by a stock company, which for many 



300 

years did a large business. In 1868 Mr. Sanborn built a steam grist 
mill, which was purchased in 1875 by John Mower, who improved and 
enlarged it. It finally passed to Charles G. Sanborn, who sold it in 1 894 
to Hudson Brothers (Benjamin and James), the present owners, who 
came here from Virginia. Its daily capacity is about sixty- five barrels 
of flour and 125 bags of feed. The present merchants in the place are 
Andrew Riegel, A. L. Pierce, and L. B. Pike & Son. There is also a 
hotel kept by William D. Subberra and a few shops and artisans. 

The hamlet of Dickersonville is in the northeast part of the town and 
in early years was ofconsiderable business importance. It took its name 
from Col. Alexander Dickerson, who has been noticed as an early set- 
tler and tavern keeper there. Its business interests have almost wholly 
disappeared in more recent years. William Pool was appointed the first 
postmaster in 1850, and in 1852 was succeeded by Alexander Read, 
who was followed by Rev. Sheldon C. Townsend under whom it was 
discontinued. 

Pekin is a post-office and hamlet which is divided by the Lewiston 
and Cambria town hne, and has been noticed in the history of the latter 
town. 

Model City is a recent production of the modern " land boomers' " 
enterprise. Its chief promoter was William T. Love, who about four 
years ago conceived the idea of founding, in the north part of this town, 
a city on scientific and artistic principles. He received options on 
large tracts of land, surveyed them out into city lots, and for two or 
three years "boomed" the place. He also obtained franchises from 
the State Legislature for an unlimited water supply from Niagara 
River, and projected a gigantic canal for this purpose upon which about 
$40,000 were expended. A few buildings were erected, including a 
union church in 1895, and streets were laid out and some grading done. 
On December 19, 1896, F. W. Moore started a newspaper called the 
Model City Power, which on April i, 1897, passed to John E. Strayer, 
who removed the outfit in June to Lewiston. Model City is now a 
station on the R. W. & O. Railroad. 

The first religious society organized in this town was the later First 
Presbyterian Society, which effected its organization in June, 18 17, as 
the First Religious Society of Lewiston. The first trustees were Eras- 




KHV. P. T. MULLANEY. 



30I 

tus Park, Josiah Shepard, Aaron Childs, Augustus Porter, Rufus Spald- 
ing, Elijah Ransom, and Benjamin Barton. The first preacher was 
Rev. David M. Smith, who came in August, 1817; he resigned in 1821. 
Between the years 1825 and 1835 the structure known as "the stone 
church " was erected which has remained in good condition to the pres- 
ent time. The church was reorganized in 1854. Rev. L. G. Marsh is 
pastor. 

St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church of Lewiston is noticed with 
other churches of the denomination in the chapter devoted to Lock- 
port. 

St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church of Lewiston was organized as 
early as 185 i, when the first records in existence were commenced, and 
when Rev. W. C. Stephens was the resident priest. He remained till 
1856 or later. Rev. Patrick Thomas Mullaney is the present rector in 
charge, coming in June, 1885, as Father Morris O'Shea's successor. 
The society owns a frame church and rectory. 

The Methodist church at Sanborn was organized February, 8, 1868, 
with Rev. George Kittenger as the first pastor. Meetings were held in 
various places until 1873, when a handsome church edifice was finished 
at a cost of about $6,000. 

The Methodist church at Dickersonville was organized about 1850 
or 1855, and an edifice was built on land donated by Rev. Sheldon C. 
Townsend, who was the first preacher. 

A Universalist church had a flourishing existence at Lewiston for 
several years, but finally ceased as an organization. Their old frame 
edifice was converted into business uses about ten years ago. 

There is a Baptist church at Sanborn which was built about twenty 
years since. 



302 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

THE TOWN OF WILSON. 

This town was erected in the same year with Lewiston, but a Httle 
later, the date being April lo, 1818, when it was set ofif from Porter. 
It is one of the northern tier of towns in the county and borders the 
lake shore. It received its name from Reuben Wilson, one of the most 
prominent pioneers of this locality. The surface of the town is gener- 
ally level and productive. The east branch of Twelve- mile Creek 
crosses the town near the center, and the west branch crosses the north- 
west corner. 

The first town meeting was held April 6, 18 19, at the house of David 

Porter, and the following officers elected: 

Supervisor, Reuben Wilson ; town clerk, Daniel Holmes; assessors, David Bur- 
gess, John Carter, and Henry Lockwood ; collector, Oramel Hartwell ; overseers of 
the poor, Abner Grossman, and Burgoyne Kemp; commissioners of highways, James 
McKinney, Joshua Williams, and John Carter; constables, Oramel Hartwell and 
Joshua D. Coller; excise commissioners, Alexander Douglas, Reuben Wilson and 
Joshua Williams; fenceviewers, Jeremiah Whipple, Hiel Bixby, and Burgoyne 
Kemp; poundmaster, Elisha Stevens. 

Reuben Wilson was then a justice and presided at this meeting. In 
1824 a portion of the original town was set off to form Newfane. 

The first meeting voted $250 for bridge purposes, and $25 for the 
support of the poor. Bounties were placed on wolves killed, and other 
usual regulations were voted for governing the community. 

The following is a complete list of supervisors since the organization 

of the town: 

In 1819-29, Reuben Wilson; 1830-32, John Carter; 1833-42, Luther Wilson; 1843- 
45, Robert L. McChesney; 1846-47, Samuel R. Merwin ; 1848, Alexander Pettit; 
1849, Russell Robinson; 1850, R. L. McChesney; 1851, Reuben F. Wilson ; 1852, Cur- 
tis Pettit ; 1853, Alexander Pettit; 1854, Orsemus Ferris; 1855-56, Luther Wilson; 
1857, Orsemus Ferris; 1858, Henry N. Johnson; 1859-61, Ralph Stockwell; 1862-63, 
Tunis Outwater; 1864, David O. Jeffery; 1865, Benjamin Farley; 1860, Alexander 



303 

Pettit; 1867, Richard C. Holmes; 1868-70, William Hamblin ; 1871-74, Benjamin 
Dearborn; 1875-77, Ralph Stockwell; 1878-80, Edward Baker; 1881, Stephen C. 
Wakcman; 1882, A. Douglass Pease; 1883-84, Martin S. Gifford; 1885-86, O. S. 
McChesney; 1887-90, Samuel H. Petit; 1891-92, William H. Holmes; 1893-96, Sam- 
uel H. Petit (resigned January 1, 1896, and T. A. Blake appointed to fill vacancy); 
1896-98, J. W. Hackett. 

The other town officers for 1897 ^^^ '• 

Charles N. Markle, town clerk; John C. Miller, Warren A. Bush, Jacob D. Irish, 
and Jay K. Johnson, justices of the peace; Samuel O. Isdell, George L. Griffin, and 
Walter E. Wetmore, assessors; Edward M. Woodcock, collector; Charles Deitz, 
highway commissioner; E. A. Johnson, and Edward Barker, overseers of the poor. 

There were only a few settlers in this town prior to the war of 181 2. 
Henry Lockwood came from Canada in 1808 and took 100 acres of 
land from the Holland Land Company on lot yy, in the extreme north- 
east corner of the town. He built his log house near the mouth of a 
small stream that long bore his name, and there lived until the breaking 
out of the war. At the close of the war the place was transferred to 
John Cudaback who lived there, as also did J. S. Cudaback. 

In the same year (1808) Robert Waterhouse came from Connecticut 
and settled on lot i in the extreme south part of the town. In 1809 
Stephen Sheldon, from Jefferson county, N. Y., came with his large 
family and located on the east branch of Twelve- mile Creek, half a 
mile from its mouth, where he built a rude dwelling place. Lots 8 and 
9 had previously been assigned to him hy the Holland Company. In 
the spring of 181 i he built a better house at the mouth of the creek, 
moved into it and there died in the fall of 181 2. His family remained 
there until the house was burned by the British. They afterward re- 
built near by and lived there many years. In the summer of 18 14 
Smith Sheldon, the third son of the pioneer, was working with four 
others for a Captain Brown, near Four-inile Creek, when Brown and all 
of his help was captured by British troops and taken to Quebec, where 
Mr. Sheldon died on a prison ship. 

The settlements in the town were considerably increased in 18 10. It 
was in that year that Reuben Wilson, John Eastman and Gilbert Purdy 
left the Canadian shore near Toronto in April, the two former accom- 
panied by their families, with household and farm utensils They 
rowed around the head of Lake Ontario in open bateaux, camping on 



304 

the shores at night, and in the early part of June they arrived at the 
mouth of Twelve-mile Creek. A mile and a half east of there they 
landed, unloaded their effects, and by the aid of the boats turned bot- 
tom up and enclosed at the sides with bark, made a temporary abiding 
place. They lived thus three months, during which time Wilson and 
Eastman had each completed a substantial log house. John Eastman 
had in 1809 taken an article for 100 acres on lot 82, and there resided 
until 18 18, when he exchanged places with James Cole and removed 
into the eastern part of Hartland. 

Reuben Wilson gave the following among other reminiscences to 
Turner: 

When I came in (1819), there was scarcely an acre of ground cleared in what is now 
Wilson. There was no road up and down the lake. In the fall of 1811 there was a 
road opened from Fort Niagara to Somerset; it was generally along the lake shore, 
though deviating at the streams; at its termination, a foot path contini:ed on to 
Johnson's creek on the Ridge road. . . The first year after I came in I had my 
provisions to procure from Canada ; the second year, I raised my own; at the end 
of two years, I had fifteen acres of improvements. When I first began to raise grain 
I had to go across to Port Hope and Hamilton for my grinding. Even after mills 
were built upon the Purchase, it was easier to go across the lake, than to travel the 
new roads. . . . Previous to the war myself and neighbors did our trading at 
Niagara. Dr. Alvord and Dr. Smith, of Lewiston, were our early physicians. We 
had no meetings or schools previous to the war; after it, and up to 1820, we had but 
occasional preaching in the neighborhood by missionaries. We organized a school 
in 1815, built a log school house; Dr. Warner was our first teacher. He was both 
teacher and physician. Our school commenced with only 13 or 15 scholars. A 
saw mill was built in 1815 at the mouth of Twelve-mile Creek, by Daniel Sheldon 
and Joshua Williams. I purchased the proj^erty in 1816, and built a grist mill in 
1835. 

Reuben Wilson was a native of Massachusetts, migrated to Otsego 
county, N. Y., in 1805 and went thence to Coburg, Canada, in 1807. 
After his arrival in Wilson he took up 170 acres of land on lot 82 for 
which he paid $2.50 per acre. Besides erecting his buildings he cleared 
ten acres the first year and in the second raised a crop of wheat which 
more than supplied his family, which then consisted of seven persons. 
To get his grain ground he had to cross the lake to Port Hope or 
Hamilton. Niagara was the nearest trading point. In 18 16 Mr. Wil- 
son purchased a saw mill which had been built the previous year, 
probably by Joshua Williams and Daniel Sheldon ; it was situated on 
Twelve- mile Creek, and his son Luther took charge of the mill. He 



305 

erected a dwelling near this mill into which he moved in i8i8. In 
1825 he associated his son Luther with himself in business and in the 
same year completed the first grist mill in the town ; it stood near the 
saw mill, and was a great convenience to the settlers. Prior to that 
time and in 18 17, or thereabouts, a great oak stump had been hollowed 
out and a spring pole and pestle attached, to which the people brought 
corn to pound into course meal from a wide district ; this primitive mill 
was on the Lake road, and was the only means of grinding until the 
Wilson mill was completed. The Wilsons also opened a store in 1825, 
and the family took a leading part in all town affairs. Reuben Wil- 
son's son Owen was the first white child born in the town. The first 
marriage was that of Luther Wilson to Sarah Stephens, and the first 
death was that of Stephen Sheldon. 

The Lake Shore road was the first one opened and improved in this 
town, extending east from Fort Niagara ; it was cut through in 1811 
and the earliest settlements were made along its course. The road ex- 
tending from Youngstown to Van Horn's mill was laid out in July, 
1 8 16, by Abner Grossman and George Sheldon, road commissioners, 
and was surveyed by Joseph Aiken. The so-called Town Line road, 
running between the seventh and eighth ranges of townships from Lake 
Ontario to the Pennsylvania line, was the first opened extending south 
from the lake, and was surveyed in May, 18 16. It originally ran south 
from the lake two miles and then southwest to that corner of this town. 
It was straightened on the old line in November, 18 19. The road 
running south from the lake between lots 72 and 82 was laid out in 
1818. 

The Wilson house was not burned by the British through the fol- 
lowing narrated occurrence : 

At the time of the raid George Ash was staying at the Wilson home with his 
famih', and starting for his farm in Porter on horseback he met a party of the en- 
emy about six miles west of Wilson's. He was leading his horse and the animal was 
frightened and escaped. He fled homeward on foot and arrived in time to alarm part 
of the neighborhood. The few cattle in the immediate vicinity, about 25 head, were 
speedily collected and started down the lake, driven by Reuben Wilson, then a boy 
of fifteen years, who pressed them on in advance, passing Van Horn's about sun- 
down, with the enemy then in sight. A few of the cows had bells which Reuben, 
fearing they might be heai'd, stuffed with dried leaves and continued on five miles 
beyond, where he rested for the night. The next day he returned after the destruc- 
39 



3o6 

tion of the mill and the retreat of the invaders. The British upon coming up to 
Mr. Wilson's made him their prisoner, but paroled him upon his word that he would 
remain at home until their return. Captain Scott, who was in command of the 
troops, was a very humane officer and seeing the scanty supplies of the settlers and 
realizing the utter destitution which a strict fulfillment of his instructions would 
cause, sent his orderly sergeant with George Ash back from Mr. Wilson's to the fort 
to portray to the officer in command the situation of the inhabitants and induce him 
to countermand the orders in a measure at least, but he could not be influenced to 
relent. Mr. Ash was retained as a prisoner and the sergeant was sent back to his 
company with word to Captain Scott to carry out his orders to the letter. On the 
return of the troops the next day, a small squad who were in advance of the 
main body, driving some cattle which had been picked up, called at Mr. Wilson's 
and forced him to go with them. The main body coming up, Mrs. Wilson had no 
little trouble in convincing the officers that her hnsband had not forfeited his word 
and voluntarily left. The officers remained at Mrs. Wilson's house over night, par- 
taking of food prepared by Mrs. Wilson. For this hospitality, and the fact that the 
house stood about 20 rods from the main road, it was not burned by them. Mr. Wil- 
son was kept at the fort about ten days, when he was released on parole and re- 
turned to his family. He afterwards received many favors at the hands of the 
British officers at the fort. 

Gilbert Purdy, before mentioned, after assisting Wilson and Eastman 
to build their houses, went westward up the lake, and in the fall of 1810 
obtained an article for lOO acres of land on lot 26. In the following 
winter he built a house there and in the spring moved his family from 
Coburg. He died therein 181 3. His family were burned out by the 
British and soon thereafter abandoned their home and returned to 
Canada. 

Erastus Barnard came from Royalton in the summer of 18 10 and 
lived for a time with Stephen Sheldon, who was his father-in-law. He 
took up land on lot 16, made slight improvements, but sold it soon after 
the war and removed to Porter, A German named May settled in the 
same year on lot 41, where the late Lawrence Thompson resided. He 
left the place in 181 2, fearing depredation by the Indians, and never 
returned. 

Dexter P. Sprague and Robert Edwards came from Vermont in the 
fall of 1 8 10 and settled on lot 6^. At the commencement of the war 
Mr. Sprague removed his family to the Ridge, in Hartland, and in 181 5 
sold his land to Adam Stevens, who resided there until his death. Mr. 
Edwards was a captain in the militia and remained on his place until the 
first day of the raid, when he fled with his family to the home of an 



307 

acquaintance on the Ridge. His place soon afterward passed to David 
Porter. James Meeker settled in the same fall on lOO acres on lot 91, 
and Andrew Loys, from Canada, on lot 75. Both these pioneers 
erected buildings, but fled through fear and did not return. 

Three Germans from the Mohawk Valley, named respectively Vos- 
beck, Wood and Gray, came into the town together in 18 10. Each had 
previously taken an article for a quarter section of land, Vosbeck and 
Gray on lot 25, and Wood on lot 24. The anticipated terrors of coming 
war, of which they had heard from their forefathers in the Revolution, 
drove them away after making considerable improvements. Their 
farms were afterwards purchased by Stephen, John and David Tower, 
three brothers, who moved on them from Massachusetts in 18 18 and 
became prominent citizens. 

Elijah Mallory, of Coburg, Can., settled on lot 82 in 181 i. As he 
owned a team of horses, he was required by the government to aid in 
constructing the log causeway from Wright's Corners to Warren's Cor- 
ners ; he was afterwards detailed to haul supplies from Williamsville, 
which was a military depot, to Buffalo, and died while in that service. 
His family remained in Wilson many years. 

With the outbreak of the war immigration almost wholly ceased for 
about three years, but was actively renewed in 18 15- 16. Daniel and 
George Sheldon, sons of Stephen Sheldon, were residing in Kingston, 
Can., at the beginning of the war, and were drafted into the British 
service; but they succeeded in escaping and in 18 14 came to this town. 
George afterwards located on lot 17, and Daniel in company with 
Joshua W^illiams, built the first saw mill in 18 15. It stood on the west 
bank of Twelve-mile Creek about half a mile from its mouth. 

Richard and William Knowles were also drafted into the British 
service, and escaped to come to Wilson, the former locating on the west 
part of lot 8 and the latter on the north part of lot 7. Henry Barber 
and Nathan Pratt left Canada to escape the draft and in 18 15 settled in 
Wilson, the former on lot 89 and the latter on lot 7. John Carter set- 
tled on the southwest part of lot 72 in the same year. 

Abraham Hutchins came from Livingston county in 1816, took up 
the whole of lot 88, on which he settled. He was a soldier in the war, and 
had an exciting experience. In 18 17 John Haze, from Coburg, settled 



3o8 

on lot 7 ; Nathan Sherwood on lot 9, the northeast part, and James Cole 
on the east part of lot 82 ; he had previously located on the Ridge. From 
this time onward settlers came in rapidly and the lands were soon all 
taken up. Many of these families are noticed in Part III. 

T. T. Upton opened the first tavern in the town in 1818 ; it was situ- 
ated a short distance west of the site of Wilson village. Benjamin Douglas 
is said to have set up the first ashery in the town in 18 17 and opened a 
small store on Twelve- mile Creek near the grist mill site. He died soon 
afterward and his business passed to Reuben and Luther Wilson. Peter 
Furrow, the first mason to locate in the town, came from Massachusetts 
and settled on lot 25 ; he did most of the mason work in Wilson village 
up to 1840. 

The post office in the town was opened about 1825, with Reuben 
Wilson, postmaster, his son Luther acting as deputy. Daniel Holmes 
was the first contractor to bring the mail through from Olcott to 
Youngstown. 

The first and only tannery established in the town was that of Simon 
Sheldon, which was built about 1825. It stood on the northwest corner 
of lot 7. The business was suspended after four or five years. Jere- 
miah Whipple built a distillery about 1826, two miles west of Wilson 
village ; it was operated only a few years. 

Among other prominent residents of Wilson, past and present may 

be mentioned : 

Jar4d H. Ackerman, on lot 58; Hiram K. Burton, on lot 30; Gilbert Brown on lot 
72; Andrew Brown on lot 90; Ozro Bachelder on lot 17; William Burton on lot 20; 
F. F. Barnum on lot 5; Elmer A. Bickford, produce dealer; Erwin Burton on lot 49; 
Calvin Bowker, on lot 15; Daniel Carter on lot 81 ; Grant Cuddeback; John J. Gush- 
ing on lot 68; Daniel Dwight on lot 26; Benjamin Farley on lot 48 (he was sheriff of 
Niagara county in 1857 and member of assembly in 1867-68); Orsemus Ferris 
on lot 14; R. A. Ferris, on lot 53; Enoch Fitch in the west part of the town; 
Nathan Gallup; Hiram H. Goodenough; Hiram Gifford on lot 3; William Hamblm 
and son Eli N ; John Hill; Daniel Holmes, the first town clerk, on lot 73, and his son, 
Richard Holmes, the first mail carrier, on lot 72, and later on lot 31 ; J. C. Hopkins 
oa lot 38; Abram Hutchings, a soldier of 1812, and his son J. Harvey; John John- 
son and his sons Joseph F., Levi L. and Harvey N. ; William A. Knowles son of 
Richard, the pioneer, on lot 8; Guy W. Loomis on lot 70; James M. Morse on lot 69; 
Capt. Sewall B. Miller on lot 81 ; David H. McDonald; William H. Miller; William 
H. Mudge; Capt James M. Newman on lot 63; Curtis and Alexander Pettit on lot 
71; William O. Pettit, son of Samuel, on lot 72; George T. Parker on lot 21; Cal- 
vin Pratt and son Lorenzo N. on lot 82; Enoch Pease on lot 91 ; Christopher Palmer 




A. N. DWIGHT 



309 

on lotBS; Reuben Palmer on lot 89; Enoch Sanborn, son of Hon. Lee R. Sanborn, 
on lot 14. where he built the first cheese factory in town; Homer Svvick, Samuel 
Adams, Perrin C. Bailey, T. A. Blake, James G. O. Brown, William Brown, Will- 
iam Dailey, Cephus Eaves, Frank B. Farley, P. W. Folger, William Goodfellow, 
Justus W. Hackett, John A. Hamblin, John S. and Sanford Hague, William H. 
Holmes, Eugene Loomis, Stephen H. Morris, James M. Morse, Delos Nelson, Clin- 
ton and George Pettit, John and Thomas Pettit, Rufus W. Pratt, James Reynolds, 
(iuy M. and Perry W. Saulsbury, Edward Stacey, Wilbur C. Stacey, Ralph Stock- 
well, Benjamin SutherlaTnd, Augustus W. and Harvey P. Swick, Homer and Herbert 
(i. Swick, Arthur E. and C. Edgar Swick, Alexander and Charles Thompson, 
Frank H. Tower, Salem and Peter Tower, Stephen C. Wakeman, Elisha Wilcox, 
Charles A. and Frank Wilson, Benjamin Wilson. 

There was no resident physician in Wilson until 1824, when Dr. 
Jonathan Thayer came from Dutchess county and purchased of Reuben 
Wilson 100 acres of land on lot 73, where he lived and practiced his 
profession many years. Previous to his coming Drs Alvord and Smith 
of Lewiston, and Dr. Warner, of Olcott, visited this town as needed. 
Tlie first lawyer in this town was Sylvester Parsons, jr., who located at 
Wilson village in 1840. 

Wilson, the only considerable village in this town is beautifully situ- 
ated on the lake shore at the mouth of Twelve mile Creek. The village 
takes its name, of course, from its founders, Reuben and Luther Wil- 
son, whose early mills here have been noticed. The place was laid out 
originally by Luther Wilson in 1827, and then consisted of only a tier 
of lots on the north side of Young street, from Lake street to the creek. 
On these streets a little hamlet gathered around the first mills and the 
store opened by the Wilsons. No extension of these streets and lots 
was made until 1847, when Mr. Wilson made what was called the 
Wilson addition, and in the same year Simon Sheldon added the so- 
called Wood plat in the south part. Other additions were subsequently 
made by Andrew Brown and John Onderdonk. 

Wilson was made an incorparated village by act of the Legislature 
passed May i i, 1858. The corporation boundaries were made to in- 
clude 416 acres, and the population at that time had reached a little 
more than 700. The first village officers chosen were as follows: 
Luther Wilson, president ; Luren D. Wilson, Reuben F. Wilson, Henry 
S. McChesney, and William P. Grout, trustees; John Hosmer, clerk. 

In 1837 Luther Wilson enlarged his gristmill and added steam 



310 

power for its operation. It was later a distillery, operated by Thomas 
T. Martin, and was burned about 1888 The village in its early history 
was very largely indebted to Mr. Wilson's enterprise for its prosperity. 
He opened the first tavern in 1829, and in 1844 built a large stone 
hotel on the corner of Young and Lake streets, which burned in July, 
1894, and with it the First Presbyterian church. 

In 1846 he obtained permission from the secretary of war at Wash- 
ington to extend piers into the lake at the mouth of Twelve- mile 
Creek; in that year he constructed two piers 200 feet long. The har- 
bor thus begun was greatly improved after that, and all the work down 
to 1867 was under Mr. Wilson's supervision. An act of the Legisla- 
ture passed May 9, 1867, incorporated the Wilson Harbor Company, 
with a capital of $10,000. Some further improvements were made by 
this company, but work was suspended in 1870, when it passed into 
the control of the government. Since about 1878 the piers have been 
slightly extended, a breakwater built, and some dredging done, at an 
expense of between $30,000 and $40,000. 

In 1846 Mr. Wilson built a storehouse at the harbor, and began buy- 
ing and shipping grain and fruit, which was of great benefit to the 
fanning community. In the same year he also established a ship yard 
where he built for his own use the vessel R. F. Wilson, which was em 
ployed in carrying freight between this port and Oswego. Through 
the influence of himself, William D. Grout, and Vincent Seeley the 
place was made a port of entry in 1848, and Abram Vosburgh ap- 
pointed collector. Mr. S Vosburgh is the present incumbent. 

The village in past years has been quite a boat building point, about 
sixteen vessels having been built here. Among former merchants 
were William P Grout, Benjamin Dearborn, Hezekiah Seeley, and Lu- 
ther Wilson. The first lawyer was Sylvester Parsons, jr., whose par- 
ents came here from Maine in 1840. The first blacksmith was Henry 
Johnson, about 1824. 

The present business interests of the village are in the hands of 
Charles N Markle and A. L. Welch, general stores; Edward Whittle- 
ton and George W. Perrigo, hardware; L. Eugene Henry, Elmer A. 
Johnson (also postmaster), Warren A Bush, O. E. Vosburgh. and 
J. W. Hackett, groceries; Charles O. Storrs and J. S. Burgess, shoes^ 




CHARLES H. HONEYWELL. 



I 



3'i 

etc., Mrs. E. A. Jones and Eliphalet Swain, drugs ; A. H. Reed, furni- 
ture and undertaking ; L. A. and S. A. Perrigo, millinery ; A. N. 
Dwight, lumber; the Barnum iron foundry ; E. F. Barton, harnesses; 
Chapman & Litchards (successors to Bush & Chapman), steam grist 
mill. There are also two handsome hotels — Hotel Sutherland, built in 
1895 on the site of the Ontario House, which was burned, and the 
Tower Hotel, erected in 1896 where the American House had stood. 

The Wilson Creamery Company was organized in 1894 with S. H. 
Pettit, president ; C. N. Markle, secretary; and J. W. Eggleston, treas- 
urer. Butter was manufactured until 1897, when the manufacture of 
cheese was substituted. The present officers are Hervey Sanford, pres- 
ident, and Charles N. Markle, secretary and treasurer. 

The Star, a bright weekly newspaper, was started in Wilson in Octo- 
ber, 1878, by Tower & Betts, who in November of the same year sold 
it to Charles E. Honeywell, the present editor and proprietor. 

Charles E. Honeywell, editor and publisher of the Star, was born in 
Toronto, Canada, March 2, 1852, and is a son of John Honeywell and 
Isabella Bridgford, his wife. His father was a lieutenant and his great- 
grandfather, David Honeywell, was a colonel in the English army. His 
maternal great grandfather, John Stegman, was the first surveyor in 
Niagara county, and acquired Goat Island at the Falls from the Indians. 
Mr. Honeywell was educated in his native city, and learned the trade 
of printer there, first on the Toronto Leader and afterward on the Tele- 
gram. He was then a journeyman for several years, and in 1878 came 
to Wilson, Niagara county, and purchased The Star, of which he has 
since been the publisher and editor. Mr. Honeywell has one of the 
best equipped country printing offices in the county, and has placed his 
paper among the leaders of Niagara journals. He is a member of On- 
tario Lodge No. 376, F. & A. M., and of other organizations. March 
3, 1879, he married Sarah, daughter of Charles Myers, of Wilson. 

The officers of Wilson village for 1897 are Jay K. Johnson, president ; 
Artiuir Ackerman, and L Eugene Henry, trustees; Charles O. Storrs, 
clerk ; John S. Wilson, collector; Justus W. Hackett, treasurer ; William 
Albright and F^red M. Tabor, assessors; Lorenzo S. Wilson, Thomas 
Moore and John Nelson, street commissioners. 

As far as is now known the first school in this town was taught 



312 

evenings in 1817 by Luther Wilson, for the benefit of adults. It was 
continued through the months of January and February in a dwelling 
about a mile south of the site of the village. The first school house 
was built of logs in 18 19 on the Lake road about a mile and a half 
east of Wilson village. Dr. Warner taught the first day school there 
in that year. Another log school house, the first in the village, was 
built in 1820, on the site where was subsequently erected Luther Wil- 
son's stone residence. Almira Welch was the first teacher there, and 
was succeeded by David Murray. The town was divided into dis- 
tricts as seemed to be needed, the number in i860 being seventeen; 
there are now fourteen with a school house in each, and the schools 
are well maintained. 

In 1845 ^ number of persons who were deeply interested in the 
cause of education adopted measures to establish in Wilson an institu- 
tion for higher education. A subscription paper was circulated which 
was generously headed by Luther Wilson with $500. A considerable 
sum was soon pledged and in that year a large two-story stone struc- 
ture was built on a site donated by Simon Sheldon. The institution was 
incorporated by the Regents of the University February 19, 1846, under 
the name of the Wilson Collegiate Institute. It was opened with Ben- 
jamin Wilcox, principal, and David H. Davis, assistant. The institute 
was moderately successful for a number of years, but ultimately the re- 
ceipts for tuition upon which it depended for support, became inade- 
quate, and in the fall of 1869 the institution was merged in Union 
School District No. i, which consisted of four school districts of the im- 
mediate vicinity. The trustees of the institute deeded to the union dis- 
trict trustees the property of the former, in accordance with a legislative 
enactment, thus making it a free school. The first board of education 
of the union school was composed of H. N. Johnson, president; Syl- 
vester Parsons, Vincent Seeley, J. G. O. Brown, Jerome Gififord, Henry 
Sanford, Henry Perry, W. Richardson and Lorenzo Pratt. An aca- 
demic department was opened in this school in 1870. The first princi- 
pal was Prof. S. C. Hall. The present principal of the school, is H. C. 
Hustleby. 

The board of education consists of Hervey Sanford, president ; Charles 
N. Markle, secretary ; George L. Griffin, James J. Harrington, L. Eu- 



313 

gene Henry, Samuel O. Isdell, Benjamin Sutherland and David Morse. 
Elmer A. Johnson is president. 

Besides Wilson village there are in the town three other small ham- 
lets and post offices, viz., East Wilson, formerly called Beebe's Corners, 
in the southeast part of the town. It has also been known as the Marsh 
Settlement, from Joseph Marsh, one of the pioneers of the locality. 
Other early settlers there were Reuben Streeter, William Woodcock, 
Potter Roberts, John Pollard and Barnabas Whitney. A steam saw mill 
was formerly operated here, and burned in 1897. The place contains a 
grocery store, two cooper shops, one blacksmith and one wagon shop, a 
cider mill, etc. 

South Wilson is in the southern central part of the town ; it is a mere 
hamlet and post office. 

Maple Street is a post office in the east central part of the town. 

In I 812 a burial ground was opened just northeast of Wilson village 
and later another on Reuben Wilson's land near the grist mill. In 1846 
a regular burying ground was established on the Town Line road. 
Luther Wilson, in 1851, donated a site of seven acres to a legally con- 
stituted board of trustees ; this is known as Greenwood Cemetery. 

The first church organized in this town was of the Presbyterian faith 
and was largely the result of effisrts of John Holmes and his son Daniel. 
The organization was efTected at a meeting held at the house of Mr. 
Holmes (then in Kempville in what is now the town of Newfane) on 
January 18, 1 8 19, with six members. John and Daniel Holmes were 
made ruling elders of the church, by Rev. David M. Smith, who was 
then pastor of the Lewiston church. Within the next five years the 
membership of the society was considerably increased. The first regu- 
lar pastor was Rev. l^benezer Everett, who came in 1823. Up to 1834 
the meetings were held principally in the school house south of Wilson 
village, but in that year a church edifice was erected in the village on a 
lot donated by Reuben Wilson. A revival followed and the society in- 
creased rapidly. This church, as the first organized in the town, re- 
ceived 100 acres of land from the Holland Company. This was sold 
about 1833 and the proceeds used for the purchase of property near 
the school house before mentioned, the dwelling thereon being used as 
a parsonage and for meetings until 1838; it was then sold and a lot on 

40 



314 

Lake street, in the village, purchased and a parsonage built. This was 
sold in 1855, and the present brick parsonage on Mechanic street pur- 
chased. The church, together with the stone hotel, was burned July 
10, 1894, and in 1896-97 the present handsome brick and stone edifice 
was erected on about the same site at a cost of about $8,000. 

Meetings of Baptists were held in this town as early as December, 
1833, in the house of Russell Robinson, and later in the school house in 
District No. 4. As a result of labors of Rev. Amos Reed, then of New- 
fane, about forty persons experienced religion in 1834. In May, 1834, 
a branch of the Newfane church was formed with about ten members. 
This branch was recognized as a separate organization at a meeting 
held October 23 of that year. It was received into the Niagara Bap- 
tist Association June II, 1835, with twenty-one members. Meetings 
were held in various places until April 21, 1838, when the first one 
gathered in the school house at " Wilson Four Corners," which was the 
beginning of Baptist services in Wilson village. In March, 1847, a site 
on the west side of Lake street was purchased of Luther Wilson and a 
house built for the pastor, who was then Rev. B. F. Burr. This prop- 
erty was sold in 1866 and a more commodious parsonage bought in the 
west part of the village. In the early part of 1843 the erection of the 
stone church was commenced on a lot donated by Luther Wilson. 
This was torn down and in 1880 the present wooden edifice was 
built on the site. There have been a great number of changes in 
the pastorate, but the society is now in a reasonably active condition. 

A Methodist class was formed in Wilson probably as early as 1820. 
The first quarterly meeting of the Lewiston Circuit, of which this 
class formed a part, that was held in Wilson took place July 8, 
1826. Wilson remained in that circuit nineteen years. In August, 1 842, 
Wilson village was set apart as a separate station. The society was in- 
corporated December 28, 1836, with John Haze, Daniel Terry, Samuel 
R. Merwin, Cyrus Case, Luther Wilson, Samuel Healy and Sylvester Hos- 
mer, trustees. The erection of a frame church was begun in 1837 o" ^ lot 
donated by Andrew Brown. The parsonage was erected in 1846. The 
old frame church was finally removed and is now used as a town hall, 
and in 1883-84 the Exley M. E. church was built, of brick, on the site. 

A Free Methodist class was organized at Wilson, as a branch of the 



3'5 

Porter church, about 1865, with a small membership. In 1874 a lot 
was purchased in Wilson village, on Washington street, through the 
generosity of a few men, on which was a dwelling and a large wagon 
shop. The latter was rebuilt and converted into a church and is used 
by the society. The church belonged to the Porter and Wilson Circuit 
until 1877 when it was transferred to the Lockport and Newfane 
Circuit. 

In the southeast part of this town was formed what was known as the 
Chestnut Street M. E. church. It is situated on lot 56 Marsh road. A 
church building was erected in 1871. 

There is also an Evangelical Lutheran church on the Beebe road, in 
the southeast part of the town, and a German Lutheran church about 
one-half mile north. St. Peter's Lutheran church, located on the Nel- 
son road, was burned in July, 1893, having been abandoned some time 
previously. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

THE TOWN OF SOMERSET. 

The town of Somerset was erected F'ebruary 8, 1823, from Hartland. 
It was reduced in its area by the setting off of a part of the present town 
of Newfane. It lies in the northeast corner of the county and is bounded 
on the north by Lake Ontario. The surface is generally level and the 
soil a sandy or clayey loam. Golden Hill Creek crosses the town in a 
northeasterly direction in the central and eastern parts, and Fish Creek 
in a similar direction in the western part. A small salt spring was dis- 
covered in early years near the mouth of Fish Creek, from which salt 
was made to a limited extent. The town contains about 23.314 acres. 

The first town meeting was held April i, 1823. at the house of Silas 
Meade, and the following officers elected : 

Supervisor, James Wisner; town clerk, Samuel Palmer; assessors, Nathaniel Pond, 
jr.. Ezra Reade, and James Hess; collector, John Sherwood; overseers of the i^oor, 
Samuel Coleman, James Stevens; commissioners of highways, James Hess, Samuel 



3i6 

Coleman, and Joseph S. Bailey ; commissioners of schools, David Barker, Heman 
Pratt, and Jacob Albright ; inspectors of schools, Peter Hess, William Mosher, and 
Josiah Bullen; constables, John Sherwood, William Palmer. 

The supervisors of Somerset have been as follows : 

In 1823, James Wisner; 1824-26, Samuel Palmer; 1827-28, John Sherwood ; 1829- 
33, Roswell Downer; 1834, David Barker; 1835, John McNitt; 1836, John Sherwood, 
1837-38, David Barker; 1839-42, Jeptha W. Babcock; 1843-44, Morgan Van Wagoner; 
1845, Johnson Aldrich; 1846-48, Charles B. Lane; 1849, Samuel S. Rising; 1850, 
Stephen T. Peckham ; 1851, Emmor K. Gardner; 1852, Samuel S. Rising; 1853, 
George K. Hood ; 1854, Morgan Van Wagoner ; 1855, Pixley M. Humphrey ; 1856, 
Vernon D. Bateman ; 1857, Morgan Van Wagoner; 1858, Guy C. Humphrey; 1859, 
Samuel S. Rising; 1860, 1861, Guy C. Humphrey; 1862-64, George M. Swain; 1865, 
Henry B. Miller; 1866-69, Oscar E. Mann; 1870-72, George K. Hood; 1873, Oscar 
E. Mann; 1874-75, George M. Swain; 1876-80, Guy C. Humphrey; 1881-82, Charles 
W. Wilcox ; 1883, Andrew M. Armstrong ; 1884-88, Charles F. Ackerson ; 1889-90, 
Andrew M. Armstrong; 1891-92, Charles F. Ackerson: 1893-96, Andrew M. Arm- 
strong; 1897-98, Wallace E. Peacock. 

Henry H. Frost was town clerk in 1868-70 and from 1872 to 1881, when he was 
succeeded by his son, S. W. Frost, who has filled the office ever since. The other 
town officers for 1897 are Loren Church, William L. Atwater, William P. Hoffman, 
and Eldridge Lewis, justices of the peace ; George B. Hood, Prentice Fox, and Elmer 
Perry, assessors; Charles N. Taylor, collector; Bennett Eaton, highway commis- 
sioner; and Richard Ray and Curtis G. Lum, overseers of the poor. 

The first settler within this town was Jacob Fitts, who came with his 
family in i8io to what is now Olcott, in the town of Newfane, where 
his wife had a relative then living. This relative was one of the Kemp 
family, and when Mr. Fitts reached what is now Wright's Corners, they 
turned northerly to the lake. In locating Mr. Fitts, his relative guided 
him along a road which he had cut along the lake shore for the Holland 
Company to a point opposite what is now Somerset Corners, and about 
a mile and a half distant from it. The farm there settled long remained 
in possession of the Fitts family. 

Mr, Fitts soon had neighbors in the persons of Archibald Whitton, 
Philip Fitts, Truman and David Mudgett, and Zachariah Patterson. 
These constituted the population until after the war of i8i2. One of 
these, Philip Fitts, was drafted into the army, was taken sick, and re- 
turned only to die. The little community were compelled to endure 
much suffering, often wanting for food, living sometimes on leeks and 
a little wild game. But with the close of the war came more settlers 
and better times in every respect. 



317 

Among the first settlers after the war were James Matthews, Samuel 
Palmer, David Barker, Adam Pease, Samuel Coleman, Asa Coleman, 
Ezra C. and Ezra Meade, Masten and John Sherwood, Heman Pratt, 
Francis N. Albright, Peter Hess, and a few others. In writing of those 
early times an early settler said : 

Humphrey Sharpsteen, then just married, came in with his wife and his wife's 
sisters; Isaac Starbuck with his family; then young Capt. Ezra Meade, two sisters, 
young women, and some other very respectable ladies who were not afraid or 
asliamed to rough it in the woods, for the sake of being indejDendent, and several 
young unmarried men, helj^ed to make up an assortment. We were all brothers and 
sisters and friends. . . . The worst for us was when we got out of flour and 
meal and no mill to grind short of Niagara Falls. John Flavington carried eighteen 
bushels of wheat to Olcott and gave it for a barrel of salt. . . When I commenced 
clearing, which was just after the war, and the cold season of 1816 came on, wheat 
was worth twenty shillings a bushel, and pork thirty-five dollars a barrel. When 
I had raised some wheat to sell, in was worth only twenty-five cents a bushel. I 
once had a tax of twenty shillings to pay, and I carried butter sixty miles and sold 
it for one shilling per pound to pay the tax. 

In 1817 John Sherwood was married to Rebecca Meade; this was the 
first wedding in the town. The first birth was that of Delilah Pitts, 
daughter of Jacob F'itts, who was born in 181 1. Philip P'itts, before 
mentioned as having been drafted into the army, died in 1814, the first 
death in the town. In the course of time a little hamlet gathered at 
what became known as Somerset Corners, the name of the post-office 
now being simply Somerset. About 1820 James Matthews opened a 
small store there in the first frame building in town ; this building is 
still standing. The first tavern was opened by Josiah S Bailey in 18 17 
at what was then called Bailey's Corners, about a mile and a half east 
of Somerset Corners ; while two and a half miles west of the latter 
place James Stevens had a blacksmith shop in 1825 and continued the 
business a number of years. In 1825 Archibald McDaniels built and 
operated the first grist mill ; it was situated on Fish Creek two miles 
northeast of the Corners, and was afterwards burned. In the same year 
Guy Griswold built a small tannery at the Corners ; it was operated 
several years. In 1822 John Randolph built the first saw mill in this 
town, about three-quarters of a mile north of the Corners. With other 
early mills it went to decay in course of time. Near this site the first 
bridge in town was built across Fisk Creek in 1822, In later years a 



3i8 

steam saw mill was built at Somerset and one at South Somerset, in 
which staves and headings were also made. Both have been burned. 

Among other early prominent residents of Somerset were John Sher- 
wood, Roswell Downer, David Barker, Jeptha W. Babcock. Morgan 
Van Wagoner, Albert M. Hastings, Silas Meade, Daniel Landers, Gor- 
man Bush and others. 

Previous to 1825 mail came into this town by the hand of some per- 
son who might be going to Buffalo, Rochester or Batavia. The first 
post- office was established in the year named with James Matthews, 
postmaster. The post-office at West Somerset was established in 1844, 
with Marvin S. Hess, postmaster. The post-office of Lake Road, in the 
northwest part of the town, is of more recent existence ; the first post- 
master was Jeptha W. Babcock. The other post-offices are South Som- 
erset, Barker and County Line, the latter being a mere hamlet on the 
line between this town and Yates in Orleans county. 

The following were also prominent early settlers of the town : 

Loren Fitts, Albert M. Hastings, Francis O. Pratt, Solomon Morse, Jonathan M. 
Shiirtliff, Samuel Kemp, Albert Van Wagoner, William Sherwood, Oscar E. Mann, 
a Mr. Benson (the first carpenter). Dr. Brown (the first physician, in 1826), C. H. 
Akley, WiUiam L. Atwater, Edwin E. Arnold, George Badgely, Samuel Barry 
(whose son Chester F. was the first man to enlist in the Rebellion from Somerset), 
Vernon D. Bateman, Nathan Pond, jr., and Wiliam H. Hyde. Loren Church was 
born in this town in 1827 and has served as a justice of the peace for about ninteen 
years. 

Other residents, many of whom are living, are 

I. J. Gardner, John and Samuel Coates, Philip and Thomas Hoag, Hardy Fitts, 
Aaron Coleman, Jacob S. Haight, Jared T. Aldrich, Andrew M. Armstrong, S. E. 
Armstrong (keeper of the lighthouse), Henry and Lewis Arnold, Stephen Atwater, 
Gaston J. Bangham, Calvin S. Bateman, Arthur M. and George W. Bennett, Will- 
iam and Franklin Bowen, George H. and Frank M. Bradley, Lewis A. Bradley, 
John Brigham, Aaron Bullen, Arthur T. Burgess, Frank Button, Minor T. and 
William Cartwright. Edward Coon, James Cronkhite, Edwin O. and George W. 
Denton, Henry W. and John K. Denton, John Fitts, Matthew Fitzgerald, George 
and Prentice Fox, Hiram and Isaac J. Frost, Albert H. and Joshua J. Haight, H. 
Nelson Harrington, Lemuel Hayes, Charles E. and George Higgs, Guy C. and 
Simeon N. Humphrey, Andrew Hungei-ford, David and George A. Huntington, - 
Albert and Gurdon Huntington, William Henry Hyde, David H. Hyde, James 
Liddell, Silas Lum, Willis T. Mann, Homer D. and WilHam A. C. Meade, Harvey and 
Stephen Meade, Michael Morrissey, Romyne W. Nobles, Henry F. Peacock, L. W. 
Pettit, Frank B. and George W. Porter, Ely C. Rising, William A. Sawyer, Benja- 



319 

min F. and John Sherwood, Austin Skutt, E. L. and I. W. Smith, George M. Swain, 
John P. Townsend, Cornelius Treat, Andrew R. Webb, John Whitlam, Charles W. 
Wilcox, Charles and S. E. Zoss. Many others are noticed at length in Part III of this 
volume. 

The land on which Somerset Corners stands, which is one of the most 
prosperous hamlets in the town, was formerly owned by Samuel Palmer 
on the northeast corner of the streets ; Isaac Lockwood on the northwest 
corner ; Isaac Starbuck on the southwest corner; and William Harring- 
ton on the southeast corner. Here around the early store, tavern, 
and a few shops gradually gathered a little village. Among the 
old-time merchants were Omon P. Wright, a partner with James 
Matthews, under the firm name of Matthews & Wright ; Francis 
O. Pratt, Samuel Kemp, James Matthews, jr., Stephen B. Starbuck, 
Daniel P. Holt, Jotham M. Aldrich, John N. Pease, Cyrus Aldrich (who 
was succeeded by Henry H. Frost), and Samuel S. Rising (who was 
succeeded by Sidney Smith). Henry H. Frost & Son now have the 
only general store of importance in the place. A steam grist mill was 
erected and put in operation here by Stephen Peckham in 1845, 3'i<J foi" 
many years did a flourishing business. 

The Somerset Siftings, under the proprietorship of W. H. Warren and 
E. T. Williams, was established May 4, 1888. Mr. Warren retired from 
the firm in July of that year. E. T. Williams continued the paper 
until May, 1889, when.it was suspended. The Reveille was established 
by W. H. Warren, May 26, 1894 It was a success financially, but the 
proprietor's business in the line of commercial printing and advertising 
specialties grew to such an extent he discontinued the publication of 
the paper in October, 1896. 

Barker (Somerset Station) is a post office and station on the R., W. 
& O. Railroad, and the chief shipping point in town It is of recent 
growth, dating from the opening of the railroad, and contains the stores 
of Jay L. Taylor, general merchant and postmaster ; Compton & Ben- 
nett, furniture ; Jesson Brothers, hardware ; Reed & Cartwright, fur- 
niture ; and John O'Malley, general merchant. In July, 1895, a fire 
burned all the stores, etc., along the street west of the depot, but the 
structures were soon mostly rebuilt. 

The government lighthouse, known as the Thirty-mile Point Light- 



320 

house, was completed and lighted in April, 1875. It cost about $90,- 
000. 

A small log school house was built about a mile and a half west of 
the Corners in 18 17, and there Masten Sherwood opened the first school 
in Somerset. In 1823 the town was divided into six school districts, 
and in 1826 the number of scholars taught was 165. By 1 860 the 
number of districts had increased to fourteen ; at the present time there 
are thirteen, with a comfortable school house in each. 

The first church organized in this town was the Methodist, the class 
being formed in 1817 at the house of Silas Meade. Masten Sherwood 
was leader. After two years of meetings at Mr. Meade's house they 
were held in the school house five years, on Mr. Meade's farm. Rev. 
Daniel Shepherdson was the first preacher on this part of a large cir- 
cuit A site for building a church was purchased in 1831, at Somerset 
Corners, and a small edifice erected, in 1839, the money for which was 
raised by subscription. In 1870 the society built a parsonage. In 1878 
the old church was sold to Dr. Irving Hotaling, and the present edifice 
built on the site. 

In 1843 a meeting was held preliminary to organizing the West Som- 
erset Baptist church. It was there determined to purchase a certain 
house with one acre of land of S. J. Colby, which was done for $200. 
A little later the society made an addition to the house for the use of 
the pastor and there services were held for seven years. The first 
covenant meeting was held April 12, 1845, ^"d on May 28 of that 
year a reorganization was effected as the West Baptist Church of Som- 
erset. Thomas Briggs was the first deacon, and he with Marcus Noble 
and Reuben Raze, were the first trustees. The first ordained minister 
was Elder Harvey Pettit, who began in 1846. The present brick 
church edifice was completed in 1850, the site having been donated by 
Elder Jesse Colby. Rev. L. VV. Gross has been pastor for several 
years. 

The Baptist Church of Somerset was first recognized by an ecclesias- 
tical council in January, 1 820, at the house of James Stevens. During 
the next three or four years meetings were held in various dwellings, 
itinerant preachers holding the services. In June, 1830, a council was 
held and Elder R. L. Wilson was ordained pastor. In 1832 the society 



321 

was granted fifty acres of land by the Holland Company, tiie proceeds 
of which were devoted to building a Baptist church edifice in Somer- 
set village, the first church erected in town. It was extensively re- 
modeled in 1857, The society became weak in numbers and finally 
ceased holding meetings. About 1894 the church was purchased by 
Dr. I. VV. Houghtaling and converted into business uses. 

The Presbyterian church, Somerset, was organized January 26, 1824, 
at the house of Stephen Sherwood, with six members. Rev. E. Everett 
was present and officiated. From that time to 1840 the pastors were 
Revs. David Pratt, David Page and Truman Baldwin. The first church 
edifice was erected and dedicated October i, 1840. Previous to that 
time meetings had been held in the upper rooms of James Matthews's 
store and in the brick school house in Somerset. In 1852 the society 
purchased a house and lot for a parsonage, which was remodeled and 
improved in 1870. The church was rebuilt and enlarged in 1878. 

The M. E. church at Barker is a neat frame edifice, and was built 
in 1894. 

A society of Friends was organized in this town in 1821, with twenty 
members, and in 1836 a brick church was erected. The first settled 
preacher was Mrs. Miriam Winslow, who died in 1828; she was fol- 
lowed by David Gardner, and he was succeeded by David Haight. 

41 



0-^- 



CHAPTER XX. 

THE TOWN OF NEWFANE. 

This town was erected on March 20, 1824, its territory being taken 
from the older towns of Hartland, Somerset and Wilson, It lies on the 
lake shore and centrally in the northern tier of towns in the county. 
James Van Horn, a prominent citizen, gave the town its name. The 
surface of the town is generally level, and the soil mostly a sandy loam, 
with clay in some parts. Eighteen-mile Creek flows northward across 
the town, dividing it into two nearly equal parts. 

The first town meeting was held at the house of James Van Horn, 
April 6, 1824, and the following ofificers elected : 

Supervisor, James Wisner; town clerk, Jonathan Coomer; assessors, Cornelius 
Van Horn, Solomon C. Wright, and Jacob Albright; collector, John B. McKnight; 
poormasters, Ezra Barnes, Zebulon Coates; commissioners of highways, Robert 
McKnight, Archibald McDonald, and Jacob Albright; commissioners of common 
schools, Alexander Butterfield, John Warner, and Archibald McDonald ; school in- 
spectors, Simon Newcomb, jr., Peter Hess, Heman Pratt; constables, John McKnight, 
George Bennett. 

These were nearly all prominent residents of the new town at the 
time of its erection, many of them having settled in its early years. At 
the general election held in 1824, 119 votes were cast in this town for 
governor. The customary regulations were voted, among which was 
the imposition of a fine of $5 upon any person who might let Canada 
thistles go to seed on his land. 

The supervisors of Newfane have been . 

1825-27, James Wisner; 1828, Stephen Hays; 1829-31, James Van Horn; 1833, 
Stephen Hays ; 1833, James Wisner ; 1834, Cornelius Van Horn ; 1835, John U. Pease ; 
1836-40, James Wisner; 1841, David Kemp; 1842-44, Henry A. Reynolds; 1845, 
James Wisner; 1846, John W. Pulver; 1847, James Van Horn, jr. ; 1848, John Hen- 
ning; 1849-50, Peter McCollum ; 1851, John Henning; 1852, Walter Shaw; 1853, 
John Henning; 1854, James Van Horn, jr. ; 1857-60, James Van Horn ; 1861-62, John 
McCollum; 1863-65, Marcellus Washburn; 1866-67, Alexander Campbell; 1868-69, 
Charles S. McCollum; 1870, Ziba Richardson ; 1871, John McCollum ; 1872, Benjamin 



323 

S. Laughlin; 1873-74, Anthony McKie; 1875-77, William V. Corwin ; 1878, James 
A. McCollum; 1879, William V. Corwin; 1880-81. Phineas H. Corwin; 1882-83. T. 
Webster Hoyt; 1884-86, J. Marville Harwood; 1887. James D. Lockwood; 1888-90, 
James A. McCollum; 1891-94, William Shaw; 1895-98, George E. Shaw. 

The present (1897) town officers are : 

John F. Beers, town clerk ; L. A. Myers, C. B. Tompkins, A. II. Lee, and James 
U. Lockwood, justices of the peace ; James A. Martin, overseer of the poor; John 
Dowding, highway commissioner ; William T. Wilson, Edward A. Mix. and Charles 
Anderson, assessors; Charles B. Enderton, collector. 

The territory of this town was the theater of important historical 
events that took place long before the town was erected, and like all of 
the lake shore territory, was settled early in the present century. Will- 
iam Chambers and John Brewer came from Canada in 1807 and settled 
at or near the mouth of Eighteen-mile Creek. In 1825 Mr. Chambers 
attempted to cross Niagara River above the falls in a skiff and was drawn 
into the rapids and carried over the precipice. A man named Cotton, 
of whom little is known, also came into the town in 1809. 

In 1808 Burgoyne Kemp and Peter Hopkins arrived in this town ; 
James Wisner, the first supervisor, and William and James Wisner, in 
1 8 10, and Levi Lewis in 181 i. There were a number of other settlers 
in the northern or central parts before the war broke out, as noticed 
further on, most or all of whom fled before the British and their red 
allies. In the raid of the enemy along the lake shore in 18 13 an inci- 
dent took place in which the bravery of a woman saved her furniture 
and part of the flour in the Van Horn mill, which structure was burned. 
A sergeant with a squad of men was sent up Eigliteen-mile Creek to 
burn the mill and the dwellings of the few settlers. Arriving at the 
house of Joseph Pease, a little north of the mill, the officer told Mrs. 
Pease to move her furniture out of the house, as he was ordered to de- 
stroy the building. She was forced to comply and after carrying out 
their little store of household articles, she asked the officer to aid he in 
removing two barrels of brandy which were concealed in a potato hole 
under the floor. The officer consented and in doing so, he and his men 
took a drink from a barrel and followed it with seveial others. The 
fumes of the brandy, as they frequently do, inspired feelings of gener- 
osity toward the woman who had given them access to the barrels, and 
they went away leaving her building standing, and also at her request 



324 

released her son, Enoch, who was their prisoner, and also permitted his 
brother to save several barrels of flour from the burning mill. 

With the close of the conflict, some of those who had fled returned to 
continue the improvement of their homes, and new settlers arrived in 
many localities. Among these were Benjamin Coomer, who settled in 
the western part, where a hamlet and post-ofifice perpetuates the name 
of the family at the present time. Benjamin Halsted, Benjamin Stout 
and others settled in the north part; James McClew and the McKie 
and Patterson families along Eighteen-mile Creek; Alvin Buck and 
Solomon C Wright in the south part ; James Hess and Ira Tompkins 
in the east part. The official list of the town contains the names of 
several other prominent citizens of early years, among them Jonathan 
Coomer, Elisha and Almeron Newman, Nathaniel Church, James D. 
Cooper, Stephen Hays, James Van Horn and Cornelius Van Horn, John 
Pease, David Kemp, Henry A. Reynolds ; many others are noticed in 
Part HI. 

To facilitate communication several important highways were opened 
across the territory of this town The so-called Coomer road was 
established very early by Benjamin Coomer; it extends south from the 
lake, about parallel with the west line of the town. It is on this road 
that the post office of Coomer is situated. Mr. Coomer died in 1817. 

The well known Hess road was laid out in 1821 by the highway com- 
missioners, and Peter Hess assisted in clearing the roadway, as also did 
his brother James Hess. The road extends from the lake road on the 
north nearly parallel with the east line of the town southward to the 
town line, and about three-quarters of a mile from the east line. 

What is known as the Creek road extends from Wright's Corners, in 
the town of Lockport near the southern boundary of Newfane to near 
the central part of the latter town where it strikes Eighteen mile Creek, 
which it follows to Olcott, on the Lake road in the north part of the 
town. This road was opened as early as 1809. 

The Ewing road extends along the west side of Eighteen-mile Creek 
from the Lake road southerly, following the creek a few miles and on in 
a southerly direction into Lockport. 

The Lake road extends across the north end of the town, nearly par- 
allel with the lake shore, and on eastward across the county. 



325 

A bridge of wood was erected across Eighteen- mile Creek at Olcott 
in 1825 by contract with Gen. James VVisner ; it cost $500. It was 
taken down in 1878 and the present iron bridge substituted. There are 
many other minor bridges across that stream in the town. 

The land on which a part of the pretty village of Olcott stands, near 
the mouth of Eighteen -mile Creek, was owned in 1808 by William 
Chambers, who later sold to Benjamin Halsted. On the east side of 
the stream it was owned by Burgoyne Kemp, who gave the hamlet that 
gathered there the name of Kempville. J. D. Cooper was a later owner 
on this side of the creek, and he was instrumental in laying out the early 
village and selling lots. William Chambers and John Brewer built their log 
houses of 1807 at what became the corner of Lockport and Main streets, 
and the next year Burgoyne Kemp built a double log structure a little 
northwest from the site of the later Grove House in Olcott. Up to 18 10 
Chambers's, Kemp's and Brewer's were the only buildings east of the 
creek. In that year Albright, the Wisners and others settled on that side 
on the lake road. Between this road and the Ridge was then still a 
dense wilderness and no settlers had located for some miles to the east- 
ward excepting Mr. Fitts, of Somerset. 

In 1809 Mr. Hopkins built his log house near the mouth of Hopkins's 
Creek, and about 181 1 Benjamin Halsted built at the mouth of Eight- 
een-mile Creek. Martin Burch, one of the pioneers, built the first 
frame house in town, which stood on the Lake road. James Van 
Horn built the first brick house on the Creek road, one and a half miles 
south of Olcott. The first frame barn was built opposite the Cooper 
House in 1814. 

In 1 8 12 Asa Douglass opened a small store at Olcott, then called 
Kempville, and in 18 16 was succeeded by John Eddy. Another early 
store was conducted by Boyce & Falwell. In 1821 Archibald McDon- 
ald opened a store. Soon after the building of the Van Horn mills he 
opened a store at that point. 

Benjamin Halsted opened the first tavern at Olcott (Kempville) about 
1 81 2, in the double log house before mentioned. It stood on the site 
of the present Cooper House. He was succeeded as landlord by 
Brady, Harris, Nichols and William D. Cooper, who built the Cooper 
House. In 18 19 Dr. Alexander Butterfield, who was the first resident 



326 

physician and settled at Olcott in 1814, kept a tavern in a building op- 
posite the Cooper House site. Dr. Butterfield was an early justice of the 
peace, had a large medical practice during his long Hfe, and died in 
1867. Asa Douglass also kept a tavern for a time in the early years. 

The well known Van Horn mills of early times were begun in 18 10 
by Levi Ellis, who came in from Seneca county. Before he had com- 
pleted the dam Mr. Ellis and nearly all of his workmen were attacked 
with fever and ague and returned to their homes. James Van Horn 
then finished the mills and placed them in operation ; these were both 
saw and grist mills. The British learned of the existence of the mills 
and set up the claim that they were being operated for the benefit of 
the government. A sergeant and a squad of soldiers were sent to de- 
stroy them, which they did, as before related. The mills were rebuilt 
in 1 8 17 by Mr Van Horn, only to be burned in 1839. They were 
promptly rebuilt on the site and in recent years were fitted with im- 
proved machinery for flouring business. About 1894 the mills were 
torn down. 

Ira Tompkins built a grist mill on Eighteen-mile Creek, about six 
miles from its mouth, in 1869 ; this site was occupied in early years by 
a more primitive mill, which went to ruins before the Tompkins mill 
was built. This mill was washed away in a freshet. The site is now 
occupied by the Anderson grist mill, which was also built by Mr. Tomp- 
kins. The grist mill at Charlotte (Newfane post-office), about four 
miles south of Olcott and in the central part of the town, was built in 
1835. It is now operated by William Collins. Burgoyne Kemp built 
a grist mill in 1 8 14 near the mouth of Honeoye Creek, east of Olcott; 
it went to decay and out of use about 1835. 

A saw mill was built in 181 1 by Jacob Albright, on Keg Creek, a 
little south of the Lake Road. It was burned by the British in 18 13 
and rebuilt by Mr. Albright. In 1827 there was a saw mill on Honeoye 
Creek, east of Olcott. Shubal S. Merritt had a saw mill on Keg Creek 
north of the Lake road in 1827. There was a saw mill also at the 
grist mill of Ira Tompkins and another at Charlotte. 

The only tannery ever operated in this town was owned by John D. 
Cohler about 1820; it stood on the west side of Eighteen-mile Creek. 
It was not operated long. 



327 

Among other prominent residents of the town, past and present, may 
be mentioned the following: 

Nathanial Svvartwout, Jonathan Coomer, Elisha Newman, Nathaniel Church, 
Almeron Newman, James Van Horn, jr., Abraham Smith, George Mann, Daniel 
Dix, I. B. Ransom, Anthony McKee, Daniel T. Odell, I. W. Allen, Jeremiah Ange- 
vine, Henry Betzler, Jacob and Moses Bixler, O. C. Boardwell, William Bradshaw, 
George W. Brown, Alvin and Fernando Capen, Josiah Chapman, George Chase, 
George E. Clark, Peter Collins, P. H. Corwin, William V. Corwin, John Coulter, 
William S. Dailey, David Demorest, James Dickinson, P. T. Dix, John Dowding, 
Herman S. Earle, William H. Haight, Irving Halsted, Morris and Oliver Halsted. 
John Henning, Walter S. Hill, M. H. Jaques, Michael Kinsella, Peter and Henry 
Krupp, Albert H. Lee, Jacob Lentz, Charles W. Lindsay, James D. Lockwood, 
William H. and Jesse O. Lockwood, Charles and Eugene McClew, J. A. and Charles 
S. McCollum, T. J. McKee, Frank A. McKnight, Philip H. Meseroll, Henry and Peter 
D. Miller, Charles Newman, Peter Phillips, Andrew H. and Charles Rood, Franklin 
and Homer D. Shaver, Horace C. Smith, C. J. Spalding, William H. Staats, Martin 
V. and Dolphin E. Stout, James A. Tice, Benjamin C. Warren, Daniel and Edward 
Wilson, Robert D. Wilson, Stephen S. Wilson, William T. Wilson, R. M. Matthews 
(keeper of the lighthouse at Olcott.) 

The village of Olcott (formerly Kempville) is pleasantly situated at 
the mouth of Eighteen-mile Creek on the lake shore. No more attrac- 
tive site could be found for a village than this. It has one of the best 
harbors on the lake, is a port of entry, with a custom house. Two ex- 
tensive piers, one on either side of the mouth of the creek, have been 
built out into the lake, by the United States government, to a distance 
of over 800 feet, providing safe harbor facilities for large vessels. This 
work was done between 1870 and 1877, at a cost of about $200,000. 
Mortimer C. Swarthout, who has been postmaster at Olcott since 1893, 
was for nine years inspector of the harbor improvements here, at Wil- 
son, and other points along the lake front. The improvement of this 
harbor was due originally to the enterprise of James D, Cooper, who 
built a pier and warehouse on the east side. On the outer end of the 
present west pier is situated the government lighthouse, the light in 
which is fifty feet from the water. A line of steamers running to 
various lake ports stops at this place. The early settlement of this 
village was promoted by James D. Cooper, who came into possession 
of the land on the east side of the creek, which he surveyed into lots 
and sold at prices that brought in settlers. Nearly all the business of 
the village has always been conducted on that side of the stream. The 



. 328 

first post-office in the town was opened here as early as 1817, with 
Dr. Alexander Butterfield postmaster. The early mails were brought 
from Hartland Corners by any one who happened to be going there on 
other business. Besides the early business places in this village, which 
have been mentioned, Thomas Armstrong began blacksmithing here in 
1 8 14. Although the business operations of James Van Horn were not 
directly in this village, they were near by and closely identified with it. 
He established a woolen factory in 1842, on the creek south of his 
mills; this was closed in 1874. He also operated a distillery in 1825, 
near his home. The first physician in Olcott was Dr. Alexander But- 
terfield, who located there in 1814 and died November 19, 1867. His 
wife died about thirty minutes afterward. Dr. John Warren came in 
very early and died May 24, 1834. Henry Reynolds was a merchant 
here many years. The present merchants are Lombard Brothers 
(George F. and Charles L), Charles F. Shaw, Silas Noble (succeeded 
recently by Nelson Shaver), and Abram Diamond. 

The hamlet of Charlotte, now Newfane post-office, was named by 
George R. Davis, the former owner of the land on which it stands, 
from his daughter Charlotte. It is situated four miles from Olcott on 
Eighteen-mile Creek Arthur Patterson opened a hotel here in 1823. 
The early mills here have been noticed. The Charlotte Woolen 
mills were built in 1863 by Niles & Van Ostrand, who operated them 
until 1866, when they were succeeded by H. B. Gulick. Swift, Osgood 
& Co. purchased the property, and it subsequently passed through the 
possession of several persons and firms. It is now used for manufac- 
turing felt goods by the Lockport Felt Company. 

The business of manufacturing baskets was started here a number of 
years ago by Shaw & Vincent, and is now conducted on quite a large scale 
by the Newfane Basket Manufacturing Company, of which S. D. Red- 
man is president, R. D. Wilson, secretary; and C J. Miller, treasurer. 
The company also has a saw and planing mill. 

Among the old merchants of the place were L. A. Bristol, J. J. B. 
Spooner, William S. Pike, Amelia Follett, and Charles Mason. The 
latter was succeeded by E. M. Dutton. Mr. Dutton and Beers & Shaw 
now have general stores and D. R. Maxwell is postmaster. 

Coomer post office (formerly Coomer Road), is situated in the west 



3-^9 

part on the Coonicr road, and was established in I\'bruary, 1863, with 
Theodore M. Titus, postmaster. 

Newfane Station post office is on the railroad one and a half miles 
south of Olcott, and was established in August, 1876, with J. II. Man- 
devillc, postmaster. 

The post-office of Appleton, situated at the junction of the railroad' 
with the old Hess road, was originally established as Hess Road. In 
1896 it was changed to Appleton. F. H. Ferguson was one of the 
earliest postmasters. John G. Swigert has a general store; among 
other business men of the place are Frederick Ferguson, Ira Dickson, 
and Henry Hetzler. 

Ridge Road post-office is located on the Ridge road in the southeast 
part of the town The merchants there are William Reed and Harvey 
Wakeman 

Wright's Corners is a hamlet in the south edge of the town, lying 
mainly in the town of Lockport. Alvin Buck opened a log tavern 
there in 18 17. and in 1823 was succeeded by Solomon C. Wright, who 
served as postmaster for forty- five years. 

The first school in this town was opened at what is now Olcott in 
1815, and was taught by Bezaleel Smith. In 18 16 a log school house 
was built in what later became district No. 4, and Martin Hurch taught 
there. There were educated among others of this town, F. Newton 
Albright, Benjamin Stout, Asa Coates, Shubal S. Merritt, Charles Hal- 
sted. Ransom Ilalsted, Silas Mead, and others. 

A meeting of the first school commissioners of the town was held 
April 19, 1824, at which the town was divided into eight school dis- 
tricts. This number was gradually increased until i860, when there 
were sixteen. At the present time there are eighteen with a school 
house in each. 

The first burial place in the town was located on the west bank of 
Keg Creek, on what became the farm of Stephen Wilson. A burying 
ground was opened at Olcott as early as 1817. 

It was known that there were religious services held in this town as 
early as 1816 by a Methodist itinerant named Mairs, and that Baptist 
services were held in 1812 by Rev. Jehiel Wisner, who was later con- 
nected with a church here. The Methodist services were generally held 
42 



330 



in the house of Silas Mead, until church buildings were erected. I'roba- 
l)l\- the first church socicts' organized in the town was the Methodist at 
C^lcott, where a class was in existence in 1815; Samuel Lockwood is 
believed to have been the first leader. On the 29th of October, 1832, 
Nathaniel Church deeded to the society the lot on whiclj the church 
edifice was erected in the next jcar. The first trustees were William 
Henderson, Samuel Lockwood, Nathaniel Pease, Knoch Pease, Abram 
Phillips, Nathaniel Corey and Talcott iMerwin. 

The Methodist church at Charlotte was organized April 22, 1844, a 
class having been formed at Adams's Mills twelve years earlier ; James 
Matthews was the leader of that class. Meetings were held in the log 
school house in that locality until 1842, when they were transferred to 
Charlotte, with Rev. W. D. Huclc in charge Upon the full organiza- 
tion of the church the trustees chosen were James McKinney, George 
Steele, W. liter Shaw, Reuben Godfrey, Samuel C. Hrou n, Oliver Lewis 
and Daniel Shaw. The present stone church edifice was erected in 
1844, the site having been donated by George R. Davis. 

The I'irst Baptist Church of New fane was organized May 27, 1829, 
with twenty- five members, and with IClder Jehiel Wisner as pastor. 
The early meetings were held at the school house near Judge Van 
Horn's and in private houses. The pulpit was supplied for about a 
year, when holder Amos Real became the settled pastor. In 1 835 the 
public services were transferred to Olcott, which caused a temporary 
division in the society ; the factions were reunited in 1839. The pres- 
ent cobblestone churc^h edifice was erected in Charlotte during the pas- 
torate of P'lder Burtt, who came in 1 842; the building was repaired 
and improved in 1856. 

A society «f Wesleyan Methodists was organized at Olcott in 1849 
with about ten members, and William Henderson as the first class 
leader. In the next )'ear a modest church edifice was built of cobble- 
stone. The first regular preacher was Asa Warren. 

The First Universalist church of Olcott was organized in April, 1858, 
with forty-two members. The present brick church building was 
erected in the same year. The first pastor was Rev. R. H. Pullman, 
and the first trustees were James I). Cooper, Benjamin Stout and A. T. 
Lane. 



5ii 

St. Hridgct's Roman Catholic church, on the Kwin^' road in tlic 
southwest part of the town, was or^'.inized in June. 1859, under direc- 
tion of Rev. Thomas Shchan. An acre of himi was donated to the 
society by John Mulloy and the eilifici- was dedicated November 30, 

1859- 

The Roman Cathohc church at Ulcott was built about 1884. It is a 
frame structure. 

The Free Methodist church at Charlotte was erected about 1886, a 
society having been organized a few years before. 

The Wesleyan Methodists have a frame church on tiie Hess road, be- 
tween Appleton and Ridi^e Road, that was built more than twenty 
years ago. 

The Methodist church, situated on tlie west side of the creek in Ol- 
cott, was erected about 1834, the builders being Ira Tompkins and 
Natlianiel Swarthout. 

The Presbyterian church of Wright's Corners was organized May 12, 
1872, with thirty members. In 1873 the society erected a brick edifice, 
which was dedicated January 29. 1874. The site was donated by Miss 
Janette llenning. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

THI-: TOWN OF IM-:M>iJ;i()N. 

The town of Pendleton was erected April 16, 1827, pervious to which 
date it constituted a part of Niagara. It is bounded on the south by 
Tonawanda Creek, and is the central one of the six towns that touch 
the southern bounds of the county. Much of the surface of the town is 
level or gently undulating, with the exception of Heech Ridge and Hear 
Ridge, in the northern part. These two ridges extend about three 
miles in length and are nearly parallel and three-fourths of a mile wide. 
They scarcely deserve the name of ridges, and form a part of the best 
farming land in the town. The soil in that section is gravelly and 
sandy loam, fertile and well adapted to grains and fruits; in other parts 



332 

the soil is clayey loam. Roads running northeast and southwest 
traverse both ridges. Sawyer's Creek crosses the western part of the 
town, but neither that nor Tonawanda Creek supplies water power. 

Pendleton recciveil its name from the village at the junction of Tona- 
wanda Creek and the Kric Canal, which was in existence long before the 
town was erected ; the village took its name from Sylvester Pendleton 
Clark, one of the earliest residents. 

The first town meeting was held in May, 1827, and the following 
officers elected : 

Supervisor. Lyman Iv. Thayer; town clerk, (Barrett Van Slyke; assessors, Nathan- 
iel Svkes. David Candler ami James C llawley; collector, Kimball I'errin ; com- 
missioners of highways, Willard Sykes, Lawrence Pickard and J»>lin Maker ; overseers 
oF the iK>or, HaileyCurtis and Russell Richards; school commissioners, Henry Keyes, 
Alanson Sykes and John Schuyler; .school inspectors, James Henderson, Abel Rug 
and Asa Milliken; constable, Horvice Thacher. 

This first town meeting adjourned to the house of David Chandler, 
for the year 1828. The amount of property taxed in the town at that 
time was $572.5 i. 

There was little settlement on the territory in this town before the 
war of 18 1 2, and much of it was a wilderness fifteen years later, Mar- 
tin Van Slyke and Jacob Christman settled on Tonawanda Creek in the 
western part of the town in i8a8. John and Adam Fulmer settled in 
the southern part in 1812, purchasing 252 acres of land of the Holland 
Company. A few others had probably located along the creek. After 
the war settlement progressed more rapidly. Hartman Pickard and his 
son Lawrence came in 18 16 and in later years were prominent citizens. 
The latter married a daughter of Philip Woolever, who had a farm three 
miles fron> Tonawanda in i8i6, and another on which he settled a mile 
west of Pendleton in 1823. Mr. Woolever was contractor on the first 
improvement of Tonawanda Creek. 

Conrad Rickard resided on Tonawanda Creek as early as 1816; he 
was the father of Henry Rickard. James Van Slyke was an early set- 
tler and married Margaret Christman ; this was the first marriage in the 
town. Garrett Van Slyke settled in the west part of the town in 1822, 
where his son John H. afterwards lived. The father, who died in 1824, 
had been a captive of the Indians in the Revolutionary war and was 



I 



333 

adopted by Molly Brant. An uncle afterwards purchased his freedom 
for a gallon of rum. 

Sylvester Pendleton Clark settled early on the site of Pendleton vil- 
lage, and built and opened a log tavern there in 1821. The post office 
was established in 1823 and he was appointed postmaster. The com- 
pletion of the canal and its junction at this point with Tonawanda 
Creek drew together the nucleus of a village. The first log tavern was 
superseded by a frame structure in 1822. Jerry S. Jenks came in 
about that time and brought the first goods for sale; he died soon 
afterwards. Austin Simons located at the village about 1830, and for 
thirty five years was prominent as a merchant and buyer of staves, 
lumber, etc. William H. Lewis settled in the village in 1834 as a 
merchant, and was postmaster sixteen years and a justice of the peace 
thirty years. 

At about the close of the first quarter of the century Beech and Bear 
Ridges began to attract attention from the newcomers. One of the 
first settlers on Beech Ridge was Asa Andrews, who purchased his 
farm in 1824. Luther Leland settted there in 1827. Thomas Leonard 
settled on Bear Ridge in 1833 and ten years later moved to the hamlet 
of Mapleton, in the northwest part of the town. Henry Tripp settled 
on Beech Ridge in 1824, and Alfred Pool in 1826 on the farm where 
he died in 1870. Silas Hall settled on the northern limit of Beech 
Ridge in 1835; at that comparatively late date it was still a wilderness 
in that section. He cleared a farm of 240 acres. Bears and wolves 
still roamed about his settlement and dear were killed there ten years 
later. 

W. C. Andrus settled in Pendleton in 1824, having then lived one 
year in Royalton. George E Andrus settled with his father, Warren 
Andrus, in 1838, on what was later known as the Wort farm. James 
H. Andrus settled in Pendleton village in 1837 and later removed to 
Beech Ridge. 

Hon. A. H. Pickard was born on the farm where he long resided; he 
served six years as supervisor of the town and was also a member of 
assembly. 

Henry Rickard came into the town with his grandfather in 18 16; held 
the office of postmaster at Pendleton Center twenty- five years, and was 
town clerk. 



334 

A larj^c area in the southern and eastern parts of this town is popu- 
lated by a German element, who represent excellent citizenship and 
have brought their farms into a high state of cultivation. One of the 
pioneers in that section, Philip Woock, settled on Tonawanda Creek in 
1832, coming from Hatavia. John Adam Koepfinger and Joseph 
Schimp settled about the same time in that locality. Orin I'isk located 
on the east side of the canal in 1 S44, his father having been an early 
settler in Royalton. John Raker, William Woods, and Henry W. 
Gocnlian weie other early comers. 

Among other settlers, past and present, are James Tripp, Henry 
Tripp, 2d, Lyman Goodridge, Rev. R. C. Foote, A. H. Kllis, Adam and 
Jacob Art, Jacob Bayer, Thilip Ba\er, Andrew Inciter, Jacob lilum, sr., 
Wesley C. Briggs, Benjamin B. Bush. John Bush, James J. Carr, John 
W. Connan, I'^ank and Mathias Donncr, Joseph and Peter Donner, R. 
C. I'oote.jr., Adam Hoffman, Willis A. Levan, Charles Lureman, Mar- 
tin Mayer, Patrick McDonald, Anthony Meyer, John Miller. L. A. 
Pickard, M. L. Pickard, Alvin Van Slyke, David J. Wells, Martin and 
Mathias Wendel, Martin Woock. Many other families are noted in 
Part HI. 

The supervisors of Pendleton have been as follows : 

Lyman E. Tliayer. 18-'7-2S; Asa Millikin, 18'.2!t; Johu Pratt, 1830-;]2; Lawrence 
Pickard. 1S;W; John Pratt l.s:U; Nathaniel Sykes. 1835; Anthony Ames, 1836-37; 
Sihis CMmsted, 1838; Lawrence Pickard, 183i»-47; Cyrus F. WilHams, 1848; Law- 
rence Pickard, 1849 53; Elisha B. Swift, 1854; George Kelsey, 1855-5(i; Linu.s J. 
Peck, 1857; Hiram Poniroy, 1858; Lyman Goodridge, 1859-61; Hartnian Rickard, 
18(;-3; Albert U. Pickard, 1863-65; Morris Wire, 1866; Albert IL Pickard, 1S67; 
Alexander H. Ellis, 1868-70; Frederick S. Parsons, 1871-72; (iilbert C. Richards, 
1873-75; Albert H. Pickard, 1876-77; Amos A. Brown, 1878; Herman J. Leland, 
1879; Mirtin Wendel, 1880-82; Lawrence A. Pickard, 1883; Herman J. Leland, 1884; 
Martin Wendel. 1885; Joseph C. Rickard. 1886-88; Aaron I). Thompson. 1889-9(>; 
Alviu Van Slyke, 1891-;t2 ; William Babel, 1^03^94 ; Alvin Van Slyke, 1895-96; Mathias 
L. Rickard, 1897-98. 

The other town officers for 1897 '^''^ • 

Jacob Blum, town clerk; Linus J. P. Richards, R. C. Foote, jr., Emery W. Wire 
and Anson Kinne. justices of the peace; Jac»)b Bayer. Charles Lureman and Irving 
W. vStowell, assessors; Adam J. Weliuer, highway commissioner; Patrick Collins, 
collector; Charles Hill overseer of the poor. 

Pendleton village has enjoyed considerable business activity in past 



335 

years. The first merchant was Jerry S. Jcnks. Wilhani H. Jciiks was 
for sometime a leadinj^ merchant there, htjj;innin^ in 18^,4; he was 
postmaster sixteen years and a jnstice of the peace for more than thirty 
years. Anstin Simons was another prominent merchant from 1831 to 
abont 1865 Sylvester IVmlleton Chirk's \q'^ tavern, built in l82i,was 
fo'lowed by his frame hotel erected in iSj2. The Snlpluir Springs 
Hotel was built by Reuben Fuller ami Marshall Martin in 1850. and 
was long kept by Truman Nichols. The present merchants are Martin 
Woock, Mathias Donner (who is also postmaster), and Jacob Hlum. 
The hotelkeeper is Anthony Roskopf riic post-office was established 
as earl)- as 1823 with S. P. Clark postmaster. 

Pendleton Center is a station and post-office near the center of the 
town, on the I'.rie Railroad. l\llis ^^ (irall have a general store there. 
Near the place is also an M. 1'.. church. 

Mapleton is a post-office and milk station on the New York Central 
Railroad, in the northwest part of the town, liurt N. Thompson is 
postmaster. 

Hodgeville ami liottman are stations on the l-'.rie Railroad, the 
former in the northeast and the latter in the southwest part of the 
town 

Wendelville is a small hamlet on the canal, or Tonawanda Creek, 
and owes its existence to Martin Wendcl, the first merchant. John 
Wurtenberter has a general store there and is also the postmaster. 

Beech Ridge (formerly Hall's Station) is a postal hamlet on tiic New 
York Central Railroad, in the extreme west part of the town. The 
land on which it stamls was owned by Silas Hall, whose name long 
clung to the place. Philip Miller was formerly a merchant and post- 
master there; the office was established in 1853 with William M. Heebe, 
postmaster. The present merchants arc George Rundcl and Charles 
Hill. An M. E. church, a neat frame building, was erected here about 
1894. 

The first school in Pendleton was opened in the winter of i8i6by a 
man named Uawson. In 1827 the town was divided into eight school 
districts. 

The first steps taken towards the organization of a Presbyterian 
church in this town was in 1835 at Peech Ridge. Only four families 



33(^ 

were then interested in the movement, and their meetings were held in 
private houses and the school house at Mapleton. Rev. Samuel Leon- 
ard was the first pastor In 1844 a church was formed at Shawnee in 
W'heatfield and the members at Hecch Ridge joined in it ; it was under 
charge of Rev. Russell Brooks A church edifice was erected at Ma- 
pleton in 1847-48. The society took the name of The I'irst Presbyte 
rian Church of Pendleton and Wlieatfield. The first trustees of the 
Mapleton society were James Thompson, Silas Hall, and Isaac H. 
Smith ; the number of members was eighteen. 

The Roman Catholic Church of the Good Sheperd at Pendleton was 
organized ,aml the brick church edifice completed in 1854. Among 
the first officers were Martin Woock, Michael Mayer, John Staebel, 
John Adam Koepfinger, and Jacob Danna. 

St. Paul's German Lutheran church, situated at Wendelville, was 
built in 1859. 

The Methodist church of Pendleton village was organized in March, 
1858, with Rev. John H. Jenkins as pastor, and Morris Wire, Francis 
King, Miranda Root, William Hlowers, and Lewis Abbott as trustees. 

The Church of the LInited Bretheren was organized in March, 1874. 
Both societies occupy the union church, which was erected in i860, on 
a lot donated by Willett Clark for the use of all evangelical denomina- 
tions. 



iZ7 



CHAPTER XXII. 

THE TOWN OF WHEATFIELD. 

Wheatfield is the last town organized in Niagara county, and was set 
off from Niagara May 12, 1836. It lies on the southern boundary of 
the county, west of the center, and extends farther south than any other 
town. The Niagara River forms its southwestern boundary and Ton- 
awanda Creek its southern. Its surface is level or gently undulating. 
The soil is generally a clayey loam, not easy of cultivation, but pro- 
ductive of grains and especially of wheat ; this latter fact gave the town 
its name. Cayuga Creek flows across the northwestern part of the town 
and empties into the Niagara River, and Sawyer's Creek flows south- 
easterly across the southeastern part and empties into Tonawanda Creek. 
The town contains four post-oflfices — Martinsville, Bergholtz, St. Johns- 
burg, and Shawnee, besides the city of North Tonawanda, and the 
hamlet of Walmore, in the northwestern corner. 

The first town meeting was held on the 6th of June, 1836, in the 
school house of district No. 7, on the north line of the town, and the 
following were elected as the first officers : 

Supervisor, N. M. Ward; town clerk, Edwin Cook; assessors, Isaac H. Smith, 
James Sweeney, Hiram Parks; justices of the peace, L. B. Warden, John Sweeney; 
commissioners of highways, Elias Parks, Matthew Gray; collector, Stewart Milliman ; 
overseer of the poor, William Towsley; constables, Stewart Milliman, Daniel C. 
Jacobs, Calvin F. Champlin, Seth F. Roberts; commissioners of schools, Isaac L. 
Young, James Sweeney, Loyal E. Edwards. 

These were all esteemed citizens of the town at that comparatively 
late date. 

The following have been supervisors of the town : 

In 1836, N. M. Ward; 1837, Benjamin McNitt; 1838, N. M. Ward; 1839, William 
Vandervoort ; 1840, John Sweeney ; 1843, Isaac L. Young; 1843, N. M. Ward; 1844-45, 
Lewis S. Payne; 1846, N. M. Ward; 1847-48, L. S. Payne; 1849, Sylvester McNitt; 
1850, L. S. Payne; 1851, Seth F. Roberts; 1852, Sylvester McNitt; 1853-54, Peter 
(ireiner; 1855, Joseph Hawbecker; 1856-57, George W. Sherman; 1858, N. M. Ward; 
43 



338 

1859-61, L. S. Payne; 1862, Peneuel Schmeck ; 1863-66, George W. Sherman; 1867 
H. H. Griffin; 1868, James Carney; 1869, H. H. Griffin; 1870, Edward A. Milliman 
1871-73, Joseph D. Loveland; 1874-75, Thomas C. Collins; 1876, L. S. Payne; 1877 
1878, Christian Fritz; 1879-81, Charles Kandt; 1883, Daniel Sy; 1883, C. F. Goerss 
1884-88, Peter Heim ; 1889-94, Chauncey Wichterman ; 1895-96, William Tompkins 
1897-98, Herman Rosebrook. 

Charles Hagen, a veteran of Co. D, lOOth N. Y. Vols., has served as 
town clerk since about 1874. 

Since the incorporation of North Tonawanda as a city, Charles Koh- 
ler was elected supervisor of the First ward ; Conrad J. Winter, Second 
ward ; and John H. BoUier, Third ward. 

Although this town was erected so many years later than most of the 
others in the county, and its settlement in the interior and western parts 
was so comparatively recent, it still bore a close relation to the impor- 
tant events that took place in early years on the frontier. The banks 
near the mouth of Cayuga Creek, as the reader has learned, constitute 
a historical locality and witnessed stirring scenes when this town was a 
part of Niagara. 

The first settlements were made on the Niagara River on and near 
the site of the city of North Tonawanda. Even in that vicinity progress 
was slow, except in the direction of improving farm lands, until after 
the completion of the Erie Canal. There were few settlers within the 
limits of the town previous to the war of 18 12, and when these learned 
of the destruction of Youngstown and Lewiston, they shared in the 
general consternation along the frontier, gathered in haste such prop- 
erty as they could carry, and fled eastward beyond immediate danger. 

Probably the earliest settler on the site of North Tonawanda was 
George N. Burger, who came in 1809 and built a log tavern on the 
river ; he remained a resident until about 1825. Joshua Pettit came in 
1 8 10 and settled near the Niagara Iron Works, where he opened a 
tavern. He was the father of Mrs. Daniel C. Jacobs and Mrs. Whitman 
Jacobs. Stephen Jacobs, a soldier at the battle of Bunker Hill, located 
on the river two miles below in 18 17, where he purchased 196 acres of 
Augustus Porter, paying eight dollars an acre. He died in Niagara Falls 
in January, 1840. William Vandervoorte settled here in 1825, occupy- 
ing a log house which tradition says was the only one then in existence. 
It was his intention to make a business of purchasing staves and timber 



339 

for the Boston market, and ultimately to open a mercantile business. In 
1828 he finished the first public house in the place, which was called the 
Niagara; it was burned in 1844. Later he purchased 1, 000 acres of 
land of the Holland Company and sold to Prussian immigrants the 
largest part of their possessions on Tonawanda Creek and its vicinity. 
He established the first bank in 1836. As before indicated, little 
progress of a business nature was made here until the opening of the 
Erie Canal. The interior of the town was still almost an unbroken 
wilderness and as late as 1850 a large part of the area of the town was 
unimproved. The prospects at Tonawanda in 1824, as viewed by in- 
terested persons, is indicated in the following advertisement: 

VILLAGE OF NIAGARA. 

This village is located at the confluence of the Niagara and Tonawanta rivers, 
where the Erie canal from Buffalo enters the Tonawanta, and where boats pass from 
the canal into the Niagara river by a lock. At this junction of the rivers and ad- 
joining the village, is a safe and spacious harbor, as well for canal boats as for vessels 
navigating Lake Erie. 

These advantages cannot fail to render the village of Niagara the depot of the 
products of the West, destined to the city of New York, and of return cargoes of 
.merchandise. 

A dam of four or five feet high will be thrown across the Tonawanta, at the vil- 
lage, so as to raise the river to the level of Lake Erie, and the river will be navigated 
for the distance of eleven miles, and be united with the canal between Niagara and 
Lockport. The surplus water from the dam will afford an abundant and steady 
supply for mills and other hydraulic works. 

The village is 12 miles from Buffalo, 8 from the falls, 15 from Lewiston, and 10 
miles from Lockport. A line of stages passes through from Buffalo to Lewiston 
daily, and another from Lockport to Buffalo every other day. Travelers to the Falls 
will leave the canal at this place. 

A bare inspection of \"ance's or Lay's map of the western part of this State will 
at once show the advantageous position of the village for trade, market and manu- 
factures. 

Building lots are now offered for sale to actual settlers. A map of the village may 
be seen by application to James Sweeney, at Buffalo, or to George Goundy at the 
Land Office in Geneva ; and the former will enter into contracts of sale. 

The title is indisputable, and good warranty deeds will be executed to purchasers. 

George Goundy, ) 
James Sweeney, >■ Proprietors. 
John Sweeney, ) 

July 5, 1824. 

The James Sweeney, whose name appears above, settled first in Buf- 



340 

falo in i8ii. He became one of the proprietors of the site of North 
Tonavvanda village, and as such settled there in 1828 and built one of 
the very early frame dwellings. The land owned by him and his asso- 
ciates was cleared to supply timber for the Buffalo pier and breakwater, 
and at the same time to prepare the tract for sale in small lots. The 
sites on which were erected the First M. E. church (1837) ^'''^ ^'^^ ^^^^ 
school house were donated by Mr. Sweeney, and largely through his 
energy, activity and generosity the village received its early impetus. 
He died in January, 1850, aged fifty-seven. John Sweeney was his son 
and long a prominent citizen ; he superintended the building of the first 
railroad depot and was long the station agent. He caused the building 
of the first dock on the creek next to the bridge, and subsequently ex- 
tended it 250 feet. He built the first grist mill, which was burned and 
not rebuilt, and also the first saw mill. 

James Carney settled as early as 18 19, with his father, Edward, on 
Tonawanda Island, which was known for many years as Carney Island. 
His purpose was to gain pre emption rights to the island if the boun- 
dary settlement should leave it within the United States. In 1854 the 
State caused a survey to be made and ordered an assessment valuation 
of $4 50 per acre. In the next year the island was directed to be sold* 
at auction in Albany and required one-eighth of the purchase money to 
be paid down. Mr. Carney placed the requisite sum in the hands of 
Judge Samuel Wilkinson, of Buffalo, to make the purchase. But the 
spirit of speculation awakened by the operations of Mordecai M. Noah 
and his associates, on Grand Island, created a spirited contest for this 
island and it was sold to Samuel Leggate at $23 an acre. After that 
Mr. Carney became one of the most active and energetic of the pion- 
eers ; engaged extensively in clearing lands ; was employed as a team ■ 
ster by Porter, Barton & Co. ; boated salt and other produce up and 
down the river; and was otherwise a useful member of the young com- 
munity. 

Among other early settlers of the town were Heman A. Barnum, 
James A. Betts, Wilhelm Dornfeld, Albert Dornfeld, C. F. Goers, Her- 
man F. Stieg, Nelson Zimmerman, John Grey. 

In 1824 Harvey Miller came from Rochester and settled on the Lock- 
port and Niagara Falls road, in the north part of the town, where he 




ALBHkr DORNFhLD. 



341 

purchased lOO acres of the Holland Company at $5 an acre. He was 
young and energetic, and although without much means, he soon be- 
came independent. During the first winter he was in this town he, 
with the assistance of one young man, cleared twenty-five acres. In 
that SLinimer he sowed eighteen acres of winter wheat and raised 800 
bushels ; this he sold to other incoming settlers at seventy-five cents a 
bushel. He was long a road commissioner and aided in laying out all 
the first roads in the town. He lived to an old age. 

Among the first settlers in the extreme northeastern part, where the 
post-office of Shawnee is located, were Timothy Shaw (from whom the 
place is named) and Volney Spalding, who opened a store and estab- 
lished an ashery there in 182S. John Grey settled about a mile south 
of Shawnee in 1825; he purchased eighty- four acres of the Holland 
Company at $5 an acre. 

In the course of time certain influences brought into this town a 
largely preponderant foreign element, mainly of Prussian nativity, who 
settled at first mostly on small tracts of land, but finally became in 
many instances large owners. By far the greater portion of the terri- 
tory of the town was finally occupied by them, and the same is true to- 
day of them or their descendants. They developed into excellent 
farmers, frugal and industrious, and patient in overcoming adverse con- 
ditions in their surroundings. They cleared the lands, drained the 
swamps, and rendered the town one of the most productive in this re- 
gion. Settlements by this element were about simultaneous in sepa- 
rate localities. In 1843 Carl Sack, Erdman Wurl, and Fred Grosskopf 
purchased of William Vandervoorte 400 acres at $15 an acre; the tract 
was situated on the Tonawanda Creek, in the southeast corner of the 
town, and the settlement made there was given the name of Martinsville, 
through the veneration felt by the inhabitants for Martin Luther. The 
original purchase was subdivided into small tracts of three or more acres, 
to suit the wishes of purchasers, and about thirty families came in the 
first season. Ten log houses were completed in the fall, and into these 
the families moved, three or four in a house, in some cases, until addi- 
tional buildings could be erected. 

Christian Dornfeld settled here in 1843, purchasing six acres of \'an- 
dervoorte, and lived to old age, leaving a family of children. His sons 



342 

William and Albert became prominent business men in the place. 
William Dornfeld and Christian Fritz purchased, in 1856, the first saw 
mill, which had been built by Joseph Hewitt. Mr. Fritz built a saw 
mill and planing mill in i860, and established a lumber yard. William 
Dornfeld also carried on a considerable store, which he opened in 185 i. 
He was associated with Krull Brothers in operating another planing 
mill and sash and door factory, which was built in 1876, and was also 
postmaster of the place for some time. The present postmaster is 
Charles A. Graf, who is also a harnessmaker. Other later and present 
merchants are William F. Fritz, lumber; Charles Grosskopf and Ernest 
G. Jaenecke, general stores ; Ferdinand Ziehl, hardware ; and Christ 
Martin, grocery. John G. Jaenecke is proprietor of the Martinsville 
Hotel, and Charles Rogge is a blacksmith and cider manufacturer. 

Eugene De Kleist began the manufacture of church and other organs 
in Martinsville in 1892, and in 1893 erected a large factory, in which he 
employed about fifty hands. He has been eminently successful in this 
enterprise, and enjoys a trade which extends all over the country. 

Martinsville became a part of the city of North Tonawanda on April 
24, 1897, t>ut still maintains its own post office. 

New Bergholtz (Bergholtz is the name of the post-office) is in the 
central part of the town and was settled almost exclusively by Prussians. 
The place is named from one in Germany whence many of the settlers 
came. In 1843 Frederick Moll, John Williams and John Sy, as trus- 
tees, purchased a tract of land for a German Evangelical Lutheran con- 
gregation consisting of 120 members. The tract contained 820 acres 
and was conveyed by deed from the Farmers' Loan and Trust Company ; 
iy6}4 acres, deeded by William L. Marcy and wife; 118 acres deeded 
by Washington Hunt ; 200 acres deeded by John J. DeGraff" (the two 
latter tracts including the site of the village); 456 acres conveyed by 
Blandina Dudley; and 349 acres by the Farmers' Loan and Trust Com- 
pany. These transfers were all made in October, 1843. The whole 
quantity of land conveyed comprised 2,1 ig}4 acres and cost the settlers 
a little more than $16,000. A map of the lands was made and 121 
village lots laid out, with proper streets and a large public square. By 
a general deed executed by the trustees October 12, 1843, they con- 
veyed to Augustus Manske and 118 others each a lot of one acre. The 




EUGENE Fr. T. DE KLEIST. 



343 

first of these comers found temporary quarters in a large barn that had 
been previously built for some purpose, until houses could be erected. 
Washington Hunt presented the community with their first ox team to 
aid in building log houses, and during the first season a building was 
completed on nearly every one of the lots deeded. With the commu- 
nity came a carpenter, a blacksmith, a mason, a tailor, a shoe- 
maker and a cabinet maker, which enabled them to live almost wholly 
upon their own resources. Some of them had considerable money, one 
of the wealthiest being John Salingre, who brought over about $20,000. 
His kindness and generosity to his less fortunate neighbors in the new 
country are gratefully remembered. He died in 1871. 

The first dry goods store started at Bergholtz was that of Christian 
Wolf, one of the pioneers. The first post-ofiice was established in 
1850 with John Sy, postmaster, who died in 1861. 

These Lutherans left their own country chiefly on account of the 
determination of the king of Prussia to force a union of the Lutheran 
and Reformed churches. Hundreds of families left their country on 
that account. Rev. J. An. A. Grabau of Buffalo, preached to these 
people for about a year from 1843, when their former pastor. Rev. Mr. 
Ehrenstroem, arrived from Germany. He was succeeded a year later 
by Rev. Henry von Rohr, formerly a captain in the Prussian army, who 
remained until his death in 1874. A church was erected in 1848, and 
was called The Holy Ghost Church. A school was opened and taught 
by one of the pioneers, and later by G. Renwald. In 1845 the Luthe- 
ran Synod was organized in Buffalo and the Bergholtz church became 
a part of it. In 1866, through dissension, the synod divided into three 
parts, and in consequence the Bergholtz congregation was divided into 
two parties, one of which, consisting of fifty-two families, renounced its 
old pastor, Mr. Von Rohr, and called Rev. W. Weinback. This party 
had a majority of the members and remained in possession of the 
church property, consisting of about twelve acres of land, the church 
parsonage, cemetery, and school buildings. The other party, about 
thirty-seven families, remained loyal to Mr. Von Rohr, held services in 
a private house, which was later fitted up for a school house, and soon 
built a new brick edifice, taking the name of Trinity church. Mr. Von 
Rohr died in 1874, and about two thirds of the Trinity congregation 



344 

now wished to join with the Buffalo synod ; but as the remainder were 
not willing, they separated, called another pastor, and in 1875 organ- 
ized the Lutheran St. Jacob's Congregation. A lot was purchased, 
and in 1876 a new church, parsonage, and school house were erected. 

Bergholtz now contains the stores of Charles W. Kandt and August 
Lange, the latter being also postmaster, and the store of August 
Retzlaff. 

At Shawnee, in the northeast corner of the town, a Baptist church 
was organized in July, 1830, but the large influx of Lutherans caused 
the abandonment of that organization and the substitution of the other. 
Land for the church was donated by Isaac Carl and the building was 
erected in 1847. 

Shawnee was named from Timothy Shaw, who with Volney Spald- 
ing opened a store and ashery there in 1828. In 1863 an M. E. church 
was erected. Harmon H. Grififin is postmaster and general merchant, 
and Carl E. Eddy, blacksmith. 

St. Johnsburg is an outgrowth of Bergholtz, and lies to the south- 
west of the latter place on the 820 acres deeded by the Farmers' Loan 
and Trust Company, before mentioned. It has had very little business 
interest. A brick church was erected by St. John's German Lutheran 
Society in 1846, to which was attached a school. A store was opened 
and a few shops established. William C. KruU is the postmaster and a 
general merchant, and Lewis Holland is a harness dealer and proprietor 
of the hotel. 

New Walmore, in the northwest corner of the town, was so named 
from a village in Prussia, whence the settlers came about 1843. A Lu- 
theran church was built there, of brick, in 1853. The place is merely 
a rural hamlet. 

North Tonawanda formed one of the wards of Tonawanda from the 
incorporation of the latter village to 1857, when it withdrew, and for 
eight years was simply a part of the town of Wheatfield. The village 
of North Tonawanda was incorporated May 8, 1865, with the following 
trustees: David Robinson, Jacob Becker, George W. Sherman, Alex- 
ander G. Kent, Clark Ransom and J. D. Vandervoorte. At that time it 
contained a population of 440 and an area of 681 acres. The village 
government was established with its various departments of fire, police. 




W. L. ALLEN, M. D. 



345 

schools, etc , and during tlie thirty-two succeeding years was brought 
to its present efficient condition. 

The village presidents were as follows : 

James Carney, 1868; Franklin Warren, 1869; John M. Rockwell, 1870; A. G. 
Kent, 1871; Franklin Warren, 1872-73; C. W. Watkins, 1874-75; Franklin Warren, 
1876; C. W. Watkins, 1877-78; F. S. Fassett, 1879; Alexander McBain, 1880; John 
Taylor, 1881-82; William Gombert, 1883; Conrad Backer, 1884; J. S. Thompson, 
1885-87; Fred Sommer, 1888-89; Joseph Pitts, 1890; Benjamin F. Felton. 1891 ; John 
E. Oelkers, 1892; James S. Thompson, 1893-94; George Stanley (resigned, and E. 
C. McDonald installed), 1895; Levant R. Vandervoort, 1896; Albert E. McKeen, 1897. 

On April 24, 1897, ^Y ^ special act of the Legislature, North Tona- 
wanda was incorporated as a city witii the following boundaries : 

All that part of the county of Niagara, in the State of New York, comprised 
within the following boundaries, to wit: Beginning at the junction of the middle 
line of the Tonawanda Creek with the Niagara River, the same being on the south 
bounds of Niagara county; thence running up said Tonawanda Creek, following the 
middle line thereof, the same being the boundary line between the county of Erie 
and the county of Niagara, to a point opposite the mouth of the Sawyers Creek, 
where Sawyers Creek empties into said Tonawanda Creek; thence northerly along 
and following the middle line of Sawyers Creek, to the junction of the east and 
west branches of said creek, in farm lot four, lying along Tonawanda Creek; thence 
northwesterly along the middle line of the westerly branch of said creek, to the in- 
tersection of said middle line with the north line of lot 12, in township 13 of range 8 
of the Holland purchase (so-called); thence westerly along the north line of said lot 
12, and lots 21 and 28 of said township and range, to the northwest corner of lot 28; 
thence continuing the same course westerly along the projection of said north line of 
said lot 28 to the point of intersection of said projected line with the north line of 
lot 73 of the New York State mile reserve; thence northwesterly along the said north 
line of said lot 73 and along the north line of lots 71 and 70 and 69 of the said mile 
reserve, to the intersection of the west line of said lot 69 with said north line thereof; 
thence southerly along the west line of said lot 69 to the easterly shore of the Niag- 
ara River; thence at right angles to the shore line of said river at that point, south- 
erly to the middle line of the east channel of Niagara River, being the boundary 
between Niagara and Erie counties; thence up the said middle line of said east 
channel of Niagara River and along said boundary line between said Niagara and 
Erie counties, to the southerlj' point or angle of said Niagara county, in the middle 
of said east channel of said Niagara River; thence easterly and northeasterly in the 
waters of said river along the boundary line between said Erie county and Niagara 
county, to the place of beginning; shall be known as the city of North Tonawanda. 

The city, by this act, was divided into three wards, and the village 
officers became and held over as officers of the new city, as follows : 

Albert E. McKeen, mayor; Thomas E. Warner (who had been village clerk since 
44 



346 

1886), citj' clerk; John Kaiser. William M. Gillie, Peter D. Hershey, William Nellis, 
William Ostwald, Frederick F. Wagenschuetz, Leonard Wiedman, and Martin Wurl. 
aldermen; Hector M. Stocum, treasurer; James F. Davison, superintendent of pub- 
lic works; Stillman C. Woodruff, superintendent of water works; Augustus F. 
Premus, citj- attorney. John Kaiser was elected the first president of the Common 
Council. 

A special election was held June 8, 1897, ^^r the purpose of electing 
supervisors, and resulted as follows; First ward, Charles H. Kohler ; 
second ward. Conrad J. Winter; third ward, John H. Bollier. 

The city is provided with well organized police, fire, and health de- 
partments, the mayor being president of the latter. The police depart- 
ment is under the control of three commissioners, appointed by the 
mayor, the first (1897) incumbents being Lewis E. Allen (president), 
George McBean, and John Mahar. The chief is John Ryan, who has 
under him one sergeant and six patrolmen. 

The fire department was organized abcut twenty years ago, the first 
company being Columbia Hook & Ladder Co., which is still in exist- 
ence ; there are seven other companies, viz.: Rescue Fire Co. (stationed 
in Martinsville), Alert Hose Co , Active Hose Co., Hydrant Hose Co., 
Live Hose Co., Gratwick Hose Co. (in Gratwick), and Sweeney Hose 
Co. The chief is Louis J Wattengel. 

The water system originated with the Tonawanda City Water Works 
Company, which was incorporated in 1885 with a capital of $50,000. 
The works were located on Tonawanda Island, and water was obtained 
by the Holly system from the Niagara River. The company supplied 
both Tonawanda and North Tonawanda, but the former finally built a 
plant of its own. About 1894 the village of North Tonawanda pur- 
chased these works at a cost of $275,000, and the city now operates it 
through its Board of Public Works. 

Public improvements, such as the laying of pavements and sewers, 
were commenced by the village about 1889, and up to the present time 
about $150,000 have been expended for the former and $161,000 for 
the latter. 

The Standard Gas Company was incorporated August 21, 1888, with 
a capital of $25,000, for producing and piping natural gas, which is ob- 
tained at Getzville in Erie county. George P. Smith is president. 

The Tonawanda Lighting and Power Company was incorporated 




COL. LbWlS S. PAYNE. 



347 

February 23, 1897, with a capital of $150,000, and is the successor of 
the Tonawanda and VVheatfield Electric Light Company, which was 
organized in 1890 The company supplies both Tonawanda and North 
Tonawanda, and operates in all about 290 arc and 2,400 incandescent 
lamps. Frank M. Gordon is local manager. 

The Tonawanda Street Railroad Company was incorporated in 1891 
with a capital of $50,000. George P. Smith is president. Besides this 
the city is connected with Buffalo and Niagara Falls by electric lines, 
and with Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Lockport by the New York Cen- 
tral and Erie Railroads. 

Much of the early history of North Tonawanda has been detailed in 
preceding pages of this chapter, and the reader has doubtless observed 
that no marked impetus was inaugurated until about 1875. The Swee- 
ney and Vandervoort families were the first resident owners of land in 
the old village limits. James Sweeney bought farm lots 81 and 82 
June 14, 1824, and later conveyed a one-third interest to his brother, 
Col. John Sweeney, and one-third to George Goundry, an uncle of the 
latter's first wife. William Vandervoort, a brother in-law of James 
Sweeney, bought farm lot 80 June 7, 1826. These three lots comprise 
three-fourths of the old corporate limits. As stated, development and 
settlement were slow until recent years, when an impetus was inaugu- 
rated that afforded an unprecedented growth and marked North Tona- 
wanda as one of the most enterprising cities in the State. One of the 
first to effectually promote the business and shipping interests of the 
place was Col. Lewis S. Payne, who settled in this town in 1841. In 
1845 h^ engaged in the lumber business and in 1847 erected the first 
steam saw mill here. He was a lieutenant-colonel in the Rebellion, 
served as county clerk, assemblyman, and State senator, and was long 
one of the most enterprising of citizens. 

Beginning within a few years after the completion of the Erie Canal 
and continuing to the present time. North Tonawanda has been one of 
the most important lumber markets of the great lakes. A great many 
energetic business men, both resident and non-resident, have been as- 
sociated in this business, whose names even cannot be mentioned here. 
The rafting of logs from Canada and other lake points was commenced 
during the war of the Rebellion by Hon. II. P. Smith, but the great 



348 

lumber business properly dates from 1873. Since then it has grown to 
enormous proportions. The following tables have been prepared by 
the Tonawanda Herald: 

LAKK RECEIPTS. 

Lumber, feet. Lath, pes. Shingles, pes. 

1873—104,909,000 _ 1,258,000 1,112,000 

1874—144,754.000 1,506,000 10,822,500 

1875—155,384,805 ....6,559,200 13,088,500 

1876—207,728,327 6,137,700 18,007,500 

1877— 221,897,007. 5,126,000 23,249,400 

1878—206,655,122 ....3,629,300 21,435,500 

1879—250,699,043 5,606,400 30,022,000 

1880—323,370,814 1,249,600 22,920,000 

1881—415,070,013---- 282,000 25,271,000 

1882—433,241,000 418,000 38,312,000 

1883—398,871,853 6,031,850 55,217,000 

1884—493,268,223.... 16,367,000 66,185,000 

1885—498,631,400 7,652,000 52,004,000 

1886—505,425,000 _ 11,883,000 52,825,000 

1887—501,237,850 4,076,000 53.435,000 

1888—569,522,200 16,617,000 64.903,000 

1889—676,017,200 11,506,000 68,712,000 

1890 -718,650,900 13,039,600 52,232,300 

1891—505,512,000 8,209,800 52,561,000 

1892—498,005,000 6,243,245 42,809,300 

1893—430,249,000 13,232,600 35,257, 400 

1894^06, f,38, 000 8.495,450 31,478,700 

1895—421,382,500.. 8,547,000 41,310,650 

1896—469,249,500 7,195,350 35,823,200 

CANAL SHII'MENTS. 
Year. Feet, Lumber. 

1873 89, 273,285 

1874 115,752, 111 

1875 120,650,742 

1876... 165,545,742 

1877 188,400,335 

1878 173,085.467 

1879 206,442,542 

1880 291,000,000 

1881 ....328,886,395 

1882 326,800,681 

1883 324,528,266 

1884 ..384,455,535 

1885 ..355,230,391 




WILLIAM S. LHHON, Jr. 



349 

Year. Feet, Lumber. 

1886 .348,932,815 

1887 341,925,473 

1888 ....820,149.423 

1889.. 350,220,300 

1890 893,599,620 

1891 293,211,898 

1892 ....286,329,300 

1893 216,116.532 

1894 ....202,110.900 

1895 155,886,000 

1896 . 185, 550,352 

The following is the official schedule of canal and railroad shipments 
for 1896 : 

CANAL SHIPMENTS. 

Lumber, feet 185,580,352 

Timber, cubic feet 364,600 

Wheat, bushels 25;714 

Corn, bushels 500 

Oats, bushels 5,000 

Apples, barrels 252,292 

Domestic spirits, gallons 1,208 

Pig iron , pounds .49, 068, 826 

All other mdse, pounds.. 4.312,500 

Stone, Lime and Clay pounds 45.538,000 

Total clearances issued, 2,062 

RAILROAD SHIPMENTS. 
180G. Tons. 

N. Y. C. & H. R. R. R. Co ..205,000 

N. Y. L. E. & W. R. R. Co 270,187 

Lehigh Valley R. R. Co - - 55,000 

Following are the condensed reports of the custom house at this port 
for 1896: 

MERCHANDISE RECEIVED, 1806. 

Lumber, feet 304,021, fOO 

Shingles, pieces 35.123,200 

Lath, " - 7.195,350 

Posts - 155,687 

R. R. Ties -^3.166 

Telegraph Poles ---- -.29-* 

Cross Arms... 133,000 

Staves, pieces.. 530,000 



350 

Cord Wood, cds.. 60 

Iron Ore, tons 134,428 

Pig Iron " 9,097 

Stone 4,770 

Coastwise vessels entered 820 

" cleared 809 

P'oreign vessels entered 51 

cleared 33 

Total vessels entered _ 871 

" cleared 842 

Tonnage, Domestic, entered 325,184 

cleared 318,503 

" Foreign, entered 14,135 

" " cleared 9,150 

Among the leading lumber firms of North Tonawanda are the follow- 
ing : Smith, Fassett & Co., Huron Lumber Co., Calkins & Co., Rum- 
bold & Alliger, Kelsey & Gillespie, James B. Huff, F. A. Myrick, A. K. 
& W. E. Silverthorne, Rumbold & Bellinger, Dodge & Bliss Co., Oille 
& McKeen, Robinson Brothers & Co. Ltd., Robertson & Doebler, John 
Godkin, Thompson Hubman & Fisher, J. & T. Charlton, Merriman & 
Merriman, Export Lumber Co., Willoughby & Hathaway, W. H. 
Cooper & Co., Skillings, Whitneys & Barnes, Harrison W. Tyler, Wis- 
consin Lumber Co., A Weston & Co., W. H. Sawyer Lumber Co., 
David G. Cooper, Fassett & Bellinger, Frost, Rider & Frost, Monroe & 
McLean, Cornelius Collins, George H. Damon. 

Among former lumber concerns were J. S. Bliss & Co., formed in 
1 886, whose mill, which was burned recently, was built as a grist 
mill by John and James Sweeney in 1853; The Tonawanda Lum- 
ber and Saw Mill Company, incorporated in June, 1891, with a capital 
of $300,000, which succeeded the Tonawanda Lumber Company, 
whose predecessor was the New York Lumber and Wood Working 
Company, which was incorporated by George P. Smith and others in 
1885; the Hollister Brothers Company, Ltd., organized in January, 
1889, with a capital of $450,000, which on September i, 1890, was in- 
creased to $600,000; the L. A. Kelsey Lumber Company, organized in 
1886, which established the first hardwood lumber trade in North Tona- 
wanda ; W. E. Marsh & Co., organized about 1888 ; W. H. Kessler & 
Son, formed in 1887; Plumsteel, Gillespie & Himes, organized in 1890. 




F. W. BHNTLEY, M. D. 



351 

A. M, Dodge & Co. began business here in 1883, erected a planing mill 
in 1885, and were succeeded by the Dodge & Bliss Cc^. 

The firm of McGraw & Co.. consisting of John McGraw, T. H. Mc- 
Graw, C. B. Curtis and Ira D. Bennett, was for many years heavy deal- 
ers in lumber, their yards and docks covering more than six acres of 
land, with a main dock 400 feet long and two slips of 600 feet each. 

W. H. Gratwick & Co., about two miles below the city, established 
an immense lumber interest several years ago. Others connected with 
this company were Robert S. Fryer, in Albany, under the style of 
Gratwick, Fryer & Co., and Edward Smith, in Michigan, under the firm 
name of Smith, Gratwick & Co. These companies owned more than 
30,000 acres of Michigan pine lands, where their mills were capable of 
turning out 28,000,000 feet annually. Their docks had a frontage on 
the river of 2,000 feet, with every facility for handling and shipping 
lumber economically. William H. Gratwick came here and established 
a lumber business in 1870. In 1880 the Gratwick, Smith & Fryer 
Lumber Company was incorporated. P. W. Ledoux built a sash, door 
and blind factory about 1876 and Mr. Gratwick erected a planing mill 
in 1879 

J. & T. Charlton's wood working mill was built by Charles Williams. 
John Charlton came here in 1862 and was soon followed by Thomas. 

Grand Island was purchased for the white oak timber in 1833 by the 
East Boston Company for $16,000. A large mill with gang saws was 
built and Stephen White, the manager of the company, purchased Ton- 
awanda Island for his home and erected the mansion there. The com- 
pany did an extensive business until 1837-38. Later William Wilke- 
son, of Buffalo, became the owner of the island, and from him Smith, 
Fassett & Co., who had been in the lumber trade since 1872, purchased 
it in 1882. The island comprises 85 acres, and is one of the largest 
lumber centers in the world. 

The W. H. Sawyer Lumber Company was organized in January, 
1887. Skillings, Whitneys & Barnes succeeded to the plant of Hall & 
Buell in June. 1890, and have a dockage of about 1,300 feet on Tona- 
wanda Island. Robertson & Doebler began business here in 1888 and 
erected a large planing mill in 1889. 

These and many other lumber concerns have brought the cit\' of 



352 

North Tonawanda into the front rank of lumber centers of the world 
during the past quarter century, and it is safe to say that no place in the 
country has had a more wonderful and sudden development in this re- 
spect. With unexcelled harbor facilities, upon which the government 
has expended thousands of dollars in improvements, and with the great 
lakes as a feeder and the Erie Canal and numerous railroad lines as out- 
lets, the city has recently forged ahead with an unusual bound, and 
enjoys extraordinary prospects for the future. Much of the recent 
prosperity of the place is due to the efforts of the North Tonawanda 
Business Men's Association, which was organized in May, 1888, and of 
which Edward Evans is president While the great lumber business has 
brought capital and fame to the place, other interests have equally 
shared in promoting its growth and prosperity, and to the most impor- 
tant of these the reader's attention is now directed. 

The Niagara River Iron Company was organized in 1872 with a 
capital of $400,000. The company purchased real estate at North Tona- 
wanda to the extent of 165 acres, and in 1873 completed the plant and 
began operations. The blast furnace was built to turn out fifty tons of 
pig iron daily, and all of the structures necessary for the business are 
models of strength and architectural harmony. Early officers of the 
company were Pascal P. Pratt, president; Josiah Jewett, vice-president; 
S. S. Jewett, H. H. Glenny, George B. Hays, F, L. Danforth and B F. 
Felton, trustees. This company was finally succeeded by the Tona- 
wanda Iron and Steel Company, which tore down the old stack and 
erected a modern furnace at a cost of $250,000, and which subsequently 
doubled the capacity of its plant. William A. Rogers is president of 
the company. 

The Armitage-Herschell Company had its inception in a small brass 
and iron foundry established by James Armitage and Allan and George 
C. Herschell about 1872. Their shop was burned in 1874, rebuilt, and 
again burned in 1875. Afterward the present site was secured on Oli- 
ver street, and the manufacture of engines, boilers, and machinery 
was conducted on a large scale. In 1887 they added the manufacture 
of steam riding galleries, or "merry- go rounds," which has become a 
leading industry of the Lumber City and the largest of the kind in 
the country. James Armitage is president ; Allan Herschell, vice- 
president ; and George C. Herschell, treasurer. 




ii^ 



T. P. C. BARNARD, M. D. 



353 

The flouring mill of McDonald & Kbersole was started by C. C. 
Grove and L. D. Ebersole in 1883. The capacity is over 200 barrels 
per day. 

PVanklin Getz established his present feed mill in North Tona- 
wanda in 1883, coming here from Getzville, Erie county. 

The carriage and wagon works of Mclntyre & Miller were started in 
1876 The Tonawanda grain elevator, of which Louis Pick is pro- 
prietor, was erected in 1882 by L. G Fuller. The Niagara brewery 
was started by George Zent in 1867, and early in 1883 passed into 
the possession of the Niagara River Brewing Company, who in June, 
1892, were succeeded by the Bush Brewing Company. 

The first permanent banking business was founded by Edward Evans 
on June i, 1872. He was succeeded May i, 1877, by the firm of 
Evans, Schwinger & Co., with James H. De Graff, president; Edward 
Evans, vice-president; William McLaren, cashier. This concern was 
followed by the State Bank, which was organized May i, 1883, with a 
paid up capital of $100,000, and with James A. De Graff", president; 
Edward Evans, vice president ; Benjamin L. Rand, cashier. The pres- 
ent capital, undivided profits, and surplus is about $165,000, and the 
officers are J, H. De Grafif, president ; C. Schwinger, vice-president ; 
Benjamin L. Rand, cashier. 

The Lumber Exchange Bank was organized May i, 1886, with a 
capital of $ioo,ooo; Edward Evans, president; Joshua S. Bliss, vice- 
president; James H. Rand, cashier. In 1889 the capital was doubled, 
and in 1890 Mr. Evans was succeeded as president by James S.Thomp- 
son. The bank discontinued business in April, 1897. 

George F. Rand started a private banking business in 1890. 

James H. Rand established his present private bank in 1894. 

Frederick Robertson & Co. began a private banking business in 1897. 

The various journalistic enterprises have been so intimately identified 
with both Tonawanda and North Tonawanda that it seems advisable to 
mention them briefly here. The first in the field was the Tonawanda 
Commercial, which was started by S. Hoyt on May 2, 1850, and lived 
a little more than a year. In September, 1853, S. S. Packard began 
the publication of the Niagara River Pilot, which was sold by him in 

1855 to S. O. Ilayward, who started the Niagara Frontitr in Novem- 

45 



354 

ber, 1857, and, after an absence, the Enterprise, which was continued 
till about 1 89 1. 

The Tonawanda Herald was started July 19, 1875, by Jay Densmore, 
who a year or two later was succeeded by Warren & O'Regan. On 
October 14, 1877, Thomas M. Chapman bought out John O'Regan and 
in 1880 George Warren sold his interest to Thomas E. Warner; since 
then the firm has been Chapman & Warner. During six months in 
1890 a daily edition was published; otherwise the paper has been suc- 
cessfully continued as an able, influential Democratic weekly. 

Thomas M. Chapman, of the firm of Chapman & Warner, editors and 
publishers of the Tonawanda Herald, of North Tonawanda, is the son of 
Thomas and Margaret Chapman, and was born in Oueenston, Canada, 
November 17, 1844. His father was a native of Hull, England. Mr. 
Chapman moved with his parents to St Catharines, Ontario, where he 
received an academic education under Rev. T. D. Phillips. When six- 
teen he was apprenticed to the printer's trade, which he learned thor- 
oughly. In 1877 he came to North Tonawanda, and on October 14 of 
that year purchased the interest of John O'Regan in the Tonawanda 
Herald, thus becoming a partner with George Warren in the publica- 
of that paper. In 1880 Mr. Warren sold his interest to Thomas E. 
Warner, and since then the firm has been Chapman & Warner. Mr. 
Chapman is one of the oldest and ablest editors in Niagara county, and 
during a successful journalistic career has always stood in the front rank 
of his profession. He is a terse, ready writer, a good judge of litera- 
ture, and an enterprising, public spirited citizen. In politics he has 
always been a prominent Democrat. He was deputy collector of cus- 
toms four years and clerk of the village of North Tonawanda three 
years, and is a member of Niagara River Lodge, No. 527, I. O. O. F., 
and other social and fraternal organizations. January 27, 1870, he 
married Cecelia J., daughter of the late James Stephenson, of Canan- 
daigua, N. Y., and they have two children, James Alfred and Alice M. 
Thomas E. Warner, of the firm of Chapman & Warner, publishers of 
the Tonawanda Herald, and the first clerk of the city of North Tona- 
wanda, is the son of Hon Ulysses Warner and Eliza Ann Jones, his 
wife, and was born in Orleans, Ontario county, N. Y., March 23, 1844. 
His father was member of assembly in 1858 and 1859, served as justice 




THOMAS M. CHAPMAN. 




THOMAS H. WARNHR. 



355 

of the peace for many years, and was a prominent and influential citi- 
zen. Mr. Warner was educated in the common schools of his native 
town. At the age of sixteen he was apprenticed to the printer's trade 
in the office of the Geneva Gazette, where he remained three years. 
Afterward he spent some time as a journeyman, principally in Detroit, 
Chicago and New York, and while in the latter city was one of four or 
five compositors who put into type the first dispatch that came over the 
second Atlantic cable. He was also warden of the Jersey City (N, J.) 
Charity Hospital for four years. In 1880 he came to North Tona- 
wanda and purchased George Warren's interest in the Tonawanda 
Herald, with which he has since been connected under the firm name of 
Chapman & Warner. He is an able writer, a man of energy and 
ability, and one of the most public spirited of citizens. He served as 
village clerk of North Tonawanda from 1886 until it became a city, 
when he became the first city clerk, which office he now holds. He is 
a past master of Tonawanda Lodge, No. 247, F. and A. M., and the 
present high priest of Tonawanda Chapter, No. 278, R. A. M. 

The Daily News, of North Tonawanda, was commenced about 1880 
by George S. Hobbie, who had been employed in the ofiice of the 
Index, which was started in 1875 by J. A. L. Fisher. The News was 
originally a diminutive two-column sheet. George W. Tong became a 
partner in 1884, and soon changed it to a weekly, taking the name of 
the Standard, which was leased to J. W. Works in 1886. In 1887 Mr. 
Works resumed the publication of the Daily News, having as a partner 
his brother Arthur. Other owners following them were Hepworth & 
Lane, George P. Smith, and M. J. Dillon, who sold it on December 4, 
1894, to Harlan W. and Walter S Brush; the News Publishing Com- 
pany was incorporated in May, 1895, with a capital of $12,000, and 
with H. W. Brush, president, and W. S. Brush, secretary and treasurer. 
A weekly edition was added April i, 1897. 

Harlan W. Brush, president of the News Publishing Company of 
North Tonawanda, is a son of James A. and Amelia A. (McCall) Ikush 
and was bornin Nelson, Portage count}', O., May 27,1865. Hesoon moved 
with his parents to Alliance, Ohio, where he attended the public schools 
and Mount Union College, which he left at the age of fifteen on account 
of his father's death. He spent one year in the office of the Alliance 



356 

Weekly Standard learning the printer's trade, which he finished with 
F. W. Lordan, a job printer of that place. In December, 1884, he pur- 
chased Mr. Lordan's establishment, and in 1887 also bought the Stand- 
ard, and combined the two plants. In 1888 he added the Alliance 
Weekly Review and consolidated the two papers under the names of 
the Daily Review and Weekly Standard, forming a stock company, of 
which he was the manager and has since been the principal stock- 
holder. In 1894 he came to North Tonawanda, and with his brother, 
Walter S., purchased the Daily News. In May, 1895, the News Publishing 
Company was incorporated with a capital of $12,000, and Mr. Brush 
has since been its president. Mr. Brush has always been active in poli- 
tics, as a Republican, and was president of the first McKinley club ever 
organized (1887) — this was in McKinley's own county (Stark) in Ohio. 
As a journalist he is progressive and enterprising, and has been emin- 
ently successful in this profession. He has made the News one of the 
liveliest and best dailies in the county. 

Walter S. Brush, secretary and treasurer of the News Publishing 
Company, of North Tonawanda, is a younger son of James A. and 
Amelia A. (McCall) Brush, and was born in Alliance, Ohio, September 
25, 1868. He was educated in the Alliance public schools and Mount 
Union College, was for two years a clerk for the Solid Steel Company 
of his native city, and then took a course of short hand in Oswego, N. 
Y. He became chief clerk in the train master's office of the West Shore 
Railroad in Syracuse and later bookkeeper and manager of the Minne- 
apolis branch of the Hall Safe and Lock Company. In 1894 he came 
to North Tonawanda, and with his brother, Harlan W., purchased the 
Daily News, of which he has since been the secretary and treasurer. 
Mr. Brush is an efficient business manager, as the prosperous condition 
of the News shows. 

The North Tonawanda Cemetery Association was incorporated in 
1868 with Hiram Newell (president), Benjamin J. Felton, Garwood L. 
Judd, Selden G. Johnson, Franklin Warren, and John Simpson, trustees. 

The first bridge over Tonawanda Creek in the village was erected 
chiefly for military purposes soon after 1800. It was a temporary 
structure and soon went to ruin. Passage of the stream was then made 
by ferry until 1824, when a toll bridge was built under a legislative char- 




HARLAN W. BRUSH, 




WALTER S. BRUSH. 



357 

ter, which gave it an existence of twenty-one years. Prior to the ex- 
piration of the charter the shares were bought by the Buffalo and 
Niagara F'alls Raihoad Company, which rcbuih the bridge to accom- 
modate its tracks. When the charter expired the bridge became a 
county and town charge. The third structure was built by Niagara and 
Erie counties and stood until 1875 when the present one was erected. 
In 1 89 1 another iron bridge was built across the Tonawanda Creek to 
connect Delaware and Main streets, and still another was erected over 
Ellicott Creek on Delaware street. 

Within recent years a number of land enterprises have been inaugu- 
ated in North Tonawanda, giving the city an impetus commensurate 
with its business growth and development. The fronton addition was 
rcplatted and placed on the market in 1 890; the North Tonawanda 
Land Company was incorporated in June, 189 1, with a capital of 
$100,000. One of the moving spirits in each of these incorporations 
was George P. Smith. 

At this point mention should be made of a number of business men 
and residents of North Tonawanda, past and present, who have been 
instrumental in developing the resources of the city and imparting to it 
that degree of prosperity which has brought it into prominence through- 
out the country. Among these are: 

John Schulmeister, Lehon & Warren, A. & E. M. Krauss, L. G. Stanley, Dr. C. C. 
Smith, Nice & Hinkey, William J. Kage, M. F. and G. F. Myers, (who succeeded G. 
L. Faulkner in the coal business in 1890), John O. Ball, John T. and William Bush, 
W. W. Thayer (afterward governor of Oregon), B. H. Long, Hon. Garwood L. 
Judd, Lewis T. Payne, Frederick Sommer, Dr. R. G. Wright, Dr. W. L. Allen, Dr. 
W. V. R. Blighton, Levant R. Vandervoort, George P. Smith, A. F. Premus, James 
S. Thompson, J. H. De Graff, James Sweeney, jr., Frank Batt, Benjamin F. Felton, 
William Tompkins, Albert Dornfeld (postmaster), George O. Miller, Henry Ho- 
meyer, C. F. Goerss, Thomas H. TuUey, John T. Hepworth, Edward C. Praker, 
August M Wendt, James H. Rand, Albert E. McKeen, Fred F. Wagenschuetz Sc 
Co., Mundie & McCoy, Charles Hageu, William Allen, Edward Evans, Hon. Henry 
E. Warner, John E. Oelkers, John P. Christgau, Batt, Kopp & Co. (manufacturers 
of church and school furniture), John H. BoUier, L. G. Fuller, Gillie, Godard & Co. 
(manufacturers of steam riding galleries), August H. Miller, C. F. Oelkers, Christian 
Schulmeister. 

Among other prominent citizens of the town of VVheatfield may he 

mentioned : 

Edward A. Milliman, William Krull, Frederick and Martin Kopp, William Boeu- 



358 

ing, William Fritz, Frederick Wurl, William Mauth, Gottlieb Walck, William Beutel, 
James Briggs, L. B. BuUard, John Chadrick, William Deglow, William Devantier, 
Frederick Gentz, F. D. and B. A. Habecker, Henry Hall, Peter Heim, Dennis G. 
Hoover, Martin Klemer, Ferdinand Lang, William Lehon, William Mavis, Oliver 
and John Miller, William Pfuhl, Christ Radlaff, Charles Rogge, George Schenck, 
Joseph Schenck, William Schmidt, John H. and William Schnell, Henry Treichler, 
William Vandervoort, Henry F. Wagner, Albert and August Walk, Christopher 
Walk, Gottlieb Walk, William Watt, Fred Weinheimer, William Wendt, August 
and Charles Werth, Chauncey Wichterman, August and Gustav H. Williams, Will- 
iam Williams, George M. Warren, Christian George KruU, J. D. Loveland, Daniel 
vSy, William Clark, Martin Reisterer, Calvin Jacobs, J. S. Tompkins, Thomas Col- 
lins, Daniel Treichler, Harvey Miller. 

More extended notices of some of these and many others appear in 
Part III of this volume. 

Schools and religious services were among the first institutions to be 
inaugurated by the early settlers. The history of the beginnings of the 
former, however, is meagre. The first school in the north part of the 
town was taught by Ira Benedict in 1826, while the pioneers in the 
south part evidently sent their children over into Erie county, a school 
having been started there, near the creek, as early as 18 16. In 1836, 
soon after the formation of the town, Wheatfield was conveniently 
divided into school districts, which in i860 numbered seven ; the pres- 
ent number is eight. In 1866 a portion of the Union School building 
in North Tonawanda was erected ; this is a fine brick structure, known 
as the Goundry Street school, and was rebuilt in 1882, bonds to the 
amount of $14,500 being issued for the purpose. There are three other 
substantial brick school houses in the city, viz., the Ironton School, 
erected in 1889, and the Pine Woods and Gratwick Schools, built in 
1892 ; the former cost $15,000 and the latter two $20,000 each. One 
of the most successful teachers and superintendents was Prof Alexan- 
der D. Filer, who came to North Tonawanda from Middleport in 1881 
and remained until his death, about 189 1, being succeeded by Prof. 
Clinton S. Marsh, the present incumbent. The principal of the High 
School is F. J. Beardsley. Benjamin F. Felton has been connected 
with the Board of Education since 1876 and has served as its president 
since 1877; James H. Rand has officiated as clerk since 1882. 

Religious services were held in this section as early as 1816-20, 
when Rev. John Foster was a preacher on the Tonawanda circuit, but 




BtNJAMlN F. FHLTON, 



359 

no church was organized until many years later. Some of the earlier 
churches of the town have already been mentioned. The inhabitants of 
Tonawanda worshiped for some time in a union church which was 
erected about 1830, on a lot on South Canal street donated by A. H. 
Tracy. 

The First Methodist Episcopal Church of North Tonawanda was 
built in 1842, on the corner of Main and Tremont streets. One of the 
prime movers in this as well as in the original movement was John 
Simson, who on July 4. 1867. presented the lot, edifice, etc., to the 
society free of debt. The present church was completed in 1882. 

A Baptist church was organized about 1852, but a few years later 
succumbed for lack of support. The First Baptist church of North 
Tonawanda was organized September 6, 1885, with eighteen members, 
and in 1887-88 an edifice was erected on Vandervoort street at a cost 
of about $8,000. 

St. Mark's Episcopal church, organized February 17, 1869, is noticed 
in the chapter devoted to Lockport. 

St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran church, of North Tonawanda, was 
organized October 31, 1887. by Rev. H. Kaufman, who also instituted 
a parochial school in connection therewith. The church was built 
about 1888. 

The Church of Christ of North Tonawanda was organized in 1888, 
and the next year an edifice was built on the corner of Christiana street 
and Payne's avenue ; with the lot it cost about $12,000. 

The Church of the Ascension (Roman Catholic), of North Tonawan- 
da, was organized by Rev. Father Bustin in 1888, and a church and 
parsonage were erected soon afterward. The present pastor is Rev. 
Patrick Cronin. 

St. Matthew's German Evangelical Lutheran church, on the corner 
of W'heatfield and Bryan streets, was built in 1 888-90, the church or- 
ganization being effected in January, 1890. The first pastor was Rev. 
W. C. Koch. Connected with the church is a flourishing parochial 
school. 

The Evangelical Frieden's church was organized by Rev. Paul Ditt- 
man in 1889, and an edifice was built the same year on the corner of 
Schcnck and X'^andervoort streets at a cost of $S,ooo. 



36o 

The North Presbyterian church was organized April 30, 1891, with 
seventy-five members, and purchased the building erected by the Ger- 
man Methodists in 1887. 

The Central Methodist church on Oliver street near Fifth avenue, 
North Tonawanda, was built about 1893. 

The Young Men's Christian Association of North Tonawanda was 
organized largely through the influence of the late Rev. I. P. Smith in 
December, 1886. In 1892 a handsome brick building was erected on 
the corner of Main and Treraont streets. One of the principals in fos- 
tering this institution was Dr. F. M. Hayes, the first president. 

There are two churches of the Lutheran faith in Martinsville, viz., 
St. Martin's, erected in 1846, and St. Paul's, built in 1861. Connected 
with each church is a flourishing parochial school. 



CHAPTER XXHI.i 

THE BENCH AND BAR OF NIAGARA COUNTY. 

The old county of Niagara which then included Erie, was organized 
March 11, 1808, and judicial jurisdiction extended over the whole of 
that territory until Erie county was set off in 1 821, taking with it the 
county organization, and leaving Niagara with little else than the orig- 
inal name. The county seat of the old county was in Buffalo, and 
there the first courts in Western New York were held, none having 
been held prior to that time west of Batavia ; the opening of the first 
term in Buffalo was, therefore, an event of considerable importance and 
interest. It was held in the public house of Joseph Landon, which 
stood on inner lot No. i. on the south side of what is now Exchange 
street. Augustus Porter, of Niagara Falls, was first judge, and Erastus 
Granger, of Buffalo, was one of the puisne judges. Judge Porter was 
succeeded by Samuel Tupper in 18 12, and he by William Hotchkiss, of 
Lewiston, in 18 18. Samuel Wilkeson was chosen in November, 1820, 

1 Prepared under the supervision of Hon. David Millar. 




UAVIL) MILLAR. 



36i 

and held the office at the time of the division of the county, when he 
was succeeded by Silas Hopkins, of Lewiston. 

There were few lawyers in Niagara county before the war of 1812, 
and nearly or quite all of these were located in Bufifalo. Ebenezer 
Walden, Jonas Harrison, John Root, Heman B. Potter, and Jonathan 
E. Chaplin constituted the bar of Buffalo in 181 2. There were only 
seven lawyers in Lockport as late as 1823. They were John Birdsall, 
Hiram Gardner, J. F. Mason, Elias Ransom, Harvey Leonard, Zina H. 
Colvin and Theodore Chapin. There were only thirteen lawyers in 
Buffalo when the county was divided in 1821. 

The first court house erected for the original county of Niagara was 
built by the Holland Company in 1 806-9 It was a frame building 
and stood in the center of half an acre of land laid out in circular form, 
the center of the circle being in the middle of what is now Washington 
street, Buffalo, just east of La Fayette Square, and immediately in 
front of the site of the new court house. The erection of these build- 
ings by the Holland Company was made an obligation by the Legisla- 
ture as a condition of the erection of Niagara county. The building 
was probably accepted by the judges of the County Court in 18 10, the 
deed of the lot bearing date November 21 of that year. Even then 
the building was referred to as "an unfinished wooden court house." 
A stone jail was also erected by the company, on the east side of Wash- 
ington street, between what are now Clinton and Eagle streets. When 
l^uffalo was burned by the British in December, 181 3, the court house 
went with the other buildings in the village ; but the jail withstood 
the flames and was afterwards repaired and used for nearly twenty 
years. The Legislature passed an act in March, 18 16, authorizing the 
supervisors of old Niagara county to raise $4,000 with which to build 
a new courthouse. This act was not carried into effect for some reason, 
and on April 17, 18 16, another act was passed authorizing a loan of 
$5,000 by the State to the county, for the same purpose, and appoint- 
ing Samuel Tupper, Joseph Landon, and Jonas Williams, commis- 
sioners to superintend the construction of the building. Neither of 
these men was from the present Niagara county. The courthouse was 
built in 1 8 16, and was in use when the present county of Niagara was 
erected by the setting off of Erie. 

4(3 



362 

When Niagara county was reduced to its present limits, in 1821, 
Lewiston was made the county seat, and there the first Circuit Court 
was held in a stone school house which stood on the academy lot. That 
building was used for the purpose until 1823, when Lockport was made 
the county seat. 

The act creating Niagara county as at present bounded, appointed 
Lothrop Cooke, sherifif; Silas Hopkins, first judge; James Van Horn 
and Robert Fleming, judges ; Oliver Grace, clerk. Erasmus Root, 
Jesse Hawley, and William Britton were appointed commissioners to 
decide the question of locating a permanent county seat, but before the 
matter was consummated Mr. Britton died. Mr. Root favored Lewis- 
ton (or Molyneux's) in Cambria. Mr. Hawley favored Lockport, and 
as the two could not agree, nothing was then decided. Another com- 
mission was appointed by the Legislature of 1822, consisting of James 
McKown, Abraham Keyser, and Junius H. Hatch. In July this com- 
mission agreed upon Lockport as the county seat. Steps were at once 
taken to provide a court house by the purchase of two acres of land of 
William M, Bond, and the building was commenced. It was not com- 
pleted and ready for use until January, 1825, when the first courts 
were held within its walls. 

The settlement of the location of the county seat was not effected 
without a serious and bitter rivalry between the eastern and western 
portions of the county. The towns of Lewiston and Niagara worked 
together, and their efforts resulted in February, 1823, in the appoint- 
ment of Silas Hopkins, Robert Fleming, Samuel De Veaux, James Van 
Horn and E. D. Richardson as judges — Hopkins and De Veaux from 
Niagara, Fleming from Lewiston, Van Horn from Newfane, and Rich- 
ardson from Cambria. Soon afterward the judges and supervisors met 
in Lewiston and appointed justices of the peace for the different towns: 
for Niagara, James Field, Alexander Dickerson, George Rogers, and 
Jerry S. Jenks ; for Lewiston, Rufus Spaulding, Gideon Frisbie, James 
Murray, and Asahel Sage ; for Cambria, E. D. Richardson, Andrew 
Sutherland, John Gould, and Myron Orton, and like numbers whose 
names are not now obtainable for the other towns. 

An act of the Legislature passed in 1823 made it the duty of the 
judges of the Court of Common Pleas to lay out, " in as square form as 



363 

convenient, gaol limits for said county, in such a manner as to embrace 
the site for the public buildings as determined by the commissioners 
appointed by the Legislature in August last, and to remove the said 
Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace to the house 
of James McKovvn, in the said village of Lockport." The act contin- 
tinues : " And be it further enacted, that Nathan Comstock, with Benja- 
min Barton and Robert Fleming, be, and they are hereby declared, 
commissioners to superintend and cause to be erected a court house and 
gaol in said county of Niagara, at the site determined on by James 
McKown, Abraham Keyser, and Junius H. Hatch." 

On the 5th of May the County Court officials met in Lewiston to 
hold court, when it was discovered that the words, "by the first Mon- 
day of May next," had somehow been interpolated in the act. It is not 
known who perpetrated this deed. No court could, therefore, be held 
until the following September. The judges then proceeded to Lockport 
to lay out the jail limits. 

The court house completed in 1825 continued in use until the year 
1885 when, in response to a demand created by increased business and 
the insufificiency and incompleteness of the old structure, the Board of 
Supervisors decided upon the erection of a new county building. The 
old court house was torn down, and the present jail erected on the site. 
The land on which the present court house and jail stand was deeded 
to Niagara county by William M. Bond in 1822. The town of Lockport had 
not been created, and the town of Cambria adjoined the town of Royalton, 
the Transit road being the dividing line ; thus the lot lay in the town of 
Cambria. By the terms of William M. Bond's deed the land could not be 
sold by the county, and could be used only for county purposes. The so- 
called "seminary lot," which is the court house site, has a history of itsown. 
It was for many years the recognized play ground. General Butler visited 
Lockport in 1872 and was one of the speakers at a large Republican 
ratification meeting. The speaking was from a platform erected on this 
lot. There was a great crowd in town, mostly animated by a desire to 
see " Ben." When he arose to speak a large delegation of boys on the 
outer edge of the stage almost prevented the general from moving with- 
out danger of stepping on some of them. This anno\'ance he endured 
for a time, and then calmly stooped down and began brushing away the 



364 

intruders with smart slaps freely distributed. The boys fled in dismay 
from this assault by the hero of New Orleans. 

The Board of Supervisors on May 7, 1885, awarded William J. 
Blackley the contract for building the new court house, the contract 
price being $68,000. In less than a year the structure was finished. 
It is an imposing example of modern architecture. It is one of the 
largest and most convenient court rooms in the State, with offices for 
the county officials excepting the county clerk. The building commit- 
tee were A. R. Furgason, Alfred Morgan, A. U. Gatchell, H. J Le- 
land and J. Binkley. 

On Monday, November 20, 1886, the supervisors took possession of 
their new room and were the first to transact public business in the 
building. The formal dedication of the building took place on Decem- 
ber 13, 1886, when the County Court and Court of Sessions first con- 
vened there. Hon. Alvah K. Potter, county judge, presided ; Gordon 
Rowe and Duncan R. Maxwell, justices of sessions, were on the bench. 
The occasion was one of much interest and importance and a multitude 
of people from all parts of the county were present. Nearly every 
member of the bar in Niagara county, many ladies, and the Board of 
Supervisors in a body were in attendance at the exercises. County 
Clerk John A. Merritt administered the oath to the grand jury, and 
after they were sworn Major James Franklin Fitts delivered an appro- 
priate address, from which extracts are here given. Extempore re- 
marks were made by ex-Judge Levi F. Bowen and ex-Judge Alfred 
Holmes, after which Judge Potter delivered the charge to the grand 
jury. The court then adjourned until afternoon, when the dedicatory 
exercises were held. From the address then delivered by Major James 
Franklin Fitts the following extracts are made, which are eminently 
worthy of permanent preservation in these pages in connection with the 
history of the courts and bar of the county : 

Upon the material structure that we thus unostentatiously dedicate we look with 
exceeding pride and satisfaction. It is at once the outward and visible sign of ag- 
gregated wealth and prosperity, and the firm pledge of public order and private 
security. Within its spacious chambers the people's servants find ample means and 
facilities for their labors. Its massive proportions, its graceful architecture, its soar- 
ing tower may well represent the strength, the dexterity, the ambition of the people. 
Surmounting all, we behold the imposing and emblematic figure of that divinity 
whose rule within these halls has now begun. Too long have we scantly housed 



365 

here; too long have we been unmindful of shabby exteriors and cramped accommo- 
dations. But the stride of progress in material things as in ideas is sure, if slow ; 
and bidding farewell to the old, we greet the new with the fervent hope, that, as the 
centuries roll on, the scenes here to be enacted may realize the spirit of the poet's 
aspiration : 

" I'or Justice — All place a temple, and all seasons summer." 

The occasion is not at all obituary in its character; but it is impossible to express 
our sense of the greatness of the work, now happih' accomplished, without some ref- 
erence to the beginnings and progress of the rule of law in Niagara county. In the 
3'ear 1821 this county was reduced to its present territorial limits. Its courts were 
organized in May of that year. Justice, proverbially blind, and to the popular ap- 
preciation somewhat lame, was then locally hou.seless and homeless. No county seat 
had been designated ; no temple, however humble, had been provided. Her first hab- 
itation was a stone school house on the academy lot in Lewiston, long since demol- 
ished, but which .some present, besides j^our speaker, may recall as the after scene of 
their struggles and discipline in the way of knowledge. In this building was held 
the first Circuit Court of the county, Jonas Piatt being the presiding Judge. 

In 1823 the first Circuit Court was held in Lockport by Judge Rochester in an up- 
per room of the Mansion House, on West Main street. In January, 1825, the now 
venerable building across the way was completed and first occupied by a court. The 
square of three acres intersected by Niagara street upon which stand both court 
houses, jail and clerk's office, was conveyed in 1822 by William M. Bond and wife, 
to the supervisors of Lockport for a nominal consideration of one dollar " for the use 
of the county of Niagara." Scant was the population, as I have said; the primeval 
forest was everywhere; the war whoop of the savage and the red coat of the British 
soldier had but lately vanished ; yet the settlers were enjoying some of the blessings 
of civilization, the lawj^ers among them. At that early day the bar of the county 
numbered ten persons. Let the names of those fathers of the local bar be mentioned 
with reverence at this time; they were John Birdsall, William Hotchkiss, Z. H. 
Colvin, Bates Cook, J. F. Mason, Elias Ransom, Hiram Gardner, Theodore Chapin, 
Sebride Dodge, and Harry Leonard. 

Upon a greater occasion than this, the most illustious of American orators said, 
" human beings are composed not of reason only, but of imagination also, and sen- 
timent." Our minds are naturally turned to a brief retrospect of the life of the old 
temple that we vacate today. We look upon it in all its homeliness and dwarfed 
proportions, and two generations pass before us. The population of the county has 
been ten times augmented. Our fathers and our grandfathers have taken the rule 
of their private and public conduct from what has occurred within it. 

A long procession of honored and learned public servants has passed from its por- 
tals into the larger life beyond ; grave contests over life and reputation and property, 
which have shaken the community, have been there decided. To merely mention 
memorable names and causes would make my words a mere catalogue; but I cannot 
forbear to remind you that yonder mouldy walls have witnessed controversies that 
have pas.sed into national history; have heard from bench and bar the voices now 
long silent, of men of national repute. Trials have occurred connected with the 
disappearance of William Morgan which not only agitated the Empire State, but 



366 

largely affected the national policies of that day. They witnessed the preliminary 
proceedings in the international questions arising in the case of the people against 
Alexander McLeod, which in 1841 brought us to the very verge of war with Great 
Britain. They echoed the words there spoken by William L. Marcy, by John C. 
Spencer, by Abram Stewart, by Washington Hunt, by Daniel S. Dickinson, by San- 
ford E. Church. And, therefore, it is that not alone with shining example, but with 
national history localized, we take the new departure. " Lockport, Niagara county," 
once remarked the venerable and illustrious John Quincy Adams to a member of this 
bar. " Why, that is classic ground. There were the Morgan trials, there McLeod 
was imprisoned, and there you have the combined locks on the Erie canal." 

In regard to the first Circuit Court held in Lockport in 1823 the fol- 
lowing taken from an address recently delivered by Hon. John E. 
Pound, will be of special interest: 

The judge who presided at that term, his associates on the bench, the sheriff, the 
clerk, the jurors, the witnesses, and the litigants, all have gone to appear before the 
higher court from whose judgments there are no appeals. The members of the bar 
then were John Birdsall, William Hotchkiss, Zina H. Colvin, Bates Cook, John F. 
Mason, Elias Ransom, Hiram Gardner, Theodore Chapin, Sebridge Dodge, and 
Harvey Leonard. Of John Birdsall history says in connnection with the building of 
the locks in the Erie canal at Lockport: "Oratorical John Birdsall stood upon the 
foundation stone of the locks in 1823, the echo of his voice returning from the sur- 
rounding wilderness cleft, and announced the commencement, and on the deck of a 
canal boat at the head of the finished locks October 26, 1825, proclaimed to the as- 
sembled populace, ' the last barrier is removed.' " He became judge of the Supreme 
Court and Member of Congress, and held other high positions. 

William Hotchkiss and Zina H. Colvin became district attorneys: Elias Ransom 
became district attorney, and he and Hiram Gardner worthily held the office of 
County Judge, and are still remembered in honor b}' many. John F. Mason was 
the second county clerk of the county. Bates Cook became comptroller of this State 
and Member of Congress. Theodore Chapin was justice of the peace and father-in- 
law of a lawyer named Hart, who amused the boys of his days by wearing high shirt 
collars which they thought cut his ears. Sebrid'ge Dodge was a great Nimrod. The 
names of Chapin, Dodge and Leonard do not appear in the civil list, but the success 
of the seven out of the ten shows that the first bar of Niagara county was composed 
of able men. 

What a commentary upon the health, the security, and the prosperity of this 
county is the fact that neither war, pestilence, nor famine have interrupted the reg- 
ular terms of its courts. Judges have come and gone, thescenes have been changed, 
and new lawyers, new suitors, new officers, and new jurors have appeared, but the 
courts have been regularly held, and the dignity of the law has been maintained. 
The public have looked on and witnessed the struggles of the j^oung attorneys and 
rewarded many of them with office ; the proportion of the first bar so rewarded has 
been kept up, and about seven out of ten have at some period of their lives held pub- 
lic position. 



36; 

The principle of the sovereignty of the American people over the law 
of the country, as well as their dominance in other governmental re- 
respects, had a slow, conservative, yet steadily progressive and system- 
atic growth. In the colonial times in this State the governor was in 
effect the maker, interpreter, and enforcer of the laws. He was the chief 
judge of the court of final resort, while his councillors were usually his 
obedient followers. The execution of the English and colonial statutes 
rested with him, as did also the exercise of royal authority in the 
province ; and it was not until the Revolution that he ceased to contend 
for these prerogatives and to act as though the only functions of the 
court and councillors was to do his bidding, while the Legislature should 
adopt only such laws as the executive should suggest or approve. By 
the first constitution the governor was stripped of the judicial power 
which he possessed under colonial rule, and such powers were vested in 
the lieutenant-governor and the Senate, the chancellor, and the justices 
of the Supreme Court ; the former to be elected by the people, and the 
latter to be appointed by the council. Under this constitution took 
place the first radical separation of the judicial and the legislative pow- 
ers, and the advancement of the judiciary to the position of a co-ordi- 
nate department of the government, subject to the limitation consequent 
upon the appointment of its members by the council. This court, called 
the Court for the Trial of Impeachments and the Correction of Errors, 
was continued by the second constitution, adopted in 1821. 

It was not until the adoption of the constitution of 1846 that the last 
connection between the purely political and the jutlicial parts of the 
State government was abolished From this time the judiciary became 
more representative of the people through the popular election of its 
members. The development of the idea of the responsibility of the 
courts to the people, from the time when all of the members were 
at the beck and nod of one well nigh irresponsible master, to the 
time when all judges, even of the court of last resort, are voted 
for by the people, has been very great. Through all of this change 
there has prevailed the idea of having one ultimate tribunal from whose 
decisions there can be no appeal. The judicial plan, if that term may 
be used, in this State, embodies now a trial before a court or a court and 
jury — arbiters respectively of law and fact ; then a review by a higher 



368 

tribunal of the facts and the law ; and, ultimately of the law alone by the 
court of final resort. 

To accomplish this last purpose there has been established our present 
Court of Appeals, perfected in its present form by the conventions of 
1867, 1868, and 1894, and taking the place of the old Court for the 
Trial of Impeachments and the Correction of Errors, to the extent of cor- 
recting^ errors of law. As first organized under the constitution of 1846, 
the Court of Appeals was composed of eight judges, four of whom were 
elected by the people and the remainder taken from the justices of the 
Supreme Court having the shortest time to serve. As organized in 1869, 
and now existing, the court consists of the chief judge and six as- 
sociate judges, who hold office for a term of fourteen years from the first 
day of January next after their election. This court sits in Albany con- 
tinually, except during recesses and when otherwise prescribed by itself. 
It has full power to correct or reverse the decisions of all inferior courts 
when properly before it for review. Five judges constitute a quorum 
and four must concur to render judgment. If four do not agree the 
case may be reargued ; but no more than two rehearings can be had, 
and if then four judges do not concur, the judgment of the court below 
stands affirmed. The Legislature has provided by statute what, how, 
and when proceedings of inferior tribunals may be revised in the Court 
of Appeals, and may in its discretion amend and alter the same. Upon 
the reorganization of this court in 1869 its work was so far in arrears, 
that a Commission of Appeals to aid the court was provided for by the 
constitutional amendment of that year. Still more recently, in 1888, 
the Legislature adopted a concurrent resolution that section 6 of article 
6 of the constitution be amended so that upon the certificate of the Court 
of Appeals to the governor of such an accumulation of causes on the 
calendar of the Court of Appeals that the public interests required a 
more speedy disposition thereof, the governor may designate seven jus- 
tices of the Supreme Court to act as associate judges, for the time being, 
of the Court of Appeals, thus constituting a second division of that 
court, to be dissolved by the governor when the necessity for its services 
ceased. Such a division of the Court of Appeals was organized and 
began its session March 5, 1889. It completed its work and was dis- 
solved in October, 1892. No citizen of Niagara county has held the 



369 

office of judge of the Court of Appeals, except that Levi F. Bowen, while 
a justice of the Supreme Court acted ex-officio as judge of the Court 
of Appeals from January, 1857, to January, 1858. 

Second to the Court of Appeals in rank stands the Supreme Court. 
It was originally created by an act of the Colonial Legislature May 6, 
169 1, and finally fully established by ordinance of the governor and 
council May 15. 1699, empowered to try all issues to the same extent 
as the English Courts of King's Bench, Common Pleas and Exchequer, 
except the exercise of equity powers. It had jurisdiction in actions in- 
volving $100 or over, and to revise and correct decisions of inferior 
courts. Appeal lay from it to the governor and council. There were 
originally five judges, who annually made a circuit of the counties under 
commission giving them nisi prius, oyer and terminer, and jail delivery 
powers. Under the first constitution this court was reorganized, the 
judges being then appointed by the council of appointment. All pro- 
ceedings were directed to be entitled in the name of the people, instead 
of that of the king. 

By the constitution of 1821 many and important changes were made 
in the character and methods of this court. The judges were reduced 
in number to three and were to be appointed by the governor, with con- 
sent of the Senate, to hold office during good behavior, or until sixty 
years of age. They were removable by the Legislature when two- thirds 
of the Assembly and a majority of the Senate so voted. Four times 
each year the full court sat in review of their decisions upon questions 
of law. By the constitution of 1846 the Supreme Court, as it then ex- 
isted, was abolished and a new court with the same title and having 
general jurisdiction in law and equity, was established in its place. This 
court was divided into General Terms, Circuits, Special Terms and 
Courts of Oyer and Terminer. Its members were composed of thirty- 
three justices to be elected by the people and to reside, five in the first, 
and four in each of the other seven judicial districts into which the 
State was divided. By the judiciary act of 1847 General Terms were 
to be held at least once in each year in counties having more than 40,- 
000 inhabitants, and in other counties at least once in each two years; 
and at least two Special Terms and two Circuit Courts were to be held 
yearly in each county, excepting Hamilton. By this act the court was 
47 



370 

authorized to name the time and place of holding its terms and those of 
Oyer and Terminer; the latter being held by a justice of the Supreme 
Court and two justices of sessions. Since 1882 the courts of Oyer and 
Terminer have been held by a single justice of the Supreme Court. 

One of the old courts, the powers of which have been vested in the 
Supreme Court, is the Court of Chancery, an heirloom of the colonial 
period, which had its origin in the Court of Assizes, the latter being in- 
vested with equity powers under the Duke's laws. The court was 
established in 1683, and the governor, or such person as he should ap- 
point, was chancellor, assisted by the council. In 1698 this court went 
out of existence by limitation ; was revived by ordinance in 1701 ; sus- 
pended in 1703 ; and re-established in the next year. At first this 
court was unpopular in the province, the assembly and the colonists 
opposing it with the argument that the crown had no authority to estab- 
lish an equity court in the colony, and they were doubtful of the pro- 
priety of constituting the governor and council such a court. Under 
the constitution of 1777 the court was recognized as still in existence, 
but its chancellor was prohibited from holding any other office, except 
delegate to Congress on special occasions. In 1778 the court was re- 
organized. Masters and examiners in chancery were to be appointed 
by the council of appointment ; registers and clerks by the chancellor. 
The latter licensed all solicitors and counselors of the court. Under the 
constitution of 1821 the chancellor was appointed by the governor and 
held office during good behavior or until sixty years of age. Appeals 
lay from the chancellor to the Court for Correction of Errors. Under 
the second constitution equity powers were vested in the circuit judges 
and their decisions were reviewable on appeal to the chancellor. This 
was soon changed and general equity jurisdiction devolved upon the 
chancellor, while the judges alluded to acted as vice-chancellors in their 
respective circuits. 

By the radical changes made by the constitution of 1846 the Court of 
Chancery was aboHshed and its powers, duties and jurisdiction vested in 
the Supreme Court as before stated. By an act of the Legislature 
passed in 1848, and entitled "The Code of Procedure," all distinctions 
between actions at law and suits in equity were abolished so far as com- 
mencing and conducting them was concerned and one uniform metiiod 



3/1 

of practice was adopted. Under this act appeals lay to the General 
Term of the Supreme Court from judgments rendered in mayors', re- 
corders' and county courts, and from all orders and judgments of a court 
held by a single justice of the Supreme Court. 

The judiciary article of the constitution was amended in 1869 au- 
thorizing the Legislature not oftener than once in five years to provide 
for the organization of general terms, consisting of a presiding justice 
and not more than three associates ; but by chapter 408 of the laws of 
1870 the then organization of the General Term was abrogated and the 
State divided into four departments, and provision was made for hold- 
ing general terms in each. By the same act the governor was directed 
to designate from among the justices of the Supreme Court a presiding 
justice and two associates, to constitute a General Term in each de- 
partment. Under authority of the constitutional amendment adopted 
in 1882, the Legislature in 1883 divided the State into five judicial de- 
partments and provided for the election of twelve additional justices, 
to hold office from the first Monday in June, 1884. Niagara county, 
with Erie, Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Orleans, Genesee and 
Wyoming have, since 1847, constituted the Eighth Judicial district of 
the State. The following have been the only residents of Niagara 
county who have held positions on the Circuit and Supreme Court 
bench ; Nathan Dayton, appointed circuit judge February, 1838 ; Levi 
F. Bowen, elected justice of the Supreme Court, 185- ; George D. La- 
mont, appointed justice of the Supreme Court in 1868 and elected in 
1871. 

Next in authority to the Supreme Court is the County Court held in 
and for each county in the State at such times and places as its judges 
may direct. This court had its origin in the English Court of Ses- 
sions and, like that court, had at first criminal jurisdiction only. By an 
act passed in 1663 a Court of Sessions having power to try both civil 
and criminal causes by jury was directed to be held by three justices of 
the peace in each of the counties of this province, twice in each year, 
with an additional term in Albany and two in New York. By the act 
of 1 69 1 and the decree of 1699 all civil jurisdiction was taken from 
this court and conferred upon the Court of Common Pleas. By the 
sweeping changes of the constitution of 1846, provision was made for a 



372 

County Court in each county of the State, excepting New York, to be 
held by an officer to be designated the county judge, and to have such 
jurisdiction as the Legislature might prescribe. Under authority of 
that constitution, the County Courts have from time to time been given 
jurisdiction in various classes of actions, which need not be enumerated 
here, and have also been invested with certain equity powers in the 
foreclosure of mortgages ; the sale of infants' real estate ; the partition- 
ing of lands ; admeasuring dower and care of persons and estates of 
lunatics and habitual drunkards. The judiciary act of 1869 continued 
the then existing jurisdiction of the County Courts and conferred upon 
them original jurisdiction in all actions in which the defendants lived 
within the county and where the damages claimed did not exceed $1,- 
000; this sum has since been increased to $2,000. Like the Supreme 
Court, the County Court now has its civil and its criminal sides. It is 
in the criminal branch of this court that most minor criminal offenses 
are disposed of All indictments by the grand jury, excepting for 
offenses not punishable by death, may be sent to it for trial from the 
Supreme Court. By the codes of 1848 and 1877, the methods of 
procedure and practice in it were made to conform as nearly as possible 
to the practice in the Supreme Court. This was done with the evident 
design of attracting litigation into these courts, thus relieving the Su- 
preme Court. In this purpose comparative failure has resulted, liti- 
gants much preferring the shield and assistance of the broader powers 
of the higher court. By the judiciary act the term of office of county 
judges was extended from four to six years. Under the codes the 
judges can perform some of the duties of a justice of the Supreme Court 
at chambers. The County Court has appellate jurisdiction over actions 
arising in justices' courts and courts of special sessions. Appeals lie 
from the County Court to the appellate division of the Supreme Court. 
County judges were appointed until 1847, since which year they have 
been elected. By the constitution of 1894 the jurisdiction of the 
County Court is continued. By it, also, since December i, 1895, Courts 
of Sessions, except in the county of New York, were abolished and 
their jurisdiction transferred to the County Court. 

Following are the names of the first judges of the Court of Common 
Pleas and the county judges of the county : 



373 

First Judges Court of Common Fleas for Niagara 0^//^«/k.— (Appointed by the 
governor), Silas Hopkins, February 8. 1823; Robert Fleming, April 22 1828; Nathan 
Dayton, March 13, 1833; Washington Hunt, January 30, 183C; Elias Ransom, Janu- 
ary 19, 1841; Jonathan L. Woods, April 29, 1846. 

County Judges. — Hiram Gardner, June, 1837; Levi F. Bowen, 1851, resigned and 
Elias Ransom appointed December 11, 1852; Alfred Holmes, 18 7; George D. La- 
mont, 1865, resigned and Hiram Gardner appointed November 19, 1868; Levi F. 
Bowen, 1874-77; Frank Brundage, 1878-81; Cyrus E. Davis, appointed vice Brun- 
dage, resigned, January, 1883; Alvah K. Potter, November, 1884-89; David Millar, 
1890-95; Charles Hickey, 1896. 

A Surrogate's Court exists in each of the counties of this State and 
are now courts of record having a seal. Their special j'urisdiction is 
the settlement and care of the estates of persons who have died either 
with or without a will, and of infants. The derivation of the powers 
and practice of the Surrogate's Court in this State is from the Ec- 
clesiastical Court of England through a part of the colonial coun- 
cil which existed during the Dutch rule and exercised its authority 
in accordance with the Dutch Roman law, the customs of Amsterdam 
and the law of Aasdom ; the Court of Burgomasters and Scheppens, 
the Court of Orphan Masters, the Mayor's Court, the Prerogative 
Court and the Court of Probates. The settlement of estates and the 
guardianship of orphans, which was at first vested in the director- 
general and council of New Netherlands, was transferred to the burgo- 
masters in 1653, and soon after to the orphanmasters. Under the 
colony the Prerogative Court controlled all matters in relation to the 
probate of wills and settlement of estates. This power continued until 
1692, when by act of Legislature all probates and granting of letters of 
administration were placed under control of the governor or his dele- 
gate ; and two freeholders were appointed in each town to take charge 
of the estates of those dying without a will. Under the Duke's laws 
this duty had been performed by the constables, overseers, and justices 
of each town. In 1778 the governor was divested of all this power 
excepting the appointment of surrogates and it was conferred upon 
the Court of Probate. Under the first constitution surrogates were 
appointed by the Council of Appointment; under the second constitu- 
tion, by the governor, with the approval of the Senate. The constitu- 
of 1846 abrogated the office in all counties having less than 40,000 
population, and conferred its powers and duties upon the county 



374 

judge. By the code of civil procedure surrogates were invested with 
all the necessary powers to carry out the equitable and incidental re- 
quirements of the office. 

Following are the names of those who have held the office of surrogate of Niagara 
county: Rufus Spaulding, April 2, 1821; Willard Smith, February 25, 1822; Hiram 
Gardner, March 31, 1831: Joseph C. Morse, January 30, 1836; 'Henry A. Carter, 
February 28, 1840; Josiah K. Skinner, February 28. 1844; Thomas M. Webster, 
1851; Mortimer M. Southworth. 1855; George W. Bowen, 1859; Henry D. Scripture, 
1863; John T. Murray, 1867; Joshua Gaskill, 1871; George P. Ostrander, 1877; 
William J. Bulger, 1883; Chauncey E. Dunkelberger, appointed, vice Bulger, re- 
signed, 1888-95. In the year 1896, by vote of the people of the county and under a 
special act of the Legislature, the office of county judge and of surrogate were 
merged in one, which is now filled by Hon. Charles Hickey. 

Previous to the constitution of 1821, modified in 1826, justices of 
the peace were appointed ; since that date they have been elected. The 
office and its duties are descended from the English office of the same 
name, but are much less important here than there, and under the 
laws of this State are purely the creature of the statute. These courts, 
though occupying much less of public attention than the higher courts, 
in fact dispose of by far the greater number of the controversies that 
courts were established to decide. It is impossible to recall and name 
the men who have honored themselves by filling the office of justice of 
the peace satisfactorily in this court, but they are numerous and to be 
found in every town. 

Under the act of February 12, 1796, this State was divided into seven 
districts, over which an assistant attorney-general was appointed by the 
governor and council to serve during their pleasure. The office of dis- 
trict attorney was created April 4, 1801, the State being divided into 
seven districts, as before, but subsequently several new ones were 
formed. By a law of April, 18 18, each county was constituted a sep- 
arate district for the purposes of this office During the period of the 
second constitution district attorneys were appointed by the Court of 
General Sessions in each county. Following are the names of those who 
have held this office in Niagara county : 

Charles G. Olmsted, 1818; Heman B. Potter, 1819; Zina H. Colvin, 1821; Elias 
Ransom, jr., 1830; William Hotchkiss, 1833; Joseph C. Morse, 1836; Robert H. 
Stevens, (May) 1836; Jonathan L. Woods, 1839; Alfred Holmes, 1843; Sherburne B. 
Piper, 1845 and 1847; George D. Lamont, 1850; John L. Buck, 1853; Andrew W. 




JOSHUA GASKILL. 



375 



Brazee, 1856; Mortimer M. Southworth, 1859; Frank Brundagc, 1874; Ben J. Hunt- 
ing, 1877; Eugene M. Ashley, 1880, (re-elected); Daniel E. Brong, 1886; Patrick F. 
King, 1890; Abner T. Hopkins, 1896. 

The following is a list as nearly complete as it has been possible to 
make it of Niagara county attorneys with post-office address and date 
of their admission to the bar. It was prepared by John E. Pound of 
Lockport, and will be valuable for future reference: 

Eugene M. Ashley, 
Harry I, Benedict, 
George W. Bowen, 
William W. Brim, 



Lockport, January, i88o. 
" November, 1848. 



Daniel E. Brong, 
Myron L. Burrell, 
Artemas A. Bradley, 
Nathan M. Clark, 
Richard Crowley, 
Charles C. De Lude, 
S. Wallace Dempsey, 
Joseph Donelly, 

C. E. Dunkleberger, 
Henry M. Davis, 
Timothy E. Ellsworth, 
R. A. Feagles, 
Amos H. Gardner, 
Joshua Gaskill, 

L. P. Gordon, 
^ Selden E. Graves, 
William C. Greene, 
E. C. Hart, 
Montford C. Holley, 
Charles Hickey, 
M. S. Hunting, 
Abner T. Hopkins, 
Augustus H. Ivins, 
Edwin L. Jeffrey, 

D. El wood Jeffrey, 



January, 1882. 
January, 1839. 
January, 1883. 

December, i860. 
September, 1872. 
January, 1 886. 
October, 1875. 
October, 1887. 
January, 1882. 
December, 1858. 
June, 1875. 

December, i860. 
May, 1876. 
March, 1866. 
April, 1881. 
April, 1873. 

October, 1884. 
May, 1842. 
April, 1885. 

June, 1881. 
October, 1883. 



Zl^ 



Patrick F. King, 
Garrett G. Lansing, 
George C. Lewis, 
John H. Leggett, 
William E. Lochner, 
John E. Lillis, 
David Millar, 
Charles Molyneux, 
F"red D. Moyer, 
John T. Murray, 
John McDonough, 
Lawrence McParlin, 
John A. Merritt, 
Charles L. Nichols, 
Augustus Morris, 
George P. Ostrander, 
William L. Olmsted, 
Edward G. Parker, 
Alvah K. Potter, 
John E. Pound, 
Cuthbert W. Pound, 
George W. Pound, 
Q. G. T. Parker, 
H. Gardiner Richardson, 
Washington H. Ransom, 
Frank A. Ransom, 
Charles M. Southworth, 
E. H. Southworth, 
William W. Storrs, 
Burt G. Stockwell, 
Burt A. Smith, 
J. F'rank Smith, 
William M. Saraw, 
Edward J. Taylor, 
David Tice, 
E. J. Turner, 



Lockport, June, 1886. 

March, 1889. 
<( 

May, 1869. 
<< 

" January, 1887. 
May, 1842. 

" October, 1875. 
" June, 1887. 

'* January, 1872. 

June, 1881. 

October, 1865. 
" November 18, 1867. 

June, 1886. 
" September, 1888. 
" June, 1889. 

May, 1867. 

October 14, 188 i. 

January, 1888. 



June, 1883. 
March, 1880. 
January, 1884. 
October, 1889. 



m 



October, 1875. 
October, 1889. 



June, 1884. 



Homer J. Upson, Lockport, 

William H. Vicary, 

Fred M. Ackerson, Niagara Falls. 

William E. Carr, " 

Eugene Gary, '* 

T. F. C. Clar)^ 

Frederick Chormann, " 

Morris Cohn, jr , " 

Charles E. Cromley, " 

W. E. Dunlap, 

F. A. Dudley, " June, 1886. 

W. Caryl Ely, " May, 1881. 

H. N. Griffith, 

hVank H. Innes, " 

J. G. Kirkpatrick, '• 

Spencer J. Lawrence, " 

Wyllys Lyman, " 

Franklin J. Mackenna, " 

Andrew C. Morgan, " 

C. H. Piper, jr., 

Spencer B. Parker, - " 

Augustus Thibaudeau, " 

George M. Tuttle, 

Carl Tucker, " 

Harry Van Horn, " 

W. C. Wallace, 

B. F. Wallace. 

Leonard Baldwin, North Tonawanda. 

Norman B. P'ish, " 

Edward B. Harrington, " March. 1889. 

Garwood L. Judd, " Fall of 1850. 

Charles S. Orton, " 

Lewis T. Payne, " April, 1886. 

John K. Patton, 

Albert R. Smith. 

Augustus F. Premus, North Tonawanda. 



378 

P. M. Sullivan, North Tonawanda. 

H. E. Warner 

George W. Judson, Lockport, October, 1882. 

C. W. Laskey, Middleport, June. 1874. 

G. W. Thompson, " 

M. H. Clark, Royalton. 

R. N. Campbell, Suspension Bridge. 

C. W. Johnson, " May, 1876. 

George W. Knox, " 

H. H. Sheldon, 

W. E. Willey. 

S. Park Baker, Youngstown. 

J. Boardman Scovell, Lewiston. 

PERSONAL SKETCHES.l 

Washington Hunt was born in Windham, Greene county, N. Y., Au- 
gust 5, 181 1. His youth and young manhood were passed in his na- 
tive place, where he obtained the foundation of his education. In 1828 
he settled in Lockport and began his life work in the humble capacity 
of clerk in the general store of Tucker & Bissell. Two years later he 
determined to adopt the study of law, for which purpose he entered the 
office of Lot Clark. After his admission to the bar, however, he be- 
came heavily interested in real estate and other business operations, 
and never practiced his profession. In 1833 he became a member of 
the firm of Hunt & Walbridge, who purchased from the Albany Land 
Company 32,000 acres of land in this county, which was the foundation 
of a considerable fortune. When only twenty- four years old he was 
appointed first judge of the county (1836-41) and filled the station with 
dignity and ability. In 1840 he left the Democratic party on financial 
issues, joined the Whigs, and was elected to Congress, serving from 
1843 to 1849. He was next honored with appointment as comptroller 
and in 1850 received the Whig nomination for governor, in opposition 
to Horatio Seymoui, over whom he was elected by a majority of only 

' Sketches of ino-st of the living members of the bar of this county will be found in Fart III of 
this volume. 



379 

262 in a vote of 428,966. Receiving a renomination at the next term 
he was defeated by his former opponent. In these various official posi- 
tions Governor Hunt exhibited characteristics that gave him tiie confi- 
dence of his fellow citizens and enabled him to perform the duties that 
devolved upon him with a good measure of success. Governor Hunt 
died in New York city February 2, 1867. 

Hiram Gardner was born in Dutchess county, N. Y., February 9, 
1800. He carved out his own fortune with his own hands. After pur- 
suing his academical studies as far as circumstances would permit, in 
18 18 he became a student of law in Rensselaerville, where he studied 
about two years, and removed to New York, where he finished his law 
course. In 1822, about a year after he began to practice in the lower 
courts, he was admitted as a practitioner in the Supreme Court. In 
October of the same year he came to Lockport. The next year he was 
appointed to the office of justice of the peace, and in his official capacity 
he took cognizance of nearly all the business transacted in the Court of 
Common Pleas. In 1825 he was appointed associate judge of the Court 
of Common Fleas. In 1827 he was appointed Supreme Court commis- 
sioner, and was admitted as a master in chancery. In 1831 he was ap- 
pointed surrogate, which office he held for five years, and then resigned 
it that he might represent his district in the State Legislature, to which 
position he had already been elected. In 1845 ^^^ was elected a mem- 
ber of the Constitutional Convention which revised the second and 
framed the third State constitution. In 1847 he was elected county 
judge and surrogate ; in 1858 canal commissioner for the term of three 
years. In the fall of 1868 he was appointed to the office of county 
judge to supply a vacancy and was elected in November, 1869, to the 
same position. Judge Gardner was for more than half a century a legal 
practitioner, and his conspicuous ability and talent were successfully 
directed to the elevation of the judicial office and of the legal profession. 
He was not a politician. His ideas of political honor were of the most 
elevated character, and though holding public offices more than twenty- 
five years, he never sought official preferment or solicited the vote of 
any man. Judge Gardner's benevolence, and devotion to the interests 
and prosperity of Lockport during his fifty years of citizenship, endeared 
him to the entire community. In the church he was a pillar of strength, 



38o 

reflecting in his life the beauty and power of Christianity. He died at 
his residence on Niagara street March 13, 1874. 

George D. Lamont was born in Orleans county, N. Y , in 18 19, and 
was graduated from Yale College in 1837. ^" the following year he 
settled in Lockport and began the study of law in the office of J. L. 
Curtenius. In 1841 he was admitted to the bar, and his energy and 
ability soon brought him a good practice. His natural qualifications of 
earnestness in whatever he undertook, keenness of intellect, and breadth 
of judgment enabled him to take a position in the front rank of his pro- 
fession. Upon the organization of the Republican party he allied him- 
self with its interests and ever after upheld its doctrines and supported 
its candidates for office. His first public office was that of school com- 
missioner. In 1859 he was elected State senator to fill a vacancy for 
only thirty days, but in that brief time he found opportunity to dis- 
tinguish himself and gain a State reputation. In 1862, when President 
Lincoln created a provisional court for New Orleans, Judge Lamont 
received the appointment of United States district attorney to hold that 
court, with very broad jurisdiction. He held the position until the 
necessity of the court ceased to exist on account of the close of the war 
and returned to his home. In 1865 he was elected judge of Niagara 
county, but before the close of a year was appointed a justice of the 
Supreme Court in his judicial district to fill the vacancy caused by the 
resignation of Noah Davis, and in 1871 was elected to that high office 
for the full term of fourteen years. 

Alfred Holmes was born in Berne, Albany county, N. Y., August 5, 
1804, and at the time of his death was the oldest practitioner at the bar 
of the Eighth J udicial district of this State. After the death of his father, 
the widow and children settled in 18 15 on a tract of land a little east of 
Lockport, where he remained with his brothers clearing and cultivating 
the farm until April, 1827, when he entered the law office of Elias Ran- 
som in Lockport as a student and clerk. Admitted to practice in 1832 
he was taken as partner by Judge Ransom, and the firm became known 
as one of the most reputable and successful in the county. In his po- 
litical affiliations he was a Whig and later a Republican. He served as 
a master in chancery several years prior to the abolishment of the office 
in 1840. In 1841 he was elected district attorney, in which office he 



38i 

demonstrated his possession of many of the natural attributes that com- 
bine to make the successful attorney. In 1857 he was elected judge of 
the county and served two terms of four years each to the eminent sat- 
isfaction of the bar and the general good of the county. Only one of 
the great number of his decisions made during the eight years was re- 
versed by a higher court. A volume compiled by the .secretary of state 
giving the results of indictments for violations of criminal law for one 
year in each county of this State, shows that Niagara led all others in 
the number of convictions in proportion to the number of indictments. 

Jolin L. Buck, father of John H. Buck, was long a respected member 
of the Niagara county bar. He was a native of Reading, Vt., and was 
born in 1801. After studying law he was admitted to practice in 1825. 
In 185 I he settled in Lockport, and by his natural and acquired qualifi- 
cations for his profession he soon gained a large practice. In 1853 he 
was elected district attorney and filled the office with distinction. He 
served as a member of the Board of Education twelve years and for sev- 
eral years was a United States commissioner. His death took place in 
1880, while associated with his son, John H. Buck, in law practice. 

Judge Silas Hopkins, the first to hold the office in Niagara county 
after Erie was set off", and at the time of his death the oldest living 
settler in the county, came westward with his father from New Jersey in 
1787, driving cattle for sale. He came again on the same business in 
1788 and in that year purchased a lot of furs which he carried back to 
the eastern markets. He settled in what is now the town of Porter in 
1802. He served in the militia in the war of 18 12 and held the post of 
colonel. He was successful as a farmer and administered the office of 
county judge with integrity and fair ability. His death took place on 
the home farm about seven miles east of Lewiston, August 26, 1862, at 
the age of ninety years. He left a son named Silas S., who was also a 
successful farmer and father of two sons, Willard.of Lewiston, and Silas. 

Burt Van Horn, is a son of Judge James Van Horn and was born in 
the town of Newfane, Niagara county, October 28, 1823, His grand- 
fatlier (also named James) was a native of New Jersey, where his son 
James was born in 1770. He settled in Newfane in 18 15, was a black- 
smith, a farmer, and a miller ; he built the first grist mill, which has been 
described in earlier pages of this volume, and which was burned by the 



382 

British in 1813. It stood on Eighteen -mile Creek on the site of the 
Lake Shore mills. He also built the first woolen mill in this county. 
When Niagara county was organized he was chosen as one of its judges 
and performed the duties of the office with intelligence and probity. 
His son, Burt Van Horn, is one of the prominent citizens of the county. 
Cyrus E. Davis was born at Queenston Heights, August 29, 1827. 
In 1837 he removed with his father to Lewiston, finished his academic 
education there, and studied law in the office of S. B. Piper of that vil- 
lage. In 1847 l^e removed to Buffalo, entered the office of Dyer Till- 
inghast, and a year later was admitted to the bar. He practiced in 
Buffalo until 1857, when he removed to Niagara Falls and successfully 
followed his profession. While he was repeatedly brought forward as 
a candidate for public office, the strong Republican majority in the 
county and district almost always prevented the election of a Democrat, 
however worthy. He was nominated in 1859 fot" the office of district 
attorney of Niagara county ; in 1861 for member of assembly and again 
in 1862 and 1863. In 1870 he was nominated and elected, but the 
Court of Appeals in its construction of the new judiciary article of the 
constitution, decided that no vacancy existed at the time of election. In 
1873 Judge Davis was prominently mentioned for the office of attorney 
general of the State and in the same year was again nominated for 
county judge. In 1874 he was supported by many leading journals 
throughout the State for the nomination for lieutenant-governor, but 
when the convention assembled and evinced its probable preference for 
a "liberal" candidate. Judge Davis withdrew his name. In 1878 he 
received the nomination for Congress and ran largely ahead of his ticket. 
In June, 1883, he received the appointment of county judge from Presi- 
dent Cleveland (then governor), and ably filled the position until Janu- 
ary I, 1884. As a lawyer Judge Davis was an eloquent pleader, a 
close reasoner, and won many signal victories at the bar. His death 
took place December 8, 1891. 

Sherburne B. Piper, who was a graduate of Dartmouth College, studied 
law and located for the practice of his profession at Lewiston. He was 
prominent at the bar, a leader in the Democratic party, and three times 
received the nomination for Congress ; he served a number of years as 
supervisor, was twice elected to the Legislature and once as district at- 



383 

torney. He died at Lewiston in 1885 at the age of seventy-seven years. 

Charles H. Piper, sr., son of Jonathan Piper, was the first and oldest 
lawyer at Niagara Falls, and was born in Northwoods, N. H., April 2, 
1824. He received his education in Lewiston Academy and studied 
law with his brother, and later in Lockport. He was admitted to 
practice in 1849 ^"d in the following year settled as the first attorney 
in Niagara Falls. He married a daughter of Judge T. G. Hulett, and 
was father of Charles H. Piper, jr., a practicing attorney at the Falls. 

It is a difficult as well as a delica'e task to recall and relate the rec- 
ords of the many prominent lawyers who have in times past been mem- 
bers of the bar of Niagara county, but who are now either deceased or 
have removed to other places and there continued and increased their 
enviable reputation. Sketches of some of them have already been 
given, but aside from these there have been many others whose records 
it would be most agreeable to recall This we cannot do. We must 
content ourselves with giving their names. Among them there may 
be mentioned as at present living not now residing in the county, Hon. 
George C. Greene, Hon. George W. Cothran, John M. Chipman, Charles 
K. Robinson, Don A. Porter, Hon. Jacob A Driess, A. A. Boyce, 
Isaac C. Colton, Edward C. Graves.K^rank M. Ashley, William J. 
Bulger, Elias Root, W. Byron Sinison, Henry D. Scripture, Alfred S. 
Trude. 

Among those who have deceased we recall the names of Luman H. 
Nichols, Henry K. Hopkins, Samuel Brown, Mark Hopkins, Samuel 
Wisner, Joseph Centre, Dewitt Chapin, Seth C. Hart, Andrew W. 
Brazee, William S. Farnell, John S. Williams, Charles Williams, De 
Forest Porter, Sherburne B. Piper, Horatio J. Stowe, Samuel DeVeaux, 
Sparrow S. Sage, Joseph C. Morse, Elias Safford, Milton Seaman, Sul- 
livan Caverno, John B. Heroy, Freeman J. Fithian, Charles D. Metz, 
Frank A. Ransom, Robert H. Stevens, Albert Stevens, Homer H. 
Stewart, Alvin C. Bradley, John H. Buck, R. Hudson Bond, James F". 
Fitts, Lafayette Chaffee, Schuyler Reynolds, Sylvester Parsons, Volney 
Simson, Ben J. Hunting, S. Cady Murray. 

Sheriffs. — Sheriffs during the colonial period were appointed an- 
nually, in the month of October, unless otherwise provided. Under the 



384 

first constitution they were appointed annually by the Council of Ap- 
pointment, and no person could hold the office more than four succes- 
sive years ; neither could a sherifif hold any other office, and he must be 
a freeholder in his county. Since the constitution of 1821 went into 
effect, sheriffs have been elected for three years, and are ineligible for 
the next succeeding term. The following persons have held this office 
in Niagara county: 

Asa Ransom 1808; Samuel Pratt, jr., 1810; Asa Ransom, 1811 ; Nathaniel Sill, 
1813; Cyrenius Chapin, (March 26) 1813; Asa Ransom, 1814; James Cronk, 1818; Al- 
mond H. Millard, 1821 ; Eli Bruce, 1825 (removed September 26, 1827, and new 
election ordered); John Phillips, 1827 ; Hiram McNeil, 1830; George Rynall, 1833 ; 
Tamerlane T. Roberts, 1836; Theodore Stone, 1839; James A. Cooper, 1842; 
Frank Spaulding, 1845; Alvah Hill, 1848; Elisha Clapp (appointed vice Hill de- 
ceased), 1851; Chester F. Shelley, 1854; Benjamin Farley, 1857; George Swain, I860; 
James D. Ames, 18G3; Alfred Ransom, 1866; Oscar E. Mann, 1869; Norman O. 
Allen, 1872; Joseph Batten, 1875; S. Clark Lewis, 1878; Thomas Stainthorpe, 1881; 
George W. Batten, 1884; Albert H. Pickard, 1887; Nathan D. Ensign, 1891; Patrick 
H. Tuohey, 1894; John F. Kinney, 1897. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION IN NIAGARA 
COUNTY AND OF THE NIAGARA COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 

Pkktared under the EmroKiAL Supervision of John Foote, M. D. , 
By Eugene N. S. Ringueberg, M. D. 

We who live in the midst of the conveniences of modern civilization 
can have but a faint and shadowy conception of the hardships and pri- 
vations endured by the early pioneers, and what hardihood, strength of 
character, and self reliance, was required of those who went off by them- 
selves to literally, as well as figuratively, hew out their fortunes from the 
heart of the primeval forest ; with nothing to depend upon but a robust 
constitution and a reserve of indominatable courage and resolution ; 
with no human sound save the ringing echo of their axe cast back from 
some distant hillside, they had no friendly aid of a helping hand in time 
of need or of a physician in time of sickness. 



385 

I'^ollowing soon after came the pioneer physician whose practice ex- 
tended over wide ranges of wood and field, with here and there a settler's 
cabin, or commencinggrouping of houses, which, if they exceeded a half 
dozen, acquired the dignity of being called settlements, and still 
farther apart, embryo villages. In those days nearly all of his calls 
were made on horseback, for most places were not easily accessible in 
any other way ; and often he would start out to go twenty, thirty, or 
even forty miles distant on some urgent call to relieve suffering, possibly 
to be gone several days from home before he had made his round ; 
stumbling over cordoroy roads, picking his way through trackless 
forest, fording streams and climbing up and down hill in the mean time, 
and partaking of whatever fare that might be offered at his stopping 
places. 

And as to his remuneration in reward for his skill and the hardships 
undergone, we can only surmise as to that from the nature of manj' of 
the things which were current in lieu of money in those days, and his 
credits in his cash book — if he kept one — were probably as often for a 
portion of corn or some other product of the soil or for some staple fur, 
as for cash. 

Of course should we choose to go further back still — back to the time 
before the advent of the earliest white pioneer — we would find as physi- 
cian here the Indian medicine man, with his masks and gourd rattles to 
frii^hten away the evil sjiirit or devil who was supposed to possess the 
body of the patient. But besides this they possessed some knowledge 
of simple herbs and rude surgery. 

In regard to the Indian Medicine men and Indian knowledge of 
medicine, we find it recorded^ that one settler's family who were sick 
with the influenza were greatly relieved by Indians and stjuaws coming 
to their house and giving them an " Indian sweat," and that they dug 
holes in the earth, put in hot stones, poured water over them, and placed 
the patients under the influence of the steam by covering them over 
with blankets and giving them warm drinks. 

Of the Indian doctors who practiced among the whites as well as 
Indians at a later date were Dr. Patterson; and following him came Dr. 

' History Hollaiul I'urchase. p. .51!(. 
49 



386 

Hewitt, a half breed, who attained considerable reputation for medical 
skill and was called to go long distances all over the country. Dr. Foote 
says of him that though he was not a regularly educated physician, that 
he had considerable knowledge of drugs, their properties and applica- 
tion. 

The first settled physician of the Holland Purchase, of which Niag- 
ara county was a part, was Dr. McCracken, who located on what is 
known as McCracken's Flats, two miles west of Batavia (probably 
somewhere near 1 800). Who was the first physician to settle within that 
territory which we now know as Niagara county we have been unable 
to determine; the earliest being probably somewhere along the frontier, 
Youngstown (Fort Niagara) or Lewiston. Before that time there were, 
of course, the military surgeons stationed at the fort from time to time, 
but their residence was merely a temporary one, depending upon the 
company to which they were attached. Of these Dr. Joseph West is 
of special note as having remained there from 1805 to 18 14, and his 
family remained in the county after his death. 

According to Reuben Wilson,' of the town of Wilson, the pioneer of 
that place in 18 10, the physicians of that section were Dr. Alvord and 
Dr. Smith, both of Lewiston. Dr. Alvord was killed three years later 
in the massacre at Lewiston by the British and Indians on December 
19, 18 1 3. He also notes that a school was organized in 181 5 with Dr. 
Warner, a Scotchman, who was also a practicing physician, as teacher. 

In Lockport the first physician of whom note is to be found was Dr. 
J. K. Skinner, of Lowertown, Lockport ; the other early physicians 

were Drs. Isaac W. Smith, Webb, Stephen W. Potter, Lloyd 

Smith, Martin Johnson, George W. Palmer and Henry Maxwell. 

In Middleport Dr. Packard was the pioneer, followed a little later by 
Dr. Hurd. 

Dr. David Dunn was the first physician at Slayton's Settlement in 
the town of Royalton. 

NIAGARA COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 

At the annual meeting of June i, 1852, Dr. Henry Maxwell was ap- 
pointed a committee to write a history of the Niagara County Medical 

' History of Holland Purchase bv O. Turner. 



3^7 

Society, to report at the next semi-annual meeting. Reported January 

7. 1853- 

The society was organized at Lewiston. in June, 1823, two years 
after the final division of the old county, under the name of the Niag- 
ara County Medical Society. Its organization at that time was due 
largely to the efforts of Almon H. Millard, esq., the then sheriff of the 
county, who conceived the idea of summoning all the physicians to 
convene at the holding of court on the first Tuesday in June of that 
year. Those persons at that time in response to the call were : 

Willard Smith, Myron Orton, 

Lloyd Smith, Henry Maxwell, 

John Warner, Stephen M. Potter, 

Darius Shaw, Martin Johnson, 

William H. Reynale, Alexander H. Butterfield, 

Gideon Frisbee, Edwin Arnold. 

The election resulted as follows: Willard Smith, president ; John 
Warner, vice-president ; Myron Orton, treasurer ; Darius Shaw, secre- 
tary ; Henry Maxwell, Martin Johnson, Stephen M. Potter, Lloyd 
Smith and W. H. Reynale, censors. 

At first the annual meetings were to be held the first Tuesday in 
February, and the semi-annual the first Tuesday in June. 

The next meetings till February 25 were held at Lewiston, and at 
that time they adjourned to meet at the court house in Lockport, which 
was then completed. 

Dr. Willard Smith held the presidency till 1827, when Dr. Henry 
Maxwell was elected. The following named physicians presided over 
the meetings from that time till 1850: 

Franklin Butterfield, Olcott, Luke Woodworth, Johnson's Creek 

Josiah K. Skinner, Lockport, David S. Fassett, Lockport, 

Sherman McLean, Reynale's Basin, B. L. Delano, Lockport, 

EH Hurd, Middleport, John S. Shuler, Lockport, 

Peter P. Murphy, Royalton, Edwin Arnold, 

Hugh Gillis. North Ridge, William B. Gould. 

In 1830 Dr. Henry Maxwell was sent as the first delegate to the 



388 



New York State Medical Society. At that time there had been an in- 
crease of membership to thirty-three, as follows : 



Edwin Arnold, 

Franklin Butterfield, Olcott, 

Alexander Butterfield, Olcott, 

Asa B Brown, Hartland Corners, 

Abner Barnard, 

Edwin Cook, Shawnee, 

Asa Crane, 

Jonathan Chase, Lockport, 

Alexander R. Chase, Lockport, 

Jacob Chatterton, 

George W. Graves, 

Eli Hurd, Middleport, 

Robert Henderson, 

B. Henderson, 

John A. Hyde, 

Benjamin Hardy, 



Roswell Kimball, 
Henry Maxwell, Lockport, 
Myron Orton, Cambria, 
B. V. Peterson, 
Washington Ritter, 
T. Ross, Royalton, 
Luther S. Robbins, 
Josiah H. Skinner, Lockport, 
Isaac Southworth, Lockport, 
Benjamin Sayre, 
Lloyd Smith, Royalton, 
Isaac W. Smith, Lockport, 
"VVillard Smith, Lewiston, 
Darius Shaw, Cambria, 
Ambrose Thomas, 
John Warner. 



Later, in 183 1, the names appear of Abraham Hogeboom, Pekin ; 
John S. Shuler, Lockport; and Luther Cross. 

The members not mentioned in the foregoing lists who became mem- 
bers between the years 1823 and 1850 were: 



Peter P. Murphy, Royalton, 
William Henderson, 
Cornelius Paling, Gasport, 
Timothy Johnson, 
Charles Martin, 
George P. Palmer', 
Milton W. Taylor, 
Royal Sharp, Lockport, 
Caleb Hill, Lockport, 
I. B. Barnes, 
W. H. Thomas, 
A. H. McKenzie, Lockport, 
Nathan Way, 



W. H. Henderson, Reynale's Basin, 

William B. Gould, Lockport, 

Charles H. Greene, Lockport, 

L. S. Robbins, 

John Campbell, 

O. Hill, 

Ambrose Thomas, 

WiUiam McCollum, Lockport, 

G. P. Eddy, Lewiston, 

G. W. Pope, 

John A. Hyde, Youngstown, 

Thomas G. Catlin, Youngstown, 

Almeron Hyde, Youngstown, 



389 



William Wilkins, 

A. Baker. 

William Wheeler, 

John A. Benjamin, I'cndleton, 

William Hollo\va\', 

^'oung, 

Clark, 

George Conger, 

James C. May, 

E. Parmelec, Cambria Center, 

J. P. Kaynor, Pendleton, 

John Root. 



M. M. Mills, 

C. H. Burgess, Ransomville, 

H. S. McChesney, Wilson, 

A. H. Taylor, 

Jonathan Sayre, 

W. W. Van Buren, Pendleton, 

Alfred M. Leonard, Lockport, 

l^lectus Cole, Middleport, 

Pratt, 

Isaac Kidder, Pekin, 
Joseph M. Tefift, 
George Mann, Olcott, 

The records of the Niagara County Medical Society were destroyed 
by fire November 7, 1850. Following are the names of subsequent 
members arranged chronologically : 

Alfred M. Leonard, Lockport, June 3, 185 i. 
E. Cole, Middleport, January 4, 1853. 
Martin S. Kittenger, Lockport, June 7, 1853. 
J. H. Helmer, Lockport, Jan. 10, 1854. 

P2ddinmueller. Lockport, June 6, 1854. 

Peter Paling, Gasport, Jan. 2, 1855. 
John Foote, Pekin, " " " 

Rexford Davison, Lockport, Jan. 2, 1885. 
Charles Storck, " Jan. i, 1856. 

Addison Niles, " " " " 

C. C. Tyrrill, Niagara P'^alls, Jan. 6, 1857. 

P. J. Kaner, Pendleton, 

S. S. Thorne, Lockport, Jan. 5, 1858. 
William Greene, " June i, " 

A. S. Butler, " " " " 

D. H. Murphy, Royalton, June 7, 1859. 
A. M. Helmer, Lockport, " «' " 
George P. Murphy. Royalton, June 3, i860. 
M. F. Regan, Lockport, " " 
Andrew R. Ferguson, " 

Charles V. Watson, Jan. i, 1861. 



390 

No meetings of this society were held from the above date until Jan- 
uary 6, 1863, all of the officers having entered service in the war. 

S. T. Clark, Lockport, Jan. 6, 1863. 

William S. Babbitt, " " " 

D. W. Harrington, " Jan. 2, 1866. 
A. W. Tryon, " " " 

Daniel Winters, Pekin, June 4, 1867. 

James T. Kinsier, Lockport, " " " 

J. A. Gillett, Youngstown, " " " 

C. N. Palmer, Lockport, June 4, 1867. 

Lafayette Balcom, " " " 

William S. Watson, " " 

K. H. Elliott, Hartland Corners, Jan. 7, 1868. 

A. D. Atwood, June, 1869. 

J. B. Hartwell, Lockport, June, 1869. 

A. H, Flood, Sanborn, Jan. 4, 1870. 

H. McG. Wilson, Ransomville, Jan. 4, 1870. 

W. Q. Huggins, Sanborn, June 7, " 

¥.. J. Barnum, Lockport, " " " 

Oscar T. Sherman, Hartland, June 6, 1871. 

Pyles, Pekin, June 6, 1871. 

Hinman, Hartland, June 6, 1871. 

J. W. Grosvenor, Lockport, June 6, 1871. 
W. C. Earle, Pekin, September 5, 1871. 
W. C. Raymond, Cambria, April, 1872. 
C. W. Gould, Middleport, " 

E. A. Pyle, Pekin, June 4, 1872. 
C. Turner, Hartland, Sept. 3, 1872. 
Talbot, Jan. 7, 1873. 

J. M. Duff, Royalton, June 2, 1874. 

Wheeler, Somerset, Jan. 4, 1876. 

M. L. Lang, Susp. Bridge, June 5, 1877. 
Clinton A. Sage, Pekin, " " " 

James R. McFadden, Olcott, " " " 
Walter T. Ransom, Lockport, June 5, 1877. 
H. A. Wilson, Johnson's Creek, " " " 



39' 

John \V. Carmon, Beacli Ridge, June 5, 1877 
Charles A, Reed, Wilson, " " 

Cook, 

George H. Saddleson, Nevvfane, " " " 

Lane, Charlotteville, " " 

D. S. Campbell. Wilson, Jan. 7, 1878. 
F. J. Baker, Youngstovvn, June 4, 1878. 
II. C. Hill, Lockport, " " " 

J. W. Falkner, Youngstown, " " 

Francis W. Gallagher, Lockport, June 4, 1878. 

T. B. Cosford, Lockport, April i, 1879. 

F. A. Rice, Niagara P'alls, June 3, 1878. 
A. N. Moore, Rapids. " " " 

G. r. Richardson, Hartland, Sept. 2, 1879. 
Gardner Clark, Niagara F'alls, 

Robert T. Paine, Lockport, " " 

W. W. Bradley, Lockport, June i, 1880. 
Frank Brockway. Royalton, Sept. 7, 1880. 

Paulding, April I, 1 88 1. 

George P. Eddy, Lewiston, June 7, 1881. 

Chamberlain, Lockport, June 6. 1882. 

J. W. Bickford, Lockport, " " 

W. C. Wood, Lockport, Sept. 5, 1882. 

M. H. Cole, Newfane, June 5, 1883. 

Samuel Long, Ransomville, June 5, 1883. 

Walter McChesney, Barker P. O., June 5, 1883. 

Earl G. Danser, Wilson, June 4, 1884. 

John B. Hover, Middleport, " " " 

William B. Rice. Lockport, Jan. 6, 1885. 

F. Gaskill, Wilson, June, 7, 1887. 

C. M. Oarlock, Middleport, June 7, 1887. 

E. B. Manchester, Royalton, June 5, 1888. 

C. C. Schmidt, Tonavvanda, " " 

L. J. Hixson, La Salle, Jan. 8. 1889. 

E. J. Foote, Lockport, April 2, 1889. 

Talbot, Susp. Bridge. Sept. 4, 1889. 



392 

W. H. Hodson, Lockport, Jan. 7, 1890. 

O. F. Uurand, Lockport, " " " 

John Ready, Lockport, June 3, 1890. 

R. M. Elliot, Gasport, " " 

Alfred Poole, Pekin, " " " 

E. N. S Ringueberg, Lockport, June 2, 1891. 

Jacob E. Hellvvig, Wheatfield, Jan. 5, 1891. 

E. A. Wollaber, Cambria, April 5, 1892. 
W. H. Loomis, Lockport, June 7, 1892. 
W. P. Sawyer, Lockport, June 7, 1892. 
H. H. Mayne, Lockport, June 6, 1893. 

F. A. Kittenger, Lockport, Jan. 2, 1894. 
C. A. Ring, Johnson's Creek, " " " 

W. L. Bosserman, Ransomville, Jan 8, 1895. 
M. H. Cole, Charlotteville, June 4, 1895. 
Allen T. Leonard, Tonawanda, Oct. i, 1895. 
l^". T. Carmer, Rapids, Jan. 7. 1896 
J. W. Hartwell, Lockport, June, 1896. 
Alex. McNamara, Lockport, Sept. 16, 1896. 

The following names appear in the records, but with no dates of 
joining : 

A. H. Koon, H. B. Tabor. Wilson, 

W. C. Earl, Pekin, A. G. Skinner, Youngstown. 

Nathan Cove, Ransomville, 

The Homeopathic Society of Niagara and Orleans counties was or- 
ganized in 1857 or 1858, and was continued till 1885 when it was dis- 
continued. The then members afterwards affiliated with the Homeopa- 
thic Society of Western New York Among the members were Drs. A. 
J. Evans, D. F. Bishop, Wm. B. Rice ; Sarah Morris, of Lockport ; F. 
L. Knapp, of Gasport ; R. S. Bishop, of Medina. 

Among other homeopaths in the county at present are Drs. Wilson 
M Petitt, W S. Hurd, Fowler Watters, G. J. Petitt, Champlain F. Buck, 
of Lockport ; John Hodge, Wm. Hodge, of Niagara Falls; W. Levell 
Draper, of Wilson ; Scott, of Medina. 

Complete records are unobtainable, as the transactions of the society 
are not to be found. 



393 



CHAPTER XXV. 

FREE MASONRY IN NIAGARA COUNTY. 

The ancient order of Free and Accepted Masonry has always been 
conspicuously represented in Niagara count}^ where it has an interesting 
history. Lodges were early established, and were actively maintained 
until a wave of anti- Masonry swept over the country in 1826, causing 
a suspension of a large part of the lodges in this State. This phase of 
the subject has been treated in the early pages of this volume. When 
this misguided movement died out the old lodges renewed their exist- 
ence and new ones were organized to meet the demands of increasing 
population. 

The counties of Niagara and Orleans constitute the 37th Masonic 
district of the State of New York, its number having been changed in 
June, 1897, from the 24th. The district deputy is Hervey Sanford, of 
Wilson, who was appointed in June, 1897. 

The first Masonic lodge organized in Niagara county was Niagara 
Lodge, No. 345, F. & A. M., which was chartered June 7, A. D. 1822, 
at Lewiston, the Grand Master of the State at that time being Joseph 
Enos. The first officers, who were installed August 8th, were William 
King, W. M. ; Gideon Frisbee, S. W. ; Julius V. Ileileman, J. W. ; 
William Hotchkiss, treasurer ; Oliver Grace, secretary. Records ex- 
tant show that this lodge held regular communications up to and includ- 
ing May 10, 1827; after that nothing further appears relating to it. 
Its masters were John A, Webber, chosen December 11, 1823 ; Tim- 
othy Shaw, December 2, 1824, and probably re-elected in 1825 ; Gus- 
tavue N. Pope, December 14, 1826. 

A meeting of Lewiston Frontier Lodge, No. 132, was held at the 
Lewiston Hotel in the village of Lewiston on April 5, 1848, after hav- 
ing received a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of the State of New 
York. It was chartered June 10, 1848, Hon. John D. Willard, of Troy, 

f)0 



394 

being grand master. Caleb W. Raymond was the first master and 
James H. Page, secretary. On July 5, 1848, the first officers under the 
charter were installed, as follows : John T. Beardsley, W. M. ; Ambrose 
Thomas, S. W.; AsahelLyonJ.W.; Wm.Miller,treas.; James H. Page.sec. 
On March 22, 1853, the lodge removed to Niagara Falls, where a com- 
munication was held April 20, the officers being John T. Beardsley, W. 
M. ; Mr. Drew, of Albion, S. W. ; Mr. Lusk(?), J. W. ; G. H. Hack- 
staff, secretary. The name at this time appears as Frontier Lodge. 
The name Niagara Frontier Lodge first appears in the minutes July 18, 
I 854. The lodge now has about 300 members, and the officers for 1 897 
are James G. Shepard, W. M. ; A. H. G. Hardwicke, S. W. ; D. F. 
Bentley, J. W. ; C. M. Young, treasurer ; Michael Topping, secretary. 

Lockport Lodge No. 73, F. & A. M., one of the oldest Masonic lodges 
in Western New York, was organized under a dispensation from the 
Grand Lodge of this State at the Niagara Hotel in Lockport, the charter 
bearing the date of June 5, 1824. There were at that time twenty-one 
members, prominent among whom were Harvey W. Campbell, Hiram 
Gardner, Orsamus Turner, Joel Gould, William Buell and Eli Bruce. 
The first leading officers were Daniel Washburn, Alfred Barrett, Norman 
L. Southworth, Joel M. Parks, Stephen M. Potter, L. E. Rounds, Lloyd 
Smith and L Gould, During the anti- Masonry era in 1826 this organi- 
zation continued its existence and annually elected officers. On the 4th 
of September, 1839, when the lodges of the State were renumbered ac- 
cording to their ages by the Grand Lodge, this lodge became No. 73. 
The officers for 1897 are as follows: John A. McLaughlin, jr., W. M.; 
John N. Pound, S. W.; Edward Whitting, J. W.; John McCue, treas- 
urer ; Warner H. McCoy, secretary; D. R. Bruce, George D. Green- 
wood, E. W. Bright, trustees. 

Ames Chapter No. 88, R. A. M., of Lockport, was organized under 
a charter issued by Ezra Ames, grand high priest of the Grand Royal 
Arch Chapter of this State, under date of February 6, 1 824. There were 
twenty- three petitioners for the charter. The first officers were as fol- 
lows : Harvey W. Campbell, H. P.; Almon H. Miller, K.; Seymour 
Scovell, S.; Oliver Culver, treasurer; John G. Bond, secretary; Ezekiel 
Colburn, captain of host ; Paul Hawes, Tiler. Regular convocations are 
held in the Masonic Hall, Lockport. The officers of the chapter for 



395 

1897 are: Edward Beck, H. P.; James R. Compton, K.; Myron D. 
Clapsattle, S.; William Cocker, treasurer ; Van Ness Douglass, secre- 
tary ; Harry H. Moore, captain of host ; Frank W. Travis, P. S.; J. Adam 
Koon, R. A. Capt.; William L. Beck, M. 3d Vail ; P^rank L. Vandeuser, 
M. 1st Vail; Joseph H. Rainer, organist; Weston N. Osgood, sentinel. 

Genesee Commandery No. 10, Knights Templar, was organized un- 
der a letter of dispensation granted November 21, 1825, by Dewitt 
Clinton, who then held the office of most eminent grand master of the 
Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of this State. The letter was 
granted to Henry Brown and eighteen others, giving them authority to 
open and hold an encampment in the village of Le Roy with the name, 
Genesee Commandery. Mr. Brown was appointed the first grand com- 
mander, and the following were the remaining first officers: Orange 
Risdon, generalissimo; Frederick P'itch, captain general; Calvin Hal- 
brook, prelate; James Brown, senior warden ; Cephas A. Smith, junior 
warden; James Ganson, treasurer; John Hascall, recorder; James Bal- 
lard, standard bearer ; Hollis Pratt, warden ; Anthony Cooley, sword 
bearer; Gideon Smith, sentinel. On the i6th day of December, 1825, 
it was chartered under the name of Genesee Encampment No. 10, and 
on January 28, 1826, was duly consecrated. Some time during the 
anti Masonic crusade the encampment was removed to Batavia, where 
it remained until 1839 ; i" that year it received proper authority to re- 
move to Lockport. This commandery celebrated its semi-centennial 
anniversary on the 28th of January, 1876, with appropriate and inter- 
esting exercises. The officers for 1897 ^""^ ^^ follows : Frank E. Smith, 
eminent commander; William PL. Wicker, generalissimo; E.". Harry M. 
Moore, captain general ; Edward Beck, prelate ; J. Adam Koon, senior 
warden; Myron D. Clapsattle, junior warden; E. •.William Cocker, 
treasurer; E.".Van Ness Douglas, recorder ; Henry C. HulshofT, standard 
bearer ; Harrison S. Chapman, sword bearer ; John H. Craddock, warder ; 
James H. Wilson, third guard ; Frank W. Travis, second guard ; John 
W. Bickford, first guard; Joseph H. Rainer, organist; Dan Roden- 
bach, commissary; Weston N. Osgood, sentinel; E.". Perry Stowell, 
Harrison S. Chapman, James S. Liddle, trustees, 

Hartland Lodge No. 218, F. & A. M., was the second Master Mason's 
lodge organized in the county. It was instituted at Hartland Corners 



396 

in 1825, but soon succumbed to the wave of anti-Masonry, and the mas- 
ter's gavel was not heard again until 1850, when labor was resumed at 
Johnson's Creek, where it has since held regular communications. The 
charter officers in 1850 were B. K. Cornell, W. M.; Robert Dixon, S. 
W.; Richard Weaver, J. W. The officers for 1897 are F. A. Feather- 
stone, W. M.; J. E. Van Ortwick, S. W.; A. M. Armstrong, J. W.; 
Frederick R. Hays, secretary ; Jay S. Rovve, treasurer. 

Cataract Lodge No. 295, F. & A. M., of Middleport, was organized 
June II, 1853, with Charles Craig, W. M.; Avery S. Delano, S. W.; 
William S. Fenn, J. W.; in October twenty- two members appear on the 
roll. There are now about eighty members, and the officers for 1897 
are Trum.an Jennings, W, M.; Charles W. Laskey, S. W.; George W. 
Thompson. J. W.; Edward J. Tuttle, treasurer; Amos A. Castle, secre- 
tary. 

Niagara Lodge No. 375, F. & A. M., of Lockport, was organized 
January 27, 1855, and chartered by the Grand Lodge of the State July 
7, 1855. The original members were Myron L. Burrell, E. D. Shuler, 
Ora S. Howe, J. B. Chase, Charles J. Fox, G. W. Gould, N. S. Ringue- 
berg, Jacob Ringueberg and W. W. Douglas. The first officers were 
Myron L Burrell, W. M.; Elisha D. Shuler, S.W.; Ira S. Howe, J.W.; 
Nicholas S. Ringueberg, treasurer ; W. W. Douglas, secretary ; George 
W. Gould, senior deacon ; Jacob Ringueberg, junior deacon ; Beloste 
Bunnell, tiler. Regular communications are held twice in every month 
at Masonic Hall. The officers for 1897 are as follows: J. Franklin 
Gill, W. M ; William L. Beck, S. W.; William H. Killborne, J. W.; 
Myron D. Clapsattle, treasurer ; Van Ness Douglas, secretary ; Emmet 
Belknap, S. D.; Anderson Crowforth, J. D.; Hugo P. Lindsey, S. M. C; 
A. Raphael Beck, J. M. C ; Rev. G. S. Burroughs, chaplain ; Joseph 
H. Rainer, organist; Weston N. Osgood, tiler; H. K. Wicker, Charles 
N. Palmer, W. J. Jackman, trustees. 

Ontario Lodge No. 376, F. & A. M., of Wilson, was organized and 
chartered July 8, 1855, with seven charter members. The first officers 
were George L. Moote, master ; R. I. McChesney, senior warden ; 
Thomas Lyons, junior warden. Their first meetings were held in the 
second story of the brick building on the northwest corner of Young 
and Catharine streets. An uninterrupted prosperity enabled them in 



397 

April, 1866, to purchase this building, which the}' remodeled, fitting up 
convenient rooms for their accommodation. The lodge now has about 
fifty members, and its officers for 1897 are Charles N. Marklc, \V. M.; 
S. A. Miller, S. W.; VV. L. Draper, J. W.; Elmer E. Gifford, secretary ; 
M. L. Campbell, treasurer. Hervey Sanford, a member and past mas- 
ter of this lodge, was appointed district deputy of the 37th Masonic 
district in June, 1897, by the Grand Lodge of the State. 

Bruce Council No. 15, R. & S. M., of Lockport, was organized in 
December, 1859, and chartered June 5, i860, with nine charter mem- 
bers. The first officers were Charles H. Piatt, thrice illustrious master; 
Charles Craig, deputy master ; Daniel A. Knapp, principal conductor 
work ; Elisha D. Shuler, treasurer ; VV. W. Douglas, recorder ; William 
Gould, captain of guard ; Richard S. Hoag, conductor; J. R. Edwards, 
steward ; P. Murphy, sentinel. Regular assemblies are held at Masonic 
Hall. The following are the names of the officers for 1897 : Edward 
J. Taylor, thrice illustrious master ; W. J. Jackman, deputy master ; C. 
N. Palmer, principal conductor work; Myron D. Clapsattle, treasurer; 
Van Ness Douglas, recorder ; Harrj^ H. Moore, captain of guard ; 
Cyrus D. Ormiston, conductor of council ; J. Pierce Bishop, steward ; 
William Cocker, chaplain ; John H. Craddock, marshal ; Charles N. 
Palmer, physician ; Joseph H. Rainer, organist ; Weston N. Osgood, 
sentinel. 

Ransomville Lodge No. 551, F. & A. M., was chartered June 8, 1865, 
with thirteen meinbcrs, the first master being T. D. Miller. The lodge 
has about seventy- five members, and meets on the second and fourth 
Wednesdays of each month, in Ransomville. The officers for 1897 are 
as follows: James M. Foster, W. M.; Stephen II. Morriss, S. W.; Will- 
iam R. Leggett, J. W. ; Lawrence Harwick, treasurer; R. D. Richard- 
son, secretar)- ; Wilber T. Pool, chaplain ; W. A. Curtiss, marshal ; 
Isaac B. Henry, S. D.; James S. Townsend, J. D.; William Richardson, 
S. S.; Enimett Cornell, J. S.; S. H. Frederick, tiler ; W. A. Curtiss, 
W. T. Pool, Lawrence Harwick, trustees. 

Somerset Lodge No. 639, F. & A. M., of Somerset, was organized 
in 1866 and chartered in 1867, with twent}-two charter members and 
the following officers: C. P. Clark, W. M.; H. C.Hill, S.W.; Irving W. 
Hotaling, J. W. Some of the members formed a stock company, pur- 



398 

chased a lot, and erected a two-story brick building at a cost of $i,- 
490. Later the lodge purchased this property. The lodge has about 
forty- five members, and its officers for 1897 ^^^ George M. Nellist, 
worthy master ; George S. Bennett, senior warden ; Fred E. Bennett, 
junior warden ; Charles O. Longmate, treasurer ; John Webber, secre- 
tary ; Allan A. Huntington, senior deacon; Peter P. Landy, junior 
deacon; Samuel J. King, S. M. C; Thomas E. Grout, J. M. C.; Rev. 
L. J, Gross, chaplain; James A. Fisk, tiler; William L. Atwater, Allan 
A. Huntington, William G. Sprague, trustees. 

Niagara Chapter No. 200, R. A. M., of Niagara Falls, was organized 
under dispensation May 8, 1866, with the following officers; James 
McFeggan, M. E. H. P.; Samuel L. White, E. K.; F. H. Johnson, E. S.; 
J. H. Clark, C. of H ; George L. Brown, P. S.; Stoughton Pettibone, 
R. A. C; C. W. Williams, M. 3d V.; George Skipper. M. 2d V.; 
George E. Brock, M. istV.; C. Weston, tiler. 

The chapter was instituted March 5, 1867, with the following as 
charter officers: James McP"eggan, E, H. P; Samuel L, White, E. K.; 
Frances H. Johnson, E. S. The high priests have been James McFeg- 
gan, 1866-67 ; Samuel L. White, 1868-70; James McFeggan, 1871-75 ; 
Samuel L. White, 1876; George W. Wright, 1877-87; Robert H. 
Wait, 1888-92; Walter Jones, 1893-95; Joseph V. Carr, 1896-97. 
The membership of the chapter is 158, and the officers for 1897 are 
Joseph V. Carr, H. P.; C. M. Young, K.; James G. Shepard, S.; Fred 
P. Pierce, treasurer; Michael Topping, secretary; Rev. Albert S. 
Bacon, chaplain; N. B. Chamberlain, C. of H.; P'rederick Chorman, P. 
S.; George F. Diemar, R. A. C; A. D. Wilson, M. 3d V.; Amos L. 
Schaffer, M. 2d V.; Charles R. Phelps, M. ist V.; John G. Broughton, 
organist ; C. H. Kugel, sentinel. 

Red Jacket Lodge No. 646, F. & A. M., of Lockport, was organized 
in February, 1867, and chartered on the i6th of July of that year with 
the following as the first officers: Jason Collier, W. M.; Samson H. 
Robbins, S. W.; James D. Ames, J. W.; B. H. Fletcher, treasurer; J. R. 
Crampton, secretary ; S. T. Clark, senior deacon ; E. B. Weaver, junior 
deacon. The officers for 1897 ^""^ ^s follows; Eugene H. Ferree, 
worthy master ; J. Hittenmeyer, senior warden ; W. A. Mackenzie ; jun- 
ior warden; James R. Compton, treasurer; Henry C. Hulshoff, secretary; 



399 

Robert K. Howard, senior deacon ; E. C. Rocklin, junior deacon ; F. L. 
Van Deusen, S. M. of C; Orrin D. Prudden, J. M. of C; Dr. Champlin 
F. Buck, chaplain ; Joseph H. Rainer, organist ; Frank E. Smith, mar- 
shal ; Weston N. Osgood, tiler ; trustees, James R. Compton, J. Adam 
Koon, Abner T. Hopkins. 

Lock City Lodge of Perfection, A. A. S. Rite, of Lockport, was char- 
tered December i8, 1875, with the following as its first officers: John 
Hodge, thirty-second degree, T. P. G. master; Otis Cole, thirty-second 
degree, deputy master; Charles Craig, thirty-second degree, vcn. sen. 
gr. warden ; Charles Mitchell, thirty-second degree, ven. jr. gr. warden ; 
S. A. McKinney, fourteenth degree, grand orator ; Charles ¥.. Young, 
thirty-second degree, grand treasurer ; Charles E. Ailing, thirty -second 
degree, gr. sentry; A. H. Robinson, thirty-second degree, gr. M of 
ceremonies ; J. M. Showerman, thirty-second degree, gr. capt. of 
guard; W. B. Flint, fourteenth degree, gr. hospitaler ; S. Taylor, four- 
teenth' degree, gr. tiler. The number of^harter members was eighteen. 
The following are the names of the officers for 1897: George A. 
Newell, thirty-second degree, T. P. grand master ; C. N. Palmer, eight- 
eenth degree, deputy grand master; W. J. Jackman, thirty-second de- 
gree, ven. sen. grand warden; John McCue, thirty-second degree, ven. 
jr. grand warden; Harry H. Moore, thirty-second degree gd. treas- 
urer; V. N. Douglas, fourteenth degree, gd. secretary; Irving L'llom- 
medi'eu, G. M. of C; H. C. Hulshoff, sixteenth degree, gd. capt. of G. 
Hiram Flanders, fourteenth degree, grand orator; H. Buddenhagen, four- 
teenth degree, hospitaler; Weston N. Osgood, fourteenth degree, tiler. 
In Lockport there are also Lockport chapter. No. 73, Order of the 
Eastern Star, and the Masonic Veterans Association, the latter of which 
was organized April 23, 1884. 

Niagara River Lodge No. 785, F. & A. M., of Niagara Falls (Sus- 
pension Bridge), was organized February 15, 1882, and the first meet- 
ing was held on the 22d of the same month, when the following officers 
were installed: W. M.. W. P. Mentz ; S. W.. M.S. Langs; J. VV., 
R. D. Wing; treasurer, p:dwin Terrill ; secretary, Charles F. Liscom ; 
S. D., O. W. Cutler; J. D., R. A. Perry; chaplain, Edward Gilbert. 
The officers for 1897 are as follows: W. M.. O. E. Dunlap ; S. W., 
Fred J. Coe ; J. W., J. Fred Neff; treasurer, N. E. G. Wadhams ; sec 



400 

retary, J. N. Kitt ; S. D., John G. Woodcock; J. D., Hart Slocum ; 
chaplain, Gus. J. Silberberg ; tiler, William M. Blake; S. M. C, W. W. 
Johnstone; J. M. C, Edward R. Day; organist, John J. Broughton. 

Gasport Lodge No. 787, F. & A. M., began work under dispensa- 
tion granted August 26, 1882, with Andrew Hayner, W. M.; George 
A. Hoyer, S. W. ; Ellis S. Richardson, J. W. The lodge met for 
organization September 4, 1884, when the following officers in addition 
to the above were elected : Nathan D. Ensign, treasurer ; David R. 
Richie, secretary; Louis K. Sawyer, S. D. ; William F. Richie, J. D., 
Charles A. Terwilliger, S M. C. ; Jay W. Hunt, J. M. C. ; Thomas A. 
Lusk, tiler. The lodge was chartered June 7, 1883, ^'id now has about 
sixty-five members. The following are the officers for 1897: E. J. 
Richie, W. M.; David Wilson, S. W.; A. J. Underbill, J. W.; John Gra- 
ham, secretary ; John H. Maynard, treasurer. 

Niagara Commandery No. 64, K. T., had its inception in a meeting 
held at the Columbia Hotel in Niagara Falls, Sir J. V. Carr, proprietor, 
on the 8th of November, 1893. Sirs O. W. Cutler, George E. Wright, 
and J. V. Carr were appointed a committee to prepare a petition and 
apply to Genesee Commandery No. 10, of Lockport, as this territory 
was in their jurisdiction. On November 25 a second meeting was 
held at the same place and Niagara Commandery organized with O. W. 
Cutler, E. Com.; Walter Jones, generalissimo; James G. Shepard, cap- 
tain general. The petition signed December 16 bore the following 
names: J. V. Carr, A. Schoellkopf, George Barker, R. A. Schuyler, 
Thomas McDowell, C. M. Young, D. F. Bentley, ¥. C. Belden, James 
T. Dow, George E. Wright. William C. Edwards, James G. Shepard, 
H. N Griffith, Walter Jones, O. W. Cutler, George H. Salt. L. Van 
Cleef, L. A. Boore, Charles Zeiger, and John M. Pickett of Batavia. 

On January i, 1894, a dispensation was received from the Grand 
Commandery, K. T., of the State, and on the 8th, at the first conclave 
of Niagara Commandery, the following officers were chosen : O. W. 
Cutler, E. com. ; Walter Jones, gen.; James G. Shepard, capt.-gen'l ; 
C. M. Young, prelate ; George E. Wright, S. W. , James T. Low, J. 
W. ; J. V. Carr, treasurer; R. A. Schuyler, recorder; L. A. Boore, 
standard bearer ; William C. Edwards, sword bearer ; D. F. Bentley, 
warder ; T. McDowell, sentinel. 



401 

On September 14, 1894, Niagara Commandery No. 64, K. T., was 
duly chartered, and on the 30th of November it was regularly consti- 
tuted and dedicated with imposing ceremonies by Very Eminent Sir 
Horace A. Noble, deputy grand commander of the State, assisted by 
eleven ofificers of the Grand Commandery. The officers for 1897 are as 
follows: Walter Jones, eminent commander ; A. li. G. Hardwicke, gen- 
eralissimo; N. B. Chamberlain, captain-general; C. M.Young, prelate; 
D. F. Bentley, senior warden; G. E. Wright, junior warden; J. V. 
Carr, treasurer ; R. A. Schuyler, recorder ; E. D. Very, standard 
bearer; N. J. Bowker, sword bearer; C. J. Doherty, warder; A. A. 
Oatman, W, .J. Robedo, J. M. Pickett, guards; C. H. Kugel, sentinel; 
A. H. G. Hardwicke, A. W. Cutler (P. C), N. B. Chamberlain, trustees. 

The Masonic Board of Trustees of Niagara Falls was organized in 
1894, and consists of three members from each of the three Masonic 
bodies of the city. These members for 1897 are as follows: O. W. 
Cutler, N. L. Chamberlain, and A. H, G. Hardwicke from Niagara 
Conmiandery ; Chris. Young. George W. Wright, and J. V. Carr, from 
Niagara Chapter; Hans Neilson, Benjamin Flagler, and Major S. M. 
N, Whitney from Niagara Frontier Lodge. 

Members of the fraternity in North Tonawanda and vicinity have 
connection generally with two bodies in Tonawanda, Erie county, 
namely Tonawanda Lodge. No. 247, F. & A. M., and Tonawanda 
Chapter No. 278, R. A. M., both of which arc outside the 37th Ma- 
sonic district. These organizations have so many members resident of 
this county that mention of them should be made here. 

Tonawanda Lodge No. 247, F. & A. M., was organized under a dis- 
pensation in 1851 and chartered in 1852, with P>manuel Hensler as first 
master, who served till 1854. The present (1897) officers are John G. 
Wallenmeier, W. M.; George H. Calkins, S. W.; Albert R. Smith, J. W.; 
Alexander C. Campbell, treasurer ; Edgar C. McDonald, secretary ; PL. 
C. McDonald, Thomas E. Warner and Arlington A. Bellinger, all past 
masters, trustees. 

Tonawanda Chapter No. 278, R. A. M., was organized in April, 1S84, 
and chartered in l^'ebruary, 1885. The first council under the charter 
was composed of Andrew R. Trew, H. P.; William R. Gregory, king; 
Lyman G. Stanley, scribe. The high priests have been Andrew R. 

51 



402 

Trew (deceased), 1885 ; William R. Gregory, 1886-88; Lyman G. Stan- 
ley, 1889-90; James H. Barnard, 1891 ; George W. Millener, 1892-93 ; 
Edgar C. McDonald, 1894-5 ! Thomas E. Warner, 1896-7. The other 
officers for 1897 are Robert L. Turk, king; George H. Calkins, scribe; 
Alexander C. Campbell, treasurer ; Ransford C. Taber, secretary ; Dow 
Vroman, captain of the host; Albert E. McKeen, principal sojourner; 
Max H. Schroeder, R. A. Capt.; Thomas P. C. Barnard, master third 
vail; George C. Herschell, master second vail ; George L. Berkrich, 
master first vail ; Benjamin M. Treat, sentinel. 



PART IL 



BIOGRAPHICAL, 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 



GKN. PARKHURST WFIITNKY. 

Although descended from one of the oldest families of New Eng- 
land's early settlers, the subject of this biographical sketch won dis- 
tinction entirely his own, and his prominence as a citizen whose public 
spirit and energy largely contributed to the material prosperity of the 
community in which he passed his busy, useful life, is even more sub- 
stantial than his ancestral greatness. He was one of the pioneers of 
Western New York, having settled at Niagara Falls in i8io, and was 
fifth in a direct line of descent from John Whitney, who settled at 
Watertown, Mass., in June, 1635, of which place he was a selectman, 
town clerk and constable. W. C. Whitney, ex-secretary of the United 
States navy, Professors Whitney of Yale and Harvard, and Eli Whit- 
ney, the inventor of the cotton gin, are lineal descendants from this 

progenitor. 

John Wliitney was baptized in St. Margaret's church, Westminster, 
England, July 20, 1592, and with his wife and five children sailed 
from London in April, 1635, in the ship Elizabeth and Ann, Roger 
Cooper, master, landing at Boston in June, and settling in Watertown, 
Mass. John Whitney was the son of Thomas Whitney, gentleman, 
and his wife Mary, nee Bray, and a great-grandson of Sir Robert Whit- 
ney. John Whitney was descended from the Whitneys of the Parish 
of Whitney in Herefordshire, the family name being derived from that 
of the parish, where the castle and church then stood, but now repre- 
sented by a group of mounds. Here stands the church in which the 
Whitneys were baptized from the eleventh century. The parish was 



4o6 

one of several granted to Turstin the Fleming, a knight of William 
the Conqueror, and his son Eustace took the name Whitney in 1086. 

After the arrival of John Whitney in America there were two sons 
born to him, from the younger of which Gen. Parkhurst Whitney was 
descended. Jonathan, the son of Benjamin, settled at Milford, Mass., 
and his son, also named Jonathan, was a captain in the French and In- 
dian wars, and Captain Whitney's son, likewise called Jonathan, was the 
father of Gen. Parkhurst Whitney, and married Esther Parkhurst in 
1760. With a few others he laid out and settled the town of Conway, 
Mass., where he lived until 1790. He was captain of the 7th Co., 5th 
Regt., Massachusetts militia, during the Revolutionary war and ren- 
dered valuable service in the cause of the colonists. 

In 1789 he came to Ontario county, N. Y., and with others purchased 
township 10, range I of the Phelps & Gorham purchase. He subse- 
quently purchased the interests of his copartners and brought his fam- 
ily there, being one of the earliest settlers in Western New York. He 
died in 1792 leaving nine children to survive him, of whom Gen. Park- 
hurst Whitney was the youngest, having been born September 24, 1784. 
After the death of his parents, he lived with his brothers and sisters till 
he was nineteen years of age, when he moved to the property his father 
had devised to him. He married Miss Cowing of Rochester, Mass,, 
October 10, 1805, ^"^ soon after moved to " Old Castle," near Geneva, 
N. Y. In 1 8 10 he came to Niagara county, and lived on a farm about 
four miles above the Falls, and in 18 12 he came to the village of Niag- 
ara Falls, and rented Porter's saw mill situated on Canal street, op- 
posite the head of Main street. He made the first survey of Goat Is- 
land, and made other surveys for the Holland Land Company and for 
the State of New York. 

When war against P^ngland was declared in 18 12, he sent his family 
to Ontario county, and was foremost among the brave defenders of the 
frontier He was appointed captain and served under General Scott. 
At the battle of Oueenston he was sent as a bearer of dispatches to the 
officer commanding the American forces and was taken prisoner, but 
was speedily released on parole. In 1814 he leased the Eagle Hotel, 
which stood where the International now stands, and in 18 17 he pur- 
chased the entire block from Augustus Porter and Peter Barton. In 



407 



1 83 1 lie purchased the Cataract Hotel property, and assumed control 
of the hotel in 1838. The following year the firm of Parkhurst Whit- 
ney & Sons was organized, and in 1846 he leased the property to the 
firm of Whitney, Jerauld & Co., which was composed of S. M. N. Whit- 
ney, D. R. Jerauld and James F. Trott ; at the expiration of the lease 
the firm purchased the property. 

In the spring of 1834 General Whitney's three daughters — Asenath 
B., who married Piote De Kowalewski, a Polish exile ; Angelina P., who 
married D. R. Jerauld and Celinda Eliza, who married J. F. Trott — 
crossed the river to the first of the Sister Islands, Asenath B. going to 
the second. As they were the first white women who ever stood upon 
these islands, they were, in honor of these brave sisters, named the 
Three Sisters Islands. A guide book of that year states this fact. The 
" Maid of the Mist " was so named at the suggestion of Mrs. James F. 
Trott when the first trip was made by the little steamer below the falls. 
In building up Niagara Falls as a pleasure resort. General W^hitney 
was active and prominent. He donated the first building erected at 
the Falls for church purposes, and was always liberal and energetic in 
every movement having for its object the general welfare of his fellow 
citizens. He bought the first piano that was brought to the Falls, and 
the instrument is now in possession of his son, S. M. N. Whitney. In 
1812 General Whitney was commissioned by Gov. Daniel D. Tomp- 
kins as a captain of the 163d Regt., N. Y. militia, and in May, 181 8, 
"~^ Gov. De Witt Clinton signed his commission as colonel of that regi- 
ment. He was appointed by Governor Clinton brigadier-general of 
the 5th Brigade, June 10, 1820, and on the 4th of March, 1826, he was 
commissioned major-general of the 24th Division. A very handsome 
sword was presented to General Whitney by the field and staff oflicers 
of the 5th Brigade and the officers of the 169th Regiment, as a testi- 
monial of respect. September 29, 1823. This sword is now in the 
possession of his son, S. M. N. Whitney. 

In 1825 General La F'ayette was entertained by General Whitney as 
his personal guest, and he took the distinguished French general to 
Lockport in his carriage at tiie celebration of the opening of the Frie 
Canal. On October 10, 1855, General Whitney and his estimable 
wife celebrated their golden wedding in the parlors of the Cataract 



4o8 

House. The ceremonies on this occasion were touching and imposing, 
and were conducted by Rev. E. W. Reynolds of Buftalo. General 
Whitney lived for many years at the old homestead, which was located 
between the Falls and Suspension Bridge. The house, which was 
burned down in i860 and was rebuilt, was bequeathed to the general's 
daughter, Mrs. James F. Trott, whose family still occupies it General 
Whitney died here April 26, 1862, his wife having died two years 
prior. 

Few men in Niagara county more fully enjoyed the public confidence 
and regard of fellow citizens than General Whitney, and yet the only 
position he ever accepted outside of his military offices was that of 
supervisor. He was a man of rare virtue, independent, self-reliant, and 
of unquestioned integrity; one of those sturdy, indomitable, energetic 
men who made this section, once a wilderness, to " blossom as a rose." 
General Whitney was an old and eminent Mason, and a distinguished 
Knight Templar. He was buried with Masonic honors, and prominent 
Masons from all parts of Western New York participated in the cere- 
monies. The funeral was the largest ever held in Niagara Falls, fully 
three thousand people paying their last tribute to the worth of this 
honored, upright citizen by their attendance. 



SOLON M. N. WHITNEY. 

Was born at Niagara Falls, N. Y., October 7, 181 5, and is a son of the 
late Gen. Parkhurst Whitney, who died on his estate at Niagara Falls 
in 1862. S. M. N. Whitney was educated in the Lewiston Academy 
and Canandaigua Academy and after leaving school engaged with his 
father in the management of the Cataract Hotel. In 1830-31 they built 
the present stone hotel After his father's retirement he continued in the 
hotel business until 1889, when, upon the death of Mr. Jerauld, he sold 
out to Peter A Porter and retired to private life. Mr. Whitney is the 
oldest living native citizen of Niagara Falls and has always been prom- 
inent in promoting the interests of that place. He was president of 
the Niagara Falls Gas Company many years, having assisted in estab- 
lishing the works, and a director of the Cataract Bank. During the 




SOLON M. N. WHITNEY. 



409 

"Patriot War" in 1837 he was made quartermaster with the rank of 
captain, having charge of all supplies and rations for troops ; later 
he was made aid-de-camp to the major-general with the rank of major, 
giving him his well known title, and received a grant of 160 acres 
of land from the United States government. The Three Sisters Islands 
were named in honor of Major Whitney's three sisters. He and 
his father accompanied General La Fayette to Lockport in 1825 to 
witness the opening of the Erie Canal, and he remembers many dis- 
tinguished persons who stopped at their hotel on their travels, among 
them being Clay, Webster, Calhoun and many others of renown. He 
is a man full of years and equally full of honors and has the respect and 
esteem of all who know him. On May 12, 1840, Major Whitney mar- 
ried Frances Drake and they have had three sons: Solon, Drake, and 
Solon 2d. Drake is the only son living. Mrs. Whitney died in 1883. 
Major Whitney and his wife early became members of the Episcopal 
church, and he has been a warden more than a quarter of a century 
and was prominent in the building of St. Peter's church. In politics 
he was formerly a Whig and subsequently a Republican. 



HON. THOMAS T. FLAGLER, 

Son of Abraham and Sarah (Thorn) Flagler, was born at Pleasant Valley, 
Dutchess county, N. Y., October 12, 181 1. His education from 
schools was meagre and limited to the elementary grades. At a ver\' 
early age he was apprenticed to the printer's trade in the office of the 
Chenango Republican, at Oxford, N. Y. Upon the death of Daniel 
Mack, his employer, Mr. Flagler purchased an interest in the paper and 
was for several years its editor and publisher. In 1836 he disposed of 
his interest in the journal to his partner, W. E. Chapman, and removed 
to Lockport, where he nas since resided. In 1838 he became the ed- 
itor of the Niagara Courier and continued the publication of that paper 
until 1843, when he resigned that position and engaged in the hard- 
ware business, in which he continued until 1859; at that time and 
through his efforts the Holly Manufacturing Company was founded and 
he was elected president, which office he stillholds, although now in 



4IO 

his eighty- sixth year. Aside from his interest in this company Mr. 
Flagler has been president of the Niagara County National Bank since 
i860. He is also president of the Fond du Lac Water Company. Po- 
litically Mr. Flagler was in early life a Whig ; he aided in organizing 
the Republican party in this State and for many years has been an influ- 
ential member of the same. He represented his district in the Legis- 
lature of this State in 1842-43 and again in i860. In 1848 he was 
elected clerk of Niagara county and held the office three years. He was 
elected a member of the 33d and 34th Congresses, in which body he 
made a record of which any man might well feel proud, for he was re- 
cognized as one of the strongest men who had ever sat in the legisla- 
tive halls. He also served as a member of the New York State Con- 
stitutional Convention. Mr. Flagler is a man of splendid presence and 
courtly manners — a "gentleman of the old school." As a business 
man he has always ranked high, while in the field of religious effort he 
has been an active and conscientious worker. His integrity has never 
been questioned, and in his old age enjoys the respect of the whole 
community. Mr. Flagler was married in 1831 to Huldah M. Barrett, 
and six children have been born to them, three of whom are living. 
One son, H. H. Flagler, is treasurer of the Holly Manufacturing Com- 
pany ; a daughter, Lucy, is the wife of J. S. Helmer, of Lockport ; an- 
other daughter, Clara, is the wife of William H. Farnsworth of Buffalo. 
Mrs. Flagler died December 3, 1895. Mr. Flagler has been a member 
of the Presbyterian church since 1839 and since 1840 has been an elder 
of that church and president of the Board of Trustees of the Niagara 
Presbytery. 



LEWIS S. PAYNE. 

Col. Lewis S. Payne was born in the town of Riga, Monroe county, 
N. Y., January 21, 18 19, the son of Stephen and Ruth A. (Smith) 
Payne. The Payne family is of honorable New England ancestry and 
its founder in the New World was of Puritan stock. His paternal 
grandfather, Aepba Payne, was a native and lifelong resident of Massa- 
chusetts. He was a soldier in the war of 181 2. His son, Stephen 



411 

Payne, father of Colonel Payne, was born in 1790, in Hinesdale, Mass., 
settling in Monroe county when a young man. He died at the resi- 
dence of his son, Colonel Payne, at North Tonawanda, February 11, 
1880, in the ninetieth year of his age. Col. Lewis S. Payne was edu- 
cated in the common school and High School in Monroe county. At 
the age of sixteen he became a clerk in a mercantile house in Tona- 
wanda, and five years later he and a fellow clerk purchased the buainess 
in which they had been employed. Four years afterward the partner- 
ship was dissolved and Mr. Payne accepted a position as clerk in Buf- 
falo, remaining there four years. In 1847 he built the first steam saw 
mill in North Tonawanda, which he operated for nine years, after which 
he engaged in the lumber business for several years. • 

In the fall of 1861 Mr. Payne, at his own expense, raised a volun- 
teer company, of which he was made captain, and which was attached 
to the 1 00th N. Y. Vol. Regiment, later becoming a part of Casey's 
Division of the Army of the Potomac. The looth N. Y. Regiment, 
with Colonel Payne leading his company, participated in the battles 
of Williamsburg, Seven Pines, White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill among 
others. Later on he and his company made many daring expeditions 
from the vicinity of Charleston, and the information thereby gained was 
of great value to the Union cause. On the night of August 3, 1863, 
while engaged on Morris Island in intercepting communication with 
Fort Sumter, he was attacked by a superior Confederate force. A 
desperate engagement followed, in which Colonel Payne was wounded 
in the head by a musket ball, taken prisoner and conveyed to Charles- 
ton, where he was confined in the Queen Street Hospital Later he 
was removed to Columbia, S. C, and February 14, 1865, he was sent 
to Wilmington, N, C, where he was exchanged March 5. Soon after 
his imprisonment ended he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel. 

In 1840 Colonel Payne married Mary Tabor, of Ithaca, N. Y., and 
they have six children: Emily R., wife of George Crandall, of Will- 
iamsport. Pa.; Eugene R., who resides in Williamsport ; Ida, Mrs. 
George McCray, of Kufifalo ; Edward C, of Decatur, Ala.; Lewis C, 
a lawyer at North Tonawanda, and Cornelia R., wife of Lyman Stanley. 
Col. Payne is a member of Tonawanda Lodge No. 247, F. & A. M., 
and a vestryman of St. Mark's P. E. church. Politically Colonel Payne 



412 

is an aggressive Democrat, and has served in nearly every office in the 
gift of his town. In 1850 he was elected clerk of Niagara county on 
the National Whig ticket and in 1859 was nominated for State senator 
in the Twenty- ninth New York district, but was defeated. In 1865 he 
was again elected county clerk on the Democratic ticket, and in 1869 
was elected to the Assembly. In 1877 he was elected State senator 
from the Twenty- ninth district. In 1883 he was the Democratic can- 
didate for Congress in his district, but was unable to overcome the big 
Republican majority in his district. Colonel Payne has always stood 
high in the esteem of his fellow townsmen and ranks as one of the fore 
most citizens of Niagara county. 



LINUS SPALDING. 

Linus Spalding, irreproachable in private and efficient in public 
life, was born in the town of Hartland, Niagara county, N. Y., June 13, 
1824. 

The grandfather of Linus Spalding, whose name was Jacob Spalding, 
fought for freedom in the Revolutionary war. 

Linus Spalding, sr., the father of the subject of this sketch, moved, at 
the age of fourteen, from Vermont to Broome county, N. Y., where he 
married Lydia Shepherd. In 181 1 he joined the pioneers of Hartland, 
Niagara county, where he became the owner of a section of valuable 
land. Linus Spalding, sr., fought for his country in the war of 181 2, 
assisted in building the first bridge across the Genesee River ; and 
in many other ways socially, politically, and religiously, he was useful 
to the community in which he lived. 

The Spaldings, of Niagara county, descended from Edward Spalding, 
who came to this country from England, in 16 19. He settled in Vir- 
ginia, where he remained till about 1640, when he moved to Massachu- 
setts Bay. 

This large and illustrious family, scattered throughout many States, 
has comprised, among its various branches, noted members of the learned 
professions ; one bishop, a general, and other officers in the Revolution- 
ary war'; besides several scientists and inventors, one, by his originality, 
giving to the world the useful lucifer match. 




LINUS SPALDING. 



4t3 

Linus Spalding received an academic education in the village of Mid- 
dleport. At different times in his life he has engaged successfully in 
farming, stock-raising, and the mercantile business. 

He was formerly a Whig, but commencing in 1S56, he served seven 
successive terms as the Democratic supervisor of the town of Hartland. 

Me is a consistent member of the Universalist church, and by unusual 
kindness and tender sympathy he has endeared himself to a large circle 
of friends and acquaintances. 

January 22, 185 i, he married Cordelia H. Compton, of Middleport. 
town of Royalton, Niagara county. His children are Mary E., who 
married William J. Sterritt, one of the prominent paper manufacturers 
of Western New York, and Louise C, wife of Edgar B. French, who 
resides in Middleport, and is engaged in the hardware business. 

The grandchildren of Linus Spalding are Linus, Frank, Louise and 
Robert Sterritt, of Middleport, Niagara county. 



DAVID MILLAR. 

Hon. David Millar was born in Lewiston, Niagara county, Sep- 
tember 30, 1842, and is a son of Alexander Millar, jr., who was a son 
of Alexander Millar, sr., who was born in Dundee, Scotland, in 1762, 
and came to America in 1804, settling in Lewiston in the following 
year. Judge Millar received his education in the public schools of his 
native place, at the Lewiston Academy and at the Lockport Union 
School. In 1867 he began the study of law in the office of L. F. & G. 
W. Bowen ; he finished his legal studies with Farnell & Brazee, and 
was admitted to practice in 1889. He is a prominent Democrat, and in 
1889 was elected judge of Niagara county for a term of six years. As 
a lawyer and jurist Judge Millar has achieved eminent success, and is 
widely recognized as a man of ability and integrity. July 12, 1871, he 
married Miss Hortense, daughter of Peter Valleau, of Shannonville, 
Ontario, Canada. 



414 
ALVAH K. POTTER. 

Hon. Alvah K. Potter is a grandson of Joseph and Lydia (Drake) 
Potter and a son of Thomas D, Potter (born in January, 1796) and 
Eunice Marden, and was born March 31, 1840, in Concord, N. H., 
where his paternal great-grandfather, a native of Ipswich, Mass., be- 
came an early settler, after serving as a soldier in the Revolutionary 
war. He is of English descent. Judge Potter received his preliminary 
education at the Appleton Academy and was graduated from Dart- 
mouth College in 1862. He then enlisted in the Union army, was com- 
missioned first lieutenant of Co. H, 7th N. H. Vol. Inf , and later was 
made captain of Co. A, i8th N. H. Vols. He was successively pro- 
moted major and lieutenant-colonel and served with distinction until 
the close of the war, being recommended for brevet rank for " gallant 
and meritorious conduct " at Petersburg, by General Orders of the com- 
mander of the Ninth Army Corps. Returning home he read law with 
Boardman & Blodgett, of Boston, and later with Anson S. Marshall, of 
Concord, and was admitted to the New Hampshire bar in 1 866. He prac- 
ticed in Concord three years and then removed to Niagara Falls, where he 
was for three years a member of the law firm of Piper & Potter. In 1872 
he settled in Lockport, where he has since resided, and where he served 
as city attorney in 1875 and 1876. In politics he is a Republican. He 
was elected judge of Niagara county in 1883 and served six years, re- 
suming the practice of law at the close of his term. Judge Potter is an 
able lawyer and gave great satisfaction as a jurist. 



CHARLES HICKEY. 

Charles Hickey, county judge and surrogate of Niagara county, 
and the first to hold these combined offices, has so far in life met with 
marked success in the face of many obstacles. Of him it can be truly 
said that he has risen to a position of honor and responsibility through 
his own unaided efforts. He was born in the town of Somerset, April 
18, 1857, and has always been a resident of this county. His father 
died while the subject of this sketch was still a child, leaving a widow 




%mf»^ 



MAJOR HENRY F. PIERCE. 



4'5 

without means, but with a large family of small children on her hands. 
Charles commenced working by the month at farming when only eleven 
years of age, continuing at such employment with little interruption 
until he attained his majority. During the winter seasons he attended 
the district schools of his native town, where the foundation of his edu- 
cation was laid. It was not until after passing his twenty- first birthday 
that he entered the Lockport Union School. Here his course of study 
was interrupted from time to time, lack of means forcing him to engage 
in teaching to maintain himself. In this calling he succeeded so well 
that he was twice elected president of the Niagara County Teachers' 
Association. While still teaching he commenced reading law and com- 
pleted his course of legal studies in the office of Hon. John E. Pound, 
of Lockport. In 1884, being then twenty-eight years of age, he was 
admitted to the bar, and the following year launched out for himself. 
A little later he was elected justice of the peace for the city of Lock- 
port, but resigned after one year's service to give attention to his in- 
creasing law practice. In the spring of 1892 he was appointed city 
attorney of Lockport and continued in that office until January i, 1896, 
when he entered upon the duties of his present office, having been elect- 
ed thereto at the preceding general election. 

Judge Hickey was married to Frances C. Lambert, of Lockport, No- 
vember 25, 1886, and has three children. He has attained some prom- 
inence as an Odd Fellow and is now serving his fourth term as presi- 
dent of the Odd Fellows' Home Association of the State of New 
York, which maintains an institution for the care of aged and indigent 
Odd Fellows at Lockport. In politics he is a Republican. 



MAJOR HENRY F. PIERCE. 

Major Henry F. Pierce (deceased), was born at Wheatfield, N. 
Y., October 1 1, 1840, and was a son of George H. Pierce, an extensive 
lumber dealer of that section. Major Pierce was educated in Niagara 
halls Academy and in the public schools of his native town, and at 
nineteen years of age entered the Albany Law School, from which he 
graduated in i860 with honors. He then removed to Niagara Falls, 



4i6 

where he engaged in the active practice of his profession until 1862, 
when he entered the United States army as first Heutenant in the 78th 
N. Y. S. Volunteers; he was afterwards quartermaster of the 2d Regi- 
ment of New York Mounted Rifles and before tiie close of the war was 
promoted to the rank of major in the same regiment for bravery and 
brilliant maneuvrei-ig during several engagements. In 1865 he re- 
turned to Niagara county and engaged in business with his father, 
where he continued until 1873, in which year he established himself in 
the coal trade at Niagara Falls, and successfully continued it until his 
death in 1887. At the same time he was interested in banking busi- 
ness at Clifton, N. Y., in partnership with George H. Howard. Major 
Pierce was a staunch Democrat, served two years as president of the 
village of Niagara h^alls, was supervisor of the town of Niagara and pres- 
ident of the Hook and Ladder Company. He was married on Septem- 
ber 25, 1865, to Jane E. Samways of Niagara Falls, and they had nine 
children, six of whom survive. 



ISAAC H. BABCOCK. 

Hon. Isaac H. Babcock has a well established reputation in mer- 
cantile circles of Western New York, and particularly in the city of 
Lockport. He was born in Albany county, N. Y., September 20, 1830, 
and removed to Niagara county with his parents, Jeptha W. and Mary 
(Hoag) Babcock. Jeptha W. Babcock was a prominent citizen and was 
elected to the Assembly as the candidate of the Whig party from the 
Second district, and served two terms, in 185 1 and 1852. Isaac H. 
Babcock engaged in farming in the town of Somerset, continuing until 
i860, when he removed to Lockport and took up fruit growing and the 
nursery business. He afterwards became connected with the Farmers' 
and Mechanics' Savings Bank of Lockport as its secretary and treasurer, 
which position he held twelve years, after which he was made vice- 
president and was later elected president, which office he still holds. 
Aside from his banking interest, Mr. Babcock is actively engaged in 
the American District Steam Heating Company, acting in the capacity 
of treasurer and as one of the executive officers. Like all good citizens, 



417 

Mr. Babcock takes a deep interest in public affairs, but his active par- 
ticipation in politics has been confined to two occasions when his party 
conferred nominations upon him, twice for supervisor and twice for the 
State Assembly; to the last named office he was elected in 1872 (just 
twenty years after his fatiier held the same office), and served on the im- 
portant committee of insurance. In his second year he was chairman 
of the Special Committee to investigate the affairs of the Erie Rail- 
road Company. He has always been a staunch Republican and was 
one of the organizers of that party in the county. As a business man 
he has for many years ranked among the most enterprising and success- 
ful. In 1 86 1 Mr. Babcock married Sarah L. Newhall, daughter of 
Daniel Newhall ; this family came from Massachusetts where Mrs. 
Babcock was born. Daniel Newhall was one of the prominent early 
residents of Niagara county. Mr. and Mrs Babcock have had four chil 
dren, two deceased ; the living are Mary E., residing at home, and Menry 
J., engaged in business with his father. 



JOHN HODGE. 

John Hodge was born in in Jefferson county, N. Y., January 13, 
1837, and settled in Lockport when it was still a village. He for a 
short time studied law, but the inherent business qualities of his nature 
led to his becoming connected with the Merchant's Gargling Oil Com- 
pany, of which corporation he became secretary and sole manager. 
Energetic and conservative in character, he by his own efforts accu- 
mulated a fortune which he largel)- employed in building up his adopt- 
ed city, and in the promotion of religious and educational institutions. 
The Hodge Opera House, which was erected by him, was destroyed 
by fire soon after its completion, but was rebuilt by him and at the 
present time is one of the handsomest business blocks in Lockport. 
The Lockport Water Supply Company, the Lockport Street Railroad 
Company, of both of which he was president, the Lockport and Buf- 
falo Railroad Company, of which he was treasurer, and numerous other 
enterprises availed themselves of his invincible energy, capacity for 
organization and prompt decision. His financial responsibility, integ- 
53 



4i8 

rity of character and executive ability led those who knew him to call 
his services into requisition to an almost unlimited extent. He was nine 
years president of the Lockport Board of Education ; for several years 
treasurer of the Order of A. O. U. W., and the grand master of the 
Grand Lodge of Masons of this State during the last year of his life. 
In the full activity of business he was ever responsive to demands for 
charity and most generous in his benefactions. His untimely death, 
which took place August 7, 1895, was an irreparable loss not only to 
his widow, but to the entire community of the city to whose interests 
he was so devoted. 



CHARLES PETERSON. 

Charles Peterson was born in Mount Morris, N. Y., January 31, 
1848. In 1856 his parents moved to Reynale's Basin, where the firm of 
Hunt, Kingsley & Peterson was engaged in enlarging a section of the 
Erie Canal. In 1858 the family took up their residence in Lockport. 

Charles Peterson was educated at the Lockport Union School and the 
Buffalo Business College. His first business experience was in 1864 as 
bookkeeper for his father, who at that time had a repair contract on the 
Erie Canal at Albany. He worked with his father for some time and 
then became a contractor himself 

Among his most important works have been the construction of the 
Milwaukee Water Works, completed in 1873 ; the Grand Rapids Water 
Works in 1874 ; three sections of the New Welland Ship Canal in Can- 
ada in 1880; the Nunda division of the B., N. Y. & P. R. R. in 1883 i 
the Erie Co. and Buffalo division of the West Shore Railroad at Buffalo ; 
and the Syphon Tunnel, 350 feet below the Harlem River, carrying the 
new Croton Aqueduct to Manhattan Island. He was elected mayor of 
the city of Lockport, on the Democratic ticket, April 16, 1895. 

He was married April 27, 1881, to Jennie G. Lapham, daughter of 
William G. and Rebecca Smith Lapham of Syracuse. Mrs. Peterson is 
a niece of Hon. Elbridge C. Lapham, former United States senator of 
Canandaigua. They have three children, Rebecca L,, Charles Gilbert 
and Jennie Gray. 



419 

Charles Peterson is a son of Gilbert and Elizabeth Parker Peterson. 
Gilbert Peterson was born at Owasco, N. Y., August 5, 1824, and died 
at Lockport November 13, 1890. He was a son of Garrett and Rebecca 
Babcock Peterson, married in Scipio, Cayuga county, in 1800, her family 
having removed from New Bedford, Mass. Garrett Peterson died at 
Nunda, N. Y., November i, 1843. He was a son of Cornelius and 
Hannah Parcel Peterson who lived in Hillsborough, Somerset county, 
N. J., during the Revolutionary war. Cornelius Peterson was an offi- 
cer of the New Jersey militia in the war, having been elected second, 
and his brother Roelif first lieutenant of the Neshanic Company of 
Somerset County Militia at a meeting of freeholders held in Hillsborough 
May 3, 1775. All his children were baptized in the Dutch Reformed 
church of Neshanic, N. J. After the Revolutionary war Cornelius Peter- 
son removed from Somerset county, N. J., to Cayuga county, N. Y., 
bringing with him in covered wagons his family of six sons and two 
daughters, among whom were Cornelius, Jerome, George, Garrett, Roelif, 
Richard, Anna and Altje, and some negro slaves. In 1 796 he purchased 
950 acres of land on the shores of Owasco Lake. 

Hannah Parcel Peterson was of English descent, her family having 
emigrated from England to Holland on account of religious troubles. 
There is a legend in the family that Parcel Square in the city of London 
belongs to her descendants. Some of the oldest members of the family 
now living, say that documents to that effect were sent here from Eng- 
land about 1825, but they do not know where they are now or whether 
they are still in existence. 

The ancestors of the Peterson family came from Holland, and from 
all the information to be had up to this time, appear to have settled first 
on Long Island and afterward removed to the banks of the Raritan 
River in Somerset county, N. J., settling there some time previous to 
the Revolutionary war. 

Elizabeth Parker Peterson, mother of Charles Peterson, is the daugh- 
ter of Benjamin and Catherine Snyder Parker. Benjamin Parker came 
from Somerset county, N. J., to Livingston county, N. Y., in 1797. He 
served in the war of 181 2, losing a leg at the battle of Queenston 
Heights. She is also the granddaughter of Capt. John and Elizabeth 
Pettit Parker of Somerset county. N. J. Capt. Joiin Pa'rker served in 



420 

the Revolutionary war with the First Battalion of Somerset county 
militia. He fought in the battle of Monmouth under General Washing- 
ton, and died soon after the battle from the effects of being overheated. 



BENJAMIN FRANKLIN FELTON 

Was born and educated in Barre, Worcester county, Mass., the date of 
his birth being December 31, 1827. He removed to Buffalo in 1854 
and to North Tonawanda in 1867. When he located in Buffalo he be- 
gan the manufacture of pocket books, leather goods and stationery. 
Subsequently he engaged in the news business and for about fifteen 
years controlled that business on the New York Central and Hudson 
River Railroad, the Lake Shore and other roads, paying a rental of 
$41,000 per annum. This business was then succeeded by the Union 
News Company. Since coming to North Tonawanda he ha.s been en- 
gaged in various enterprises, including the real estate business, and has 
been very successful in his endeavors to develop the place. A large 
number of streets were opened under his supervision in the city, and 
Felton street was named after him. He and Hon. John Simson were 
engaged quite extensively in the real estate business and were the first 
to pay $1,000 an acre for land in North Tonawanda, and they once 
owned a large portion of the Niagara River frontage in the northern 
part of the city. He was also one of the first in the organization of the 
Niagara River Iron Company, purchasing the realty, and was their local 
director during the early years of its existence. He has been a member 
and president of the Board of Education of North Tonawanda for 
twenty-one years, and re-elected for three years additional, and has 
done much for the cause of education in that city and been instrumental 
in shaping the course and policy of the board for many years. He has 
also been a member of the village Board of Trustees and president one 
term, receiving the nomination of all the political parties and was elect- 
ed without opposition. In politics Mr. Felton is a Democrat and has 
always been influential in his party. In 1857 he married Ellen P. Chap- 
man, of Maine, and they have three children : Grace A., Charles E., a 
student in Cornell University; and Wilbert H., a student in the North 



421 

Tonawanda High School. Mr. Felton is a prominent Mason, a member 
of the Blue Lodge and Chapter; also of the A. O. U. W., and of the 
Mystic Circle, lie is a man of great virility and strength of character, 
independent in thought and action, a genial entertainer and of abound- 
ing hospitality. 



JAMES FULLERTON TROTT. 

This distinguished citizen of Niagara Falls, who for half a centurj- 
has been identified with public affairs, and particularly with its educa- 
tional interests, is one of the oldest and most public-spirited citizens of 
the place. He was born in Boston, Mass., on Purchase street, Fort 
Hill district, at that time the most aristocratic part of the " Hub," 
March 25, 181 5. He came from one of the most distinguished families 
of Boston, being seventh in direct line of descent on his maternal side 
from John Winslow and Mary Chilton. His grandfather on his mother's 
side was Gen. John Winslow, who served as a lieutenant under General 
Washington in the Revolution. He was one of the original members 
of the Society of the Cincinnati, being the sixth to sign the original 
articles of association, and for many years the treasurer of the organiza- 
tion. He was also treasurer of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery 
Company of Boston, and was made a brigadier- general by the city of 
Boston for valuable services, and at his death was buried with military 
honors in the Winslow tomb in King's Chapel burial ground, where 
for six generations the family have deposited their dead. 

The subject of this sketch was baptized in the Old South church, 
where most of his ancestors had been baptized before him from the 
time the church was built, and in which they always owned a pew. 
His father, Capt. James Fullerton Trott, had command of a packet of 
which he was part owner, and sailed between Boston and Liverpool. 
When the war of 18 12 began his vessel was seized by the English, 
the officers and passengers being paroled and returned to Boston. 

His son, named after him, received his education in the Boylston 
Public Grammar School, where he was awarded the Franklin medal 
for scholarship, an honor highly prized, and afterwards attended the 



\11 

High School for three years. After residing for a few years in New 
York city he came to Niagara Falls, where he married Miss Celinda 
Eliza, youngest daughter of the distinguished Gen. Parkhurst Whit- 
ney, September 9, 1844, at the Cataract House. 

He removed to Galena, 111., after his marriage, and thence to Belle- 
vue, Iowa, at which latter place he engaged in business, but on account 
of General Whitney's earnest request he returned to the Falls, and as a 
member of the firm of Whitney, Jerauld & Company, he became in- 
terested in the management of the Cataract House, the great reputation 
of which was more than maintained by the firm; their combined efforts 
adding greatly to the popularity of the hotel, which, under the man- 
agement of General Whitney, had obtained a world-wide popularity. 
In 1853 the firm built the historic ball room in which so many distin- 
guished people have participated on festive occasions. In 1859 the 
firm built the still more famous drawing-room, whose magnificent 
piazza commanded a superb view of the rapids. These additions, how- 
ever, were removed when the State of New York purchased this part of 
the property for reservation purposes. In 1868 the massive stone ad- 
ditions fronting on Main street was built. 

Mr. Trott for forty years managed the financial affairs of the firm 
with consummate ability, and retired from the business in 1886. He 
has always taken a lively interest in municipal affairs. He had been a 
member of the Board of Education since 1848, and president for many 
years. He was for six years supervisor of the town, being elected on 
the Democratic ticket of which party he has always been a staunch 
supporter. He was at one time tendered the Democratic nomination 
for Congress, but declined the honor. Since 1848 he has had charge 
of the school district library, and has always taken deepest interest in 
the welfare of the schools. His aim was for many years to elevate tiie 
standard of scholarship in the public schools to the high plane which it 
now occupies, in which he was ably seconded by his fellow members of 
the board and by the public generally. At the graduating exercises 
June 20, 1895, one of the most interesting features of the occasion was 
the presentation to Mr. Trott, president of the Board of Education, of a 
portrait of himself, in a handsome frame, in recognition of his continu- 
ous and faithful service of the school board for fort}^- eight years, and 




ARTHUR SCHOELLKOPF. 



423 

his fellow-citizens are a unit in the desire that his usefulness will con- 
tinue for many years to come. 



ARTHUR SCHOELLKOPF. 

Arthur Schoellkopf was born at Buffalo, N. Y.. June 13, 1856, 
and is a son of Jacob F. Schoellkopf, who came to America from 
Kirchheim u. T., Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1841, settling in Buffalo, 
where he began business as a tanner. He is at present a resident of 
that city and interested in various industrial enterprises ; he formed a 
partnership with George B. Mathews of Buffalo, and with his son Ar- 
thur, in 1877 built a large flouring mill on the Hydraulic Canal at 
Niagara Falls. Arthur Schoellkopf was educated in the public schools, 
the St. Joseph College and Bryant & Stratton's Business College, 
Buffalo, and in the academy at Kirchheim u. T., Germany. At the age 
of eighteen he entered the large flour mill of Thornton & Chester, 
Buffalo, where he remained four years and fully mastered the business. 
In 1877 he removed to Niagara Falls, where he assumed the manage- 
ment of the mill built by his father in the preceding year. He is one of 
the influential citizens of this section who were instrumental in forming 
the Niagara Falls Hydraulic Power and Manufacturing Company, else- 
where described in this volume, and has been secretary and treasurer of 
the company since its organization. He is also vice president of the 
Cliff Paper Company and secretary-treasurer of the Niagara Falls Brew- 
ing Company. In politics Mr. Schoellkopf is a Republican. In March, 
1896, he was elected mayor of the city and held the office until a cor- 
responding date of the present year (1897). He was chosen president 
of the Power City Bank when it was established in June, 1893, which 
position he still holds. On October 13, 1880, he married Jessie Gluck, 
and they have two children, M. Beatrice and Paul Arthur. 



CHARLES NEWELL PALMER, M. D. 

This eminent physician and surgeon was born in the town of Bridge- 
water, Oneida county, N.Y., May 25. 1841. I le dates his ancestry in this 



424 

country back to 1623, he being the eighth generation in this country on 
both sides, and in direct Hne on the maternal side of the first governor of 
Rhode Island. His great-grandfather, Jonathan Palmer, was an officer in 
the Revolutionary war and a pioneer in New York State, coming from 
Connecticut in 1793 and settling in Oneida county, where Gershom 
Palmer, father of Charles N., was born in 1798. Doctor Palmer was edu- 
cated at the Charlotteville and West VVinfield Seminaries and the Amster- 
dam, N. Y., Academy, and at the University of the City of New York, 
where he was graduated from the medical department in 1864 He spent 
one year in military service during the war of the Rebellion as surgeon in 
the Mount Pleasant General Hospital at Washington, D. C ; the 9th corps 
field hospital; the floating hospital, "New World" ; the transports Con- 
necticut and Thomas A. Morgan, and was surgeon in charge of the 22d 
New York Cavalry in the field, after which he began private practice in 
Sauquoit, Oneida county. In 1867 he located in Lockport, where he 
has since pursued the practice of his profession extensively both in 
medicine and surgery. 

Doctor Palmer is prominently identified with a number of societies. 
He is a Mason of high standing, occupying high official positions in the 
subordinate bodies and in the Grand Lodge of the State, and is also a 
Noble of the Mystic Shrine; a member of the Niagara County Medical 
Society, at one time being its president; of the New York State Medi- 
cal Society, and of the American Medical Association. He is also a 
member of Charles P. Sprout Post No. "j^, G. A. R. ; was surgeon of 
the 1 6th Separate Co , N. G. S. N. Y. ; also surgeon on the staff" of 
Major General Rogers, 4th Division, with the rank of lieutenant-colo- 
nel, which he still holds, and of the Knights of St. John and Malta. He 
has been a prominent member of the Baptist church for forty-five years, 
and his family are members of the same denomination, 

The ancestors of both Dr. and Mrs. Palmer were from the origi- 
nal Puritanic stock. The doctor was married April 20, 1867, to Sarah 
E. Fillmore, a daughter of ex- Sheriff Fillmore of Norwich, Conn , and 
a relative of President Fillmore ; they have three children : Bertha L., 
Harry R., and S. Valencia. 

Although engaged in a general practice Dr. Palmer has made a 
specialty of forensic medicine, and for many years there has rarely 




ANDREW KALTENBACH. 



425 

been in Niagara county a high court in which he has not been called as 
an expert. In fact, he has throughout Western New York a high repu- 
tation in legal medicine. He was a private pupil of Prof. Alfred L. 
Loomis, who had a world-wide reputation, and who up to the time of 
iiis death was a friend and father to Dr. Palmer. Dr. Palmer has 
long been prominently identified with all advance movements in the 
city and county, and is widely and favorably known outside his imme- 
diate vicinity, both professionally and otherwise. 



ANDREW KALTENBACII. 

Andrew Kaltenbach came to Niagara Falls, N. Y., from the city 
of Rochester in the autumn of 1877 and at once began the erection of 
his now famous hotel, known throughout the civilized world as the 
Hotel Kaltenbach, which was opened to the public on May 21, 1878, 
and where he has since entertained many notable people of both con- 
tinents, being popular and successful. 



JOSHUA GASKILL. 

Joshua Gaskill was born in the town of Royalton, Niagara county, 
N. Y., November 4, 1835, and is a son of Varney Gaskill, of Quaker 
parentage, whose ancestors immigrated from England about 1750, 
settling in New Hampshire, where he was born. Varney Gaskill re- 
moved to Niagara county about 1813, settling on a farm The mother 
of Joshua Gaskill, Sarah Bishop, was of French descent, whose ances- 
tor, Eleazar Bishop, came from France in the latter part of the seven- 
teenth century. Her father, Thomas Bishop, was a captain in the 
Revolutionary army. Joshua Gaskill's early education was received in 
the district school, Wilson Collegiate Institute, Lockport Union School 
and the Gasport Academy. He was employed on his father's farm 
during the summer seasons until he was twenty years of age, when 
he entered the University of Rochester and graduated from that institution 
with the degree of A. B., in 1859, and received the degree of A. M. in 
54 



426 

1863. He began the study of law in the office of Hon. George D. 
Lamont, of Lockport, and in December of i860, was admitted to the 
bar in Buffalo. He has been engaged in the practice of his profession since 
that time at Lockport, N. Y., with the exception of four months in 
1862-63 which he spent in Saginaw, Mich. In politics Mr. Gaskill has 
always been a Republican, on his twenty-first birthday voting for John 
C. Fremont for president. For many years he has been recognized 
as one of the leading Republicans of the county. He was for two years 
city clerk of Lockport ; one year clerk of the Board of Supervisors of 
Niagara county, and six years surrogate of the county. Mr. Gaskill 
married. May 25, 1863, Salome Cox, daughter of George H. Cox, now 
of Indianapolis, Ind. They have had eight children, three of whom are 
now living : Sara Frances, wife of Fred S. Jackson, a lawyer of Buffalo ; 
De Witt Clinton, a law student in his father's office ; Bertha Salome, a 
student in the Lockport Union School. 



REV. PATRICK T. MULLANEY. 

Rev. Patrick Thomas Mullaney, rector of St. Peter's Roman 
Catholic church, Lewiston, and St. Bernard's church, Youngstown, is 
the youngest of eleven children of James and Margaret (Byrne) Mulla- 
ney, natives of County Leitrim and County Sligo, Ireland, respectively. 
His parents came to America about 1850, settled in the town of Lock- 
port, Niagara county, and died there, the father on August 12, 1889, 
aged ninety-three, and the mother August 23, 1879, aged about 
seventy. 

Rev. Father Mullaney was born on a farm in Lockport, this county, 
and received his preparatory education at the Christian Brothers' Acad- 
emy in Rochester, He subsequently took a course at Niagara Uni- 
versity, and was ordained to the priesthood from there, by the late 
Bishop Ryan, of Buffalo, on June 15, 1884, after which he was assistant 
priest at Rexville, Steuben county, for eleven months. On June 13, 
1885, he was appointed to the charge of St. Peter's parish, Lewiston, 
and of St. Bernard's mission, Youngstown, which he has since served 
with great fidelity and success. These two parishes comprise about 



427 

sixty-five families, of which forty are in Levviston, and their history 
dates back many years. The first priest of whom there is any record 
was Fatlier Stephens, who was followed by F'ather Hughes, Tierney, 
Leyden, Monohan, Asmuth (president of Niagara University), Boyle, 
Smith, Ryan (the poet-priest), MulhoUand, Maloy, Toohey, Farley, 
Baxter, Brady, Michael O'Shea, Gratton, Johnston, Morris O'Shea, and 
Mullaney. Several of these were resident priests. 

Father Mullaney, during his pastorate of more than twelve years, 
has been remarkably successful, and is justly popular with all classes of 
the community. He is public spirited and progressive, and in every 
sense a thorough, patriotic American. He is a prominent member and 
past chancellor of Branch 27, C. M. B. A., of Lockport. 



RICHARD CROWLEY. 

Richard Crowley, counselor and statesman, was born at Lock- 
port, Niagara county, N. Y., on the 14th of December, 1836. His life, 
thus far, is a shining example of what ambition, unaided, can achieve ; 
of triumph over obstacles, and patience and perseverance under diffi- 
culties. From early childhood until he attained his majority, he labored 
hard and faithfully on his father's farm, only alternating his arduous 
tasks with the solace of study and reading in the winter months. And 
here is marvelously shown the mighty force which genius and greatness 
can exert over the youthful mind, as in the lonely farm house, by a 
solitary light, he reads of the lofty paths others have trod, in burning 
words of immortal eloquence. Among his most precious possessions 
to-day, as a dear memory of the past, is a volume of Shakespeare, 
which he earned by chopping wood, at fifty cents per cord, and for 
which he paid three dollars. And the grand array of classic authors of 
ancient Greece and Rome, with their carefully worded comments pen- 
ciled on the margin of their pages, thus showing how deeply the im- 
pression was engraved upon his young mind, have long since shown 
the golden fruitage of such seed, in the glowing political speeches, 
richly freighted with knowledge of the world's history, and the charac- 
ter and achievements of its greatest men. 



428 

Mr. Crowley began the study of law in the office of Gardener & La- 
mont in 1857. A little later he entered the office of L. F. & G. W. 
Bowen, and was admitted to the bar in November, i860. In 1861 he 
formed his first law partnership with Edward I. Chase, a brother of the 
celebrated chief justice, who in 1865 admitted him to practice in the 
Supreme Court of the United States. Since then a great many cele- 
brated cases have been placed under his care, and he has saved many 
lives, and won many laurels as an advocate. 

From boyhood he was greatly interested in national politics and his 
decision to enter the ranks of the Republican party first came about 
through the excitement in regard to the repeal of the Missouri Coni- 
primise, and the Kansas and Nebraska troubles. He was the first city 
attorney of the city of Lockport. in 1865 and 1866. When twenty- 
nine years old he was elected to the State Senate. He was re-elected 
in 1867, and made chairman of the Committee on Municipal Affairs. 
At that time, from 1865 to 1869, he was in daily association and close 
friendship with many whose names have since been written permanently 
in the annals of our country. Charles J. Folger, though twenty years 
older, was his most intimate companion, and they two, with Chester A. 
Arthur, Alonzo B. Cornell, and many others, were instrumental in the 
sudden and brilliant rise of Roscoe Conkling to the Senate, and to the 
leadership of the Empire State. 

In 1 87 1 General Grant, then president, appointed Mr. Crowley United 
States attorney for the Northern District of New York. On the paper 
which Senator Conkling presented to the president were arrayed the 
names of all the leading Republicans of this State. This office he held 
with great distinction for eight years, only resigning it to take his seat 
in the Forty-sixth Congress in 1879. Many of the causes then pleaded 
were famous. There was the Central Railroad case, the Ballard coun- 
terfeiting case, plea of the Woman Suffragists, and many others. The 
favorable newspaper comments of these years form a history in them- 
selves. 

Mr. Crowley's appearance in the House of Representatives was on 
the eve of Garfield's election. In the desire to win over all the prom- 
inent Grant men, Garfield was moved to place Mr. Crowley in the 
Cabinet ; he was therefore slated for the attorney-generalship, but 



429 

afterwards made way for Folger (who afterwards declined the same), 
whose claim was seniority, "an older soldier, not a better." 

When the most noted of all the contests for the United States Sen- 
ate occurred in 1881 between Mr. Crowley and Mr. Piatt, every one 
is familiar with the sudden and simultaneous resignation of the two 
senators, Conkling and Piatt, only a few weeks after the success of 
the latter, as well as the tragedy which quickly followed. During 
the administration of Arthur, Mr. Crowley, although he obtained 
powerful and lucrative offices for many friends, singularly enough never 
sought office for himself Soon after the election of Cleveland he re- 
turned to his old home at Lockport to practice law once more, having 
previously lived for a brief time only in New York and BulTalo. In 
as much as the associates of his early political career were many years 
older than himself, he now stands almost the last one left of the famous 
Stalwart Band. 

In January, 1896, Levi P. Morton, then governor of the State of 
New York-, unsolicited, appointed Mr. Crowley agent for the State of 
New York in the Collection and Settlement of Claims of the State of 
New York against the Government of the United States, growing out 
of the late war of the Rebellion. These claims aggregated many mil- 
lions of dollars, and a part of Mr. Crowley's time is now devoted to 
their settlement in Albany and in Washington. Mr. Crowley comes 
from a long-lived race of people, and is in the prime of physical and 
mental manhood. Before him, apparently, there lies a brilliant future, 
eclipsing the brilliant past. 



EUGENP: Fr. T. 1)E KLKIST. 

Eugene Fr. T. DE Kleist was born in Dusscldorf, Germany, Janu- 
ary 18, 1853. He is descended from a long line of noble German an- 
cestors. Many of his famil}- have been at times and actually arc prom- 
inent officers in the German army, as well as conspicuous in private life. 

The name of von Kleist is one that is highly esteemed and dis- 
tinguished in the Fatherland. 

After the German- Franco war, Mr. de Kleist went to I'-nglaiul, where 



430 

he learned thoroughlythe art of organ-building. He came to America 
in 1892, and in 1893 opened the organ factory at North Tonawanda, 
where he employs a number of skilled operators in the building of 
church-self-acting and barrel organs, which are unsurpassed. Every 
part of the organ is made in his factory, so that each is perfect and 
suited exactly to the instrument for which it is designed. 

Mr. de Kleist ships his organs all over the world and commands a 
large trade without sending out salesmen, which speaks highly for his 
goods. He is an enterprising and successful business man, and has built 
a fine residence in North Tonawanda on the street on which his factory 
is situated. 

Mr. de Kleist married Charlotte, the daughter of the late Gustave T. 
T. Chelius, major in the regular Dutch army, and she is the niece of the 
late Dr. Ger. F. Westerman, well famed in zoological centers as the 
founder and life-long director of the magnificent zoological park N. A. 
M. at Amsterdam (Holland). 

They have four children, Charlotte, Martha, Auguste and Hedvige. 
Mr. de Kleist and his wife are members of the Catholic church at Tona- 
wanda ; he is a Republican in politics. 



ALBERT E. McKEEN 

Was born in Portland, Me,, and came to North Tonawanda in 1862 
with his parents, when less than two years old. He started in the lum- 
ber business in 1875 with Gratwick, Smith & Fryer, and after eleven 
years with this house, was with Hollister Brothers until March, 1892, 
when the firm of Oille & McKeen was formed. This house has taken 
a front place in the lumber business of the twin cities; they have spa- 
cious yards equipped with a complete set of railroad switches and han- 
dle from 25,000,000 to 35,000,000 feet of lumber anrtually. Mr. Mc- 
Keen is prominent in both the Masons and Odd Fellows and also as a 
public man. He was trustee of the village for four years and was 
elected mayor in the spring of 1897. 




I 



ALBHKT li. McKHIfN. 



431 
ALBERT DORNFELD. 

Albert Dornfeld, of the town of Wheatfield, was born in Prussia, 
Germany, January 5, 1831. In 1843, when twelve years of age, he came 
to America with his parents, setth'ng at the now known village of Mar- 
tinsville, and when about fifteen years old followed boating and other 
occupations for eight years. He then went to Wisconsin where he re- 
mained during 1856 and 1857. He then returned to Martinsville and 
conducted a saw mill and boat yard for some time, when he removed to 
Buffalo and remained three years, during one of which he was on the 
police force. He then returned to Martinsville and taught a private 
school for twenty years. In 1891 he was elected trustee of the extended 
village of North Tonawanda. In 1893 ^le was appointed postmaster by 
President Harrison at North Tonawanda, N. Y., and was reappointed 
by President Cleveland in 1895. This post-office has risen under Mr. 
Dornfeld's charge from a fourth class to a second class office, and he is 
very popular with the people. He also held the office of postmaster at 
Martinsville under Cleveland's first administration. Mr. Dornfeld was 
assessor in Wheatfield from 1857 to i860, was justice of the peace eight 
years and was nominated by his party for supervisor. He has been 
twice married ; his first wife was Augusta M. Pritzel, who died leaving 
six children: Augusta Sahr, Gustavus, Louis, Mnry Meyer, Edward 
and George. In 1886 he married Maria Hoffman. George Dornfeld 
is assistant postmaster at North Tonawanda since 1893. 



WILLIAM J. STl^RKlTf. 

William J. Sterritt was born in Lockport April 4, 1856, and is a 
son of Thomas Sterritt, who was a native of Ireland and immigrated to 
America in 1852, settling in Lockport. William J. Sterritt was edu- 
cated in the schools of Lockport and in 1867 located in Middleport, 
where he established his present cooperage business in 1874 In 1878 
he bought the heading mill and in 1884 purchased the Middleport paper 
mill property in connection with Messrs. Rowley & Eddy; in 1886 he 
purchased their interest and continued the business alone until 1891, 
when a stock company was organized for the purpose of manufacturing 



432 

box boards, under the title of the Hartland Paper Company, with a pro- 
duction of 2,500 tons per year; of this company he is secretary and 
treasurer. In politics Mr. Sterritt has always been a Republican and 
for years has been recognized as one of the representative men of his 
party in the county and town ; he served as president of the village of 
Middleport for three terms and was elected president of the Board of 
Education in 1897, of which he has been a member since its organiza- 
tion. In 1895 he was one of the founders of the Standard Straw Board 
Company, with offices in New York, spending the year in completing 
its organization ; it has been successful since its inception. He is promi- 
nently identified with the Masonic Order, having attained the thirty- 
second degree, and is a member of Lockport Chapter and Command- 
ery, and the Rochester Consistory. In 1877 Mr. Sterritt married Mary 
E., daughter of Linus and Cordelia H. (Compton) Spalding; they have 
three sons, Linus, Frank and Robert, and one daughter, Louise. The 
family are members of the Episcopal church. 



WILLIAM POOL.i 

Hon. William Pool is a grandson of Achish Pool, a native of Ab- 
ingdon (now Whitman), Mass., who came to Lewiston, Niagara county, 
with his family, in 181 1, and settled on a farm which he bought of the 
Holland Land Company. He built a tavern on the old State road and 
conducted it for several years. His wife was Susan Hersey, and of their 
three sons, Thomas F. Pool, the eldest, was born in Abingdon Novem- 
ber 4, 1800, came to Lewiston with his parents in 1811, and lived there 
until his death in 1886. His homestead in the east part of the town, at 
Dickersonville, is now owned by his son Wilbur. Thomas F. Pool was 
a substantial farmer, and a Whig and later a Republican in politics, but 
never aspired to office. He was a liberal member of the M. E. church, 
and a man highly respected and esteemed. His first wife, Fannie Suth- 
erland, a native of Sutherland Falls, Vt, died in 1850, leaving seven 
children : William, of Niagara Falls ; Susanna (Mrs. Samuel Townsend), 
of Lewiston ; Andrew S,, of Sanborn ; Thomas C, of Lockport; Mary 

1 Contributed bv W. Stanley Child. 



433 

J. (Mrs. William H. Shaw), who died in 1853 ; Frank, deceased; and 
one who died in infancy. Mr. Pool married for his second wife Mrs. 
Maria (Cotton) Taylor, who died in 1894. They had two children: 
Wilbur, supervisor of Lewiston and chairman of the board ; and Hattic 
(Mrs. Orrin Shippey), who died in 1895. 

William Pool, the eldest son of Thomas F. and Fannie (Sutherland) 
Pool, was born in Lewiston, Niagara county, May 15, 1825, and traces 
his American ancestry back to 1635. He was educated in the common 
schools of his native town and at the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary at 
Lima, N. Y., and remained on the homestead until 1852, being for a 
time the postmaster at Dickersonville. He then accepted a position on 
the Lockport Daily Courier. In 1854 he came to Niagara Falls, and 
with Benjamin F. Sleeper founded the Niagara Falls Gazette. Mr. 
Sleeper retired in 1864, and Mr. Pool conducted the paper alone with 
uninterrupted success until 1880, when he sold it to Peter A. Porter. 
During the next three years Mr. Pool was chiefly engaged in settling 
up his private business. In January, 1884, with his son, Rupert, he 
started the Niagara Courier, which he has since conducted, making it 
one of the ablest and most powerful weeklies in Western New York. 

Mr. Pool is probably the oldest and best known journalist in this part 
of the State. His long and honorable career as an editor has won him 
a wide acquaintance and hosts of friends, while his ability as a writer 
has been recognized even outside his own constituency. He was one 
of the earlist members of the Republican party, which he has staunchly 
and fearlessly supported, and which he has served in various important 
capacities. No man in the county has had wider experience in political 
affairs. He has been a prominent and influential member in every kind 
of party convention, from the humblest to the highest, serving invaria- 
bly as a regularly qualified delegate. City, county, district and State 
conventions have felt his power and influence. He was a delegate to 
the Republican National Convention which nominated R. B. Hayes for 
president, and in 1894 was a delegate to the State Constitutional Con- 
vention. 

He filled several village offices prior to 1866, when he was elected to 
the State Assembly, where he served one term, before the expiration 
of which he was appointed postmaster at Niagara Falls to fill a vacancy. 



434 

He was reappointed to this office in 1872, by President Grant, and 
served in all more than eight years. He was for some time first lieu- 
tenant of Co. D of the old 66th Regiment State Militia, and is a mem- 
ber of the M. E. church and of Niagara Frontier Lodge, No. 132, F. & 
A. M., of Niagara Falls. 

December 20. 1848, Mr. Pool was married to Wealthy Woolson, 
daughter of Charles Woolson, a native of Vermont, who settled in Lewis- 
ton at an early day. They had four children, one of whom died in in- 
fancy ; the others are Rupert M., George E., and Helen E. Mrs. Pool 
died October 7, 1896. 



WH.BER T. POOL. 

WiLBER T. Pool was born at Dickersonville, N. Y., February 19, 
1854, son of Thomas F. and Maria Pool, who died in 1886 and 1894 
respectively. The son married Hattie Bradlee in 1878, who died in 1896, 
leaving two daughters. He served as justice of the peace twelve years, 
served as an appointed official of the State Constitutional Convention of 
1894, and is now serving a fourth term as supervisor of Lewiston, seven 
years in all, and was chosen chairman of the Board of Supervisors soon 
after his last election in 1897. He has served his party on town and 
county committees, is a member of Ransomville Lodge No. 551, F. & 
A. M., and of Pekin Lodge No. 41, A. O. U. W. His home is the 
pioneer Pool homestead, a family home since 1835. 



CARL G. LEO-WOLF, M. D. 

Carl G, Leo-Wolf, M. U., was born at Vienna, Austria, July 30, 
1868, a son of Louis Leo- Wolf, a manufacturer of agricultural ma- 
chinery, who emigrated to America in 1826 and became a naturalized 
citizen, but returned to Austria in 1856; he died at Frankfurt- on-Main. 
Carl G. was educated in the academies of Frankfurt-on-Main and Weil- 
burg-on-Lahn and at the age of twenty entered the medical department 
of the Wurzburg (Germany) University. The summer of 1890 he spent 
in the University of Kiel and during the following year was connected 




WILLIAM LANDRETH. 



435 

with the clinics of the famous surgeons, Gerhardt and Wolff at Berlin 
(Germany) University. In 1892 he entered the University of Leipsic 
and was graduated from there in 1894, receiving his degree of M. D. 
and passing his state examinations. In the summer of the same year 
he was appointed house surgeon at the University of Vienna and dur- 
ing the winter of 1894-95 he studied with Drs. Williams, D'Arey 
Powers and Jonathan Hutchinson, jr., three of London's most famous 
surgeons. In March, 1895, he was appointed surgeon of the North 
German Lloyd steamship Strassburg, plying between Bremen, Ger- 
many, and Brazil, South America, and later was surgeon of the steam- 
ship Neckar of the same line, plying between Bremen and New York. 
Early in 1896 he removed to Niagara Falls, N. Y., where he has since 
enjoyed a large and growing practice and is rated as one of the most 
expert young surgeons of the State of New York. Dr. Leo-Wolf is 
medical examiner for the Germania Insurance Company of New York 
city and a member of the Niagara Falls Academy of Medicine ; he is 
also a member of Niagara Lodge of F. & A. M., Niagara Falls, N. Y. 



WILLIAM LANDRKTH. 

Was born in Great Britain on July 19, 1826, and is a son of the late 
Henry Landreth. William, at an early age, removed with his parents 
to America, settling in Canada, and at the age of eleven years he mi- 
grated to Niagara Falls, N. Y., and at once entered the service of 
Daniel J. Townsend with whom he spent the following seven years in 
Peru, 111., and remained with Mr. Townsend three years after their 
return to Niagara Falls in 1845. I" 1849 Mr. Landreth determined to 
establish himself in a business of his own, in consequence of which he 
bought out in that year the Doughty, Ford & Co. iron foundry busi- 
ness, and in company with William Smith, operated successfully until 
1 85 I, when he purchased his partner's interest, enlarged the business 
and for over twenty years carried it on alone, doing all of the casting 
and other work for the Buffalo and Niagara P'alls Railroad Company 
(later the New York Central.) Mr. Landreth was a conscientious 
workman and received the respect and confidence of all with whom he 



436 

came in contact. When the New York Central Railroad passed into 
the hands of Cornelius Vanderbilt, the work which Mr. Landreth had 
been doing for so many years was given to Albany shops, in conse- 
quence of which Mr. Landreth was compelled to stop work. Later on 
he traded his shops for a farm of 196 acres at La Salle, N. Y., which 
during the land boom of 1891 he sold at an advanced figure and retired 
from business. He is now living a quiet life in his handsome home, 
244 Fifth street, in the city of Niagara Falls. 



JOHN W. LA BAR. 

Hon. John W, La Bar was born in Montgomery county, N. Y., 
September 5, 1807. His father, Joseph La Bar, came over to this 
country during the war of the Revolution, from Paris, France, with 
General La Fayette, and participated in many of the campaigns of that 
eventful struggle. After the close of the war he settled in Hartford, 
Conn., where he married Esther Marvin. Sometime thereafter the 
family removed to Montgomery county, N. Y., and it was there that 
John W, was reared and educated. After a residence of two years in 
Orleans county he settled in Niagara county in 1832, in the town of 
Royalton, and in the same year married Almira, daughter of Nicholas 
Palmer. Through his long and active life he has been engaged in 
farming and dealing in real estate. He was formerly a member of 
the Democratic party in politics, one of the old Andrew Jackson Dem- 
ocrats, and on the organization of the Republican party became an ad- 
herent to its principles. Mr. La Bar was elected to the Assembly in 
1854. Few men in his town have attained such a conspicuous and 
honorable position as he, and as the founder of one of the older families 
of Niagara county his name will go down in history as one who has 
contributed more than his share to the development, prosperit}' and 
fame of the community in which he has for so long been an honored resi- 
dent. 



A. N. DWIGHT. 
A. N. DWIGIIT was born in Wilson, N. Y., February 22, 1851,3 son 




JOHN W. l-A BAR. 



437 

of Daniel and Delia (Filkins) Dvvight, Mr. Dwight was reared on a 
farm and educated in Wilson Academy and at Adrian, Mich. He be- 
gan life as a farmer, and in 1873 engaged in the lumber business at 
Wilson, where he carries on a very extensive wholesale and retail busi- 
ness, having the largest lumber yard between Niagara Falls and Oswe- 
go ; he is also engaged in farming and has sixty acres of land in the 
village of Wilson. In politics he is a Democrat, but not an aspirant to 
office ; he has been one of the trustees of the village and was a delegate 
to the State convention at the time Flower was nominated, and again 
in 1896 at Saratoga. In 1871 he married Addie L. Towner; they 
have three sons. Claud, Stanley and Roy. 



V. w. bi-:ntley, m. d. 

F. W. Bentley, M. D., of North Tonawanda, was born in Macedon, 
Wayne county, N. Y. , July 25, 1869. He was educated at Macedon 
Academy, graduating in 1890, and the New York Homoeopathic Medi- 
cal College, from which he graduated in 1893. He served some time 
in the Buffalo Homoeopathic Hospital, and later as surgeon in the rail- 
road hospital. He settled in North Tonawanda in 1896. He is a 
member of the Homoeopathic Medical Society of Western New York, 
and of the Foresters. His parents were Joseph W. and Achsah (Vaugn) 
Bentley. 



THOMAS P. C. BARNARD, M. 1). 

Thomas P. C. Barnard, M. D., of North Tonawanda, was born in 
Philadelphia March 21, 1871, and was educated at Albion, N. Y, 
North Tonawanda and the University of Buffalo, Jefferson Medical Col- 
lege, Philadelphia, and the University of Berlin, Germany. He gradu- 
ated from the University of Buffalo May 3, 1892, and served a year in 
the Erie County Hospital, Buffalo, the St, Agnes and the Presbyterian 
Hospitals of Philadelphia. He is a prominent and successful specialist 
on diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. Dr. Barnard's parents w ere 



438 

James H. and Emma (Croweli) Barnard. James H. Barnard was a 
native of North Carolina and his mother was a cousin of John C. Cal- 
houn. The Crowells are lineal descendants of Oliver Cromwell. Dr. 
Barnard is a member of Tonawanda Lodge No. 247, Tonawanda Chap- 
ter No. 278, and is president of Fidelity Lodge T. S. of Buffalo, N. Y. 



W. L. ALLEN, M. D. 

W. L. Allen, M. D., was born in Ovid Seneca county, N. Y., 
February 26, 1847, a son of Joseph and Magdalene Allen. Dr. Allen 
was educated in the Ovid Academy, the Seneca Collegiate Institute and 
the University of Buffalo ; he graduated from all of these institutions 
and received his medical degree February 23, 1875. He then spent a 
year and a half in the Buffalo General Hospital, after which he began 
his successful medical career in North Tonawanda. Dr. Allen is a 
member of the Homoeopathic Medical Society of Western New York 
and was a charter member of Willard Lodge of Odd Fellows No. 311, 
Ovid. He is health officer of North Tonawanda for three years and 
coroner of the county for one term. He has been a life- long Democrat 
and is universally respected. 



JACKSON ANGEVINE. 

Jackson Angevine was born at La Salle, Niagara county, N.Y.. Au- 
gust 24, 1828, and is a son of the late Ferris Angevine, a leading far- 
mer of that place. He was educated in the public schools of his native 
town and early in life began tilling the soil, which occupation he has 
followed all his life. Like his father, he has been a prominent and suc- 
cessful farmer, and enjoys the good will and esteem of his fellow citizens. 
In politics Mr. Angevine has always been a Democrat and has served 
as trustee of the village of La Salle and also as pathmaster. For many 
years he was interested in navigation and towed the last raft with oxen 
from Port Day to Tonawanda in the 50's. He is a charter member of 
Niagara Lodge No. 17, A. O. U. W. Mr. Angevine married in the 




JACKSON ANGEVINh. 




FRANK RIEGEK. 



439 

early sixties, Elizabeth Cross, who was born August 9, 1842, in Water- 
town, N. Y., and whose parents removed to La Salle in the fifties. She 
bore him two daughters — Laura O., born April 10, 1862, and Emma 
A., born January 28, 1864. 



WILLIAM S. LEHON, JR. 

William S. Lehon, jr., was born in Oswego, N. Y., April 7, 1866, 
and was educated there. He came to Tonawanda in 1884 and was 
cashier for A. M. Dodge &Co. for ten years and wound up that business in 
1895. He then organized the Huron Lumber Company, of which J. 
S. Sanborn is president and Mr. Lehon secretary, treasurer and man- 
ager. In October, 1896, Mr. Lehon organized the Muskoka Lumber 
Company, J. S. Sanborn, president, W. S. Lehon, jr., vice president 
and executive officer, H. R. Pennock, treasurer. Mr. Lehon is also a 
member of the clothing firm of W. S. Lehon & Son ; secretary of the 
River Front Investment Company ; secretary of the Boulevard Land 
Company ; a director in the Lumber Exchange Bank ; a trustee of the 
Roman Catholic church ; president of the Gurney Cab & Transfer Com- 
pany, and a member of the Reform Club of New York city. He is one 
of the most enterprising men of Tonawanda and drives the finest turn- 
out in the place. The Huron Lumber Company and the Muskoka 
Lumber Company jointly handle about thirty-five million feet of lum- 
ber annually. 



FRANK RIEGER. 

Frank RiEGEK was born at Baden, Germany. November 6, 1831, 
and was a son of Jacob Rieger, who immigrated to America in 1854, 
settling in the village of Suspension Bridge, N. Y. , where he died in 
1868. Frank Rieger had received his education in the common schools 
of his native place and upon his arrival in America in i854at once took 
up the calling of farmer at Suspension Bridge, which he has followed 
ever since. In 1874 he bought the present homestead farm, then con- 
sisting of 150 acres of fertile land and during the land boom of 1891 



440 

sold ninety-five acres, at twelve hundred dollars an acre. In 1862 he 
established a large dairy business, which he still maintains, supplying 
all the large hotels of Niagara Falls with their dairy products. He is a 
thrifty and highly respectable farmer, esteemed by all with whom he 
has come in contact In 1857 Mr. Rieger married Caroline Regenhardt, 
of Niagara Falls, and they had five children. Mrs. Rieger died June 4, 
1885, and on April 25, 1895, M""- Rieger married Frederica Regen- 
hardt, a sister of his first wife. 



I'LAVIUS J. BAKKR, M. D. 

Flavius J. Baker, M. D., was born in the town of Andover, Alle- 
gany county, N. Y., July 18, 1843. His education was obtained in 
the Lima University (now the Syracuse University), and he was subse- 
quently graduated from the medical department of the New York Uni- 
versity in 1867, and some years later took a post-graduate course in the 
University of Pennsylvania. Prior to his college studies he read with 
his father. Dr. Thaddeus Baker, at Andover. He remained in New York 
for a time, when he removed to Suffern, Rockland county, N. Y., and 
resumed the practice of his profession. After five years he returned to 
his old home at Andover and was engaged in practice there for three 
years, when he removed to Buffalo. After a short stay in that city he 
formed a copartnership with Dr. A. G. Skinner, of Youngstown, N. Y., 
and soon succeeded the firm in practice. In April, 1882, he removed to 
Lockport, where he has since pursued the practice of his profession. Dr. 
Baker is a member of the New York State Medical Society and of the 
Niagara County Medical Society. He has been married three time's and 
has two children by his first wife and four by his present wife, Isa Oliver 
Baker. He is a member of the First Congregational church of Lock- 
port, was for many years superintendent of the Sunday school and at 
present is a trustee and a deacon of the church. He is a prominent and 
highly respected citizen and enjoys a large and increasing practice. 




PHILLIP H. MLSLROLL. 



441 
PHILIP H. MF.SEROLL. 

Philip H. Meseroll was born in Seneca county, N. V., October 4, 
1820, and is a son of Cornelius and Lydia Phillips Meseroll. His 
father was born in New Jersey in 1795, and his mother in Salina, N. Y., 
in 1800. His grandfather, Charles Meseroll, was a soldier in the Revo- 
lutionary war and was with Washington at Valley Forge ; he died in 
1842. His father was a soldier in the war of 18 12 and was engaged in 
the battle of Lundy's Lane and the battle of Oueenston, where Brock 
was killed, and at the siege of Fort Erie. After the war he returned 
to his home and followed farming; in 1827 he and his family removed 
to Niagara county and settled in the town of Newfane, where he died 
the following year, on June 23, 1828, aged thirty-three years. On the 
maternal side Philip H. Meseroll is descended from Baron Walden, who 
was one of the early grantees, or patroons, of the island of Manhattan, 
and according to King's History and Colonial Records of New York, 
some branches of the family settled in New Jersey and some went up 
the Hudson. It is from the New Jersey branch that Mr. Meseroll 
traces his descent. Philip H. Meseroll enlisted August 27, 1862, in Co. 
K, 151st Regiment, N.Y. Vol. Inf, and served in the following battles: 
Wapping Heights, McLain's Ford, Kelly's Pord, Locust Grove, the 
battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Hanover Town, Cold Harbor, 
Petersburg, explosion of the mine, Monocacy, Charlestown, SmithfieUi, 
Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek and Appomattox. Mr. Meseroll 
was orderly sergeant at the beginning of his military career, and on 
June 3, 1864, was promoted on the field to first lieutenant. He was 
mustered in as an officer July i, 1864, and mustered out June 26, 1865. 

On the 23d of August, , he was mustered in as captain of the 

66th Regiment, 3 2d Brigade, 8th Division, N. G. S. N. Y. 

On October 20, 1842, he married Hannah E. Stratton (born Decem- 
ber 15, 1825) ; she is the daughter of Levi and Hannah Stratton. They 
have four children : Lydia, born April 23, 1843, married Eugene 
Shaver and resides in Olcott ; Hannah J., born January 16. 1846, re- 
sides with her parents; Emeline M., born November 20, 1848, resides 
at home; and Mary C. born November 28, 1850, married Solomon 
Eshbaugh, resides at Olcott. Since the war Mr. Meseroll has been 

56 



442 

largely engaged in farming and fruit growing ; his farm comprises 
200 acres of well- tilled land. In politics he is a Republican and was 
one of the organizers of that party in 1856 in this county. He and 
his family are members of the Universalist church. 



WILLIAM A. PHILPOTT, JR. 

William A. Philpott, Jr., was born at Dover, Kent county, Eng- 
land, February 15, 1845, ^"^ 's a son of William A. Philpott, who 
came from England to Niagara Falls in 1849, where he was a successful 
contractor and builder and now lives a retired life. William A. Phil • 
pott, jr., was educated in the public schools of Niagara Falls and after 
leaving school was engaged in the steamboat business for four years on 
Niagara River. He then went to the Pennsylvania oil fields where he re- 
mained two years, when he learned the trade of machinist in the foun- 
dry and machine shops of McMuUen & Bryan, at Titusville, Pa. He 
then began work in the locomotive department of the Atlantic & Great 
Western Railroad at Kent, Ohio, and later in the shops of the Holley 
Manufacturing Company, at Lockport, and thence to the shops of the 
New York Central Railroad Company at Niagara F'alls, where he re- 
mained three years. From the latter position he went with the Pette- 
bone Paper Campany, with which he remained until 1880, when he 
formed a partnership with Frederick Leuppie and opened a machine 
shop on the State Reservation, which was in operation until 1885. In 
that year they removed their shop to the river bank in the mill district 
where they remained until July, 1891, when they sold to McGarigle & 
Sweeney and built their present large establishment where they manu- 
facture bookbinding machinery. Mr. Philpott was one of the charter 
members of the 42d Separate Co., N. G. S. N. Y., but recently re- 
signed. He was chosen in 1892 to serve the unexpired term of police 
commissioner of ex- Mayor Phillips and has since been chosen for three 
successive terms, his present term expiring March 17, 1899. During 
his entire service since 1892, excepting one year, he has been president 
of the Board of Police Commissioners. 




JOSEPH WITMER. 



443 
JOHN VV. SHAFER. 

John W. Shafer was born at Rhinebeck, N. Y., Nobember 25, 
1822. His father, Jolin Shafer, was a native of the same county, where 
his grandfather was one of the pioneer settlers. John W. Sliafer left 
lumie when he was sixteen years old and went to New York city where 
he remained as a clerk three years. When the financial panic of 1837 
swept over the country, he left New York and served as clerk in a 
country store two years, after which he went to Ontario county where 
he worked at farming for a time. He then moved to Fairport, N. Y., 
where he again was employed as a clerk in a store for two and a half 
years; his next engagement was in the same capacity in Hulberton 
where he worked one year and then went to Ridgeway, where he worked 
as clerk for William H. Pells two years. In 1852 he settled at John- 
son's Creek where he was successfully engaged in mercantile business 
five years, in partnership with Harvey Francis. In 1858 he removed to 
Reynale's Basin and engaged in the mercantile and produce business for 
nine years ; he then erected his cold storage plant, which he still ope- 
rates. Mr. Shafer occupies a position among the respected and trusted 
business men of Niagara county. In 1842 he married Elmira Burlin- 
game and they have five sons : William H , Jacob T , Edward F.. John 
R , and Charles B. He was the pioneer of cold storage for keeping 
fruit in this State and second in the States. 



JOSEPH WITMER. 

Joseph Witmer, an elder brother of Elias Wilmer, was born at 
Niagara Falls, N. Y., September 21, 18 12, a son of Abram Witmer. 
He was educated in the public schools of his birthplace and after leav- 
ing school took up the calling of farmer, which he has followed ever 
since. He remained on the homestead farm until 1846 when he pur- 
chased his present farm, containing 120 acres. In 1846 he married 
Catharine Kauffman, of Lancaster county. Pa., and they have had six 
children, five of whom survive: Elias K., Maria ¥., Kate K., Martha E. 
and Esther X., and nine grandchildren. Mr. Witmer is an honest and 
thrifty farmer and is respected and esteemed by his fellow townsmen. 



444 
JACOB J. VOGT. 

JacobJ. VoGT, was born at Philadelphia, Pa., February 3, 1812, a 
son of the late Martin Vogt, a well known teamster of that section, who 
came to America from Switzerland in 1775. Jacob J. Vogt was edu- 
cated in the public schools of Lancaster county, Pa., whither his parents 
had removed. In 1828 the family moved to Niagara Falls, where the 
father bought a farm and in 1836 sold out and went West Jacob J. 
remained at Niagara Falls following the calling of farmer and in 1844 
bought 204 acres of fertile land and founded the Vogt homestead, where 
his son, Jacob B., now resides. In 1853 he bought of Judge Augustus 
Porter a tract of 528 acres of timber land, lying near the bank of the 
Niagara River and about half way between Niagara Falls and Tona- 
wanda ; he began at once to subdivide this land and sell it in lots of 
from five to fifty acres to the Prussians, who were flocking into the 
country about that time ; thus the present pretty town of Bergholtz 
sprung into life. He has also bought and sold many other tracts of 
valuable land and has been known for many years as a real estate dealer, 
as well as a thrifty, prosperous farmer. He has held most of the im- 
portant town offices, including those of town assessor and highway 
commissioner for many years, and has always had the full confidence 
and respect of his fellow citizens. In 1833 he married Catherine Bea- 
ber of Niagara Falls, and they had six children. Mrs. Vogt died in 
1884, and Mr. Vogt married Henrietta Schwartz, an estimable woman 
of Niagara Falls, and he now lives a quiet, retired life. 



ERNEST H. WANDS. 

Ernest H. Wands, managing editor of the Niagara Falls Daily 
Gazette, was born in 1870, his father being a publisher in London, 
England. When young he moved with his father to Chicago, where he 
spent his early life. He also lived in Detroit for a time. Mr Wands 
did his first newspaper work in Buffalo, on the Buffalo Courier, where 
he was employed for five years. In September, 1895, he came to Ni- 
agara Falls, and since then has had the editorial charge of the Daily 




JACOB J. VOGT. 



445 

Gazette. He is a fluent and able writer, and lias been largely instru- 
mental in making the Gazette what it is — one of the brightest and best 
dailies of its kind in Western New York. 



JOSEPH A. WARD. 

Joseph A. Ward, business manager of the Lockport Journal, is a 
son of Abram and Gertrude (Kayner) Ward, and was born March 31, 
1832, in Warren, Herkimer county, N. \'. He received his education 
in Herkimer and at the O.xford and Whitestovvn Academies, and for ten 
years was successfully engaged in teaching In 1864 he came to Lock- 
port and opened a private bank, but in 1870 relinquished that business 
and purchased an interest in the Lockport Journal, with which he has 
ever since been connected as business manager. The firm was M. C. 
Richardson & Co. till 1880, when it was succeeded by the present firm 
of Ward & Cobb, the junior member being Hon. Willard A. Cobb. 
Mr. Ward is a prominent and influential citizen, has long been con- 
nected with various local institutions, is a director in the Lockport 
National Exchange Bank, and is past master of Niagara Lodge. No. 375, 
F. & A. M., and a member of Genesee Commandery, No. 10, K. T. In 
1857 he married Josephine Cleland, daughter of Willard Cleland, of 
Herkimer county. 



FRED W. CORSON. 

Fred W. Corson, general manager of the Lockport Union-Sun, is 
the son of Dexter F. and Deborah (Norton) Corson, and was born in 
Augusta, Me., September 17, 1847. In 185 1 the family removed to 
Monroe, Wis., and there Mr. Corson remained until he was of age, re- 
ceiving a public school education and learning the trade of printer in 
the ofiice of the Monroe Sentinel, which he entered when sixteen. In 
1868 he went to the Daily Wisconsin in Milwaukee and in I 869 became 
one of the first ten settlers of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, being a mess- 
mate of United States Senator Pettigrew. Afterwards he published 



446 

the Pulaski (111.) Patriot for two years, was successively manager of the 
Rome (N. Y.) Citizen and the Johnstown Republican and Gloversville 
Intelligencer, and was the publisher of the Ogdensburg Advance, the 
Wappingers Chronicle at Wappingers P"alls, and the Daily Couraiit at 
New Castle, Pa. In March, 1895, he came to Lockport, and with 
O. W. Cutler, under the firm name of Cutler & Corson, purchased the 
Union-Sun; in February, 1896, the firm became Corson & Home, Mr. 
Cutler selling his interest to Walter P. Home. On July 19, 1897, the 
Union Sun Company was incorporated with Mr. Home as president 
and Mr. Corson as treasurer and general manager.* Mr. Corson is a 
member of Red Jacket Lodge, F. & A. M , and is recognized as one 
of the ablest and best known newspaper managers in the county. 



MOSES C. RICHARDSON. 

Moses Crandall Richardson was born in Scipio, Cayuga county, 
N. Y., in 1817. He was therefore seventy- two years of age at the time 
of his death, August 31,1 890. He removed with his parents when about 
eleven years old to Alabama, Genesee county, N. Y. Here he developed 
that thirst for information and investigation which marked his entire 
subsequent life. P"or a time he worked upon a feeder then being con- 
structed for the Erie Canal, and studied nights. A few years later he 
again moved with his family to near Royalton Center, where he taught 
school in what is now known as the Bunker Hill and Griswold street 
districts. With the money thus earned he completed his education at 
Lima. After graduation he taught school several years in Bufifalo. His 
labor concluded there he returned to Lockport and taught a select school 
in what was known as the stone school house on Walnut street. He 
also taught in what is known as " Lower Town." As a teacher Mr. 
Richardson was more than ordinarily successful. He began his con- 
nection with the press about 1848, and continued until about 1880. 
He held the office of canal collector in 1867-8, which was the only 
public office he ever occupied. He was influential in founding the 
Republican party, in which he took pardonable pride. It was written 
of Mr. Richardson soon after his death as follows: 



447 

" ITis character was pure and guileless. Although somewhat eccentric 
in his manner at times, as the world counts such things, still by common 
consent such deviations were recognized as the product of absolute 
simplicity, devoid of all affectation. He was upright and just. His 
s}-mpathies were quick and ever alert. His heart beat kindly toward 
all men. As an editor he took part in discussions of public questions 
than which more important ones have never enlisted attention. He was 
part of that sturd)^ epoch just antedating the formation of the Republi- 
can party, which will be remembered as long as the people love liberty. 
In every walk of life he was a good man and he went down to the grave 
with the honest regard of all who knew him.". 



JOHN W. CUTLKR. 

John W. Cutler, manager of the Daily Cataract, of Niagara Falls, 
is a son of O. W. and Mary A. (Tallant) Cutler, natives of New Hamp- 
shire, and was born at Suspension Bridge, Niagara county, July 15, 
1 869. After attending the public schools of his native village he entered 
De Veaux College, and later Phillips Exeter Academy at Exeter, N. 
H., where he completed a good classical education. In the fall of 1888 
he began his journalistic career on the Lockport Union, which he served 
as business manager, editor, etc., until March, 1896, when he organized 
the Cataract Publishing Company, of Niagara Falls, and purchased the 
Daily Cataract, which had been founded by his father. Since then Mr. 
Cutler has been its manager. He has placed that paper upon a sound 
and paying basis, making it rank among the leading and most successful 
dailies in the county. It has a large circulation, and under his able and 
energetic management wields a powerful influence for all that is good in 
journalism. In I'^bruary, 1 892, Mr. Cutler was married to Miss Wini- 
fred G., daughter of Eli S. Nichols, deputy collector of the port of 
Niagara. The)- have two children. 



PART III. 



FAMILY SKETCHES 



FAMILY SKETCHES 



Sutherland, J. Hanaur, M. D., was born at Toronto, Ontario, Can., and was a 
son of John G. Sutherland, now deceased. Mr. Sutherland attended the public 
schools at Toronto and at an early age developed a taste for medicine and surgery. 
When the war broke out he enlisted in the Confederate army as a steward in the 
hospital corps, and served for three and a half years, leaving the service with the 
rank of hospital steward. In 1865 he entered the University of Philadelphia, Pa.. 
and was graduated with honors in 1867. From 1867 to 1870 he was located in Cali- 
fornia, practicing his profession as well as interested in mining, and in the latter 
year removed to Oil Creek, Pa . where he engaged in the oil business until 1876, 
when he removed to Butler county and again took up his practice as a physician and 
surgeon. Later he visited Mexico and made a close study of surgery as practiced in 
that country. In 1888 he settled at Washington, D. C, and practiced there until 
1892, when he removed to Niagara Falls, N. Y., and where he has since been engaged 
in the practice of his profession, making a specialty of the diseases of women and 
children; he is also largely interested in Colorado; he is rated as one of the most 
successful surgeons in New York State. 

Watt, William W., was born in Scotland, October 18, 1888, a son of Alexander and 
Grace (Angus) Watt. He came to America in 1851 and settled in Niagara county, 
where he has ever since resided. He started in this country a poor man and to-day 
is one of the independent and substantial farmers of the State. He married Eliza- 
beth, daughter of John and Helen (Robertson) Miller, and they have two daughters: 
Mrs. Ella Weinheimer and Miss Amelia H. Watt. Mr. Watt has been a tru.stee of 
the district school and has always been a Republican in politics. 

King, James O., was born in Middlefield, Otsego county, N.Y., September 7, 1825, 
and removed to Hartland, Niagara county, in May, 1835. After attending the pub- 
lic school he entered a general store atGasport as a clerk in 1851, where he remained 
for three years, when he removed to Lockport and entered the service of William J. 
Dunlap as a bookkeeper, and in the spring of 1868 accepted a position with the firm 
of B. ^ J. Carpenter, where he remained twenty years. His next position was as a 
bookkeeper for E. B. Weaver & Son, where he remained until 1886, when he was 
taken down with paralysis and has since been an invalid. He was supervisor of the 
First ward in 1869. 1870, 1871 and 1878, member of the Board of Education from 
1873 *to 1881 inclusive, railroad commissioner for the city from 1872 to 1886, and a 
member of the Police Commission at its organization in 1872; and has been assignee, 



4 

administrator and executor of a number of estates, all of which duties he has dis- 
charged with great care. Mr. King was married September 29, 1858, to Mary A. 
Barber of Westmoreland, Oneida county, N. Y., and an only son has been born to 
them, Fred B., who is in business in Rochester. 

Rumbold, J. H , Wheatfield, was born in Tonawanda, and has been associated in 
the lumber trade all his business life. The firm of Rumbold & Bellinger was formed 
December 1, 1891, and they have occupied their present premises since May 1, 1894. 
They enjoy a high reputation as business men and handle from twelve million to 
thirteen million feet of lumber annually; their yards have a dock front of 600 feet 
and a depth of 1,500 feet. Mr. Rumbold is a member of the Odd Fellows' fraternity 
and is regarded as one of the representative men of North Tonawanda. His grand- 
father, George Rumbold, was one of the early .settlers in the town of Wheatfield, 
and purchased land near where B. F. Felton's farm now lies. Mr. Rumbold married 
Loretta M. Campbell, and they have one son, Roy C. 

Oille, W. C, was born in Smithville, Ontario, Canada, and lived there until twenty- 
four years of age, when he came to North Tonawanda. He was with Hollister Bros 
for nine years and with C. P. Hazard & Co. of Buffalo for three years. In March, 
1892, he and A. E. McKeen formed a copartnership and have since been doing a 
large lumber business, at North Tonawanda, N. Y. , handling from twenty-five to 
thirty-five million feet of lumber annually, and employ forty -five men on the average. 
In 1878 Mr. Oille married Caroline B. Dale of Ontario, and they have two children, 
John Dale and Norman N. The lumber firm of Oille & McKeen has large and ad- 
mirably equipped yards and four private switches enable them to handle lumber 
with great e.xpedition. 

Charlton, Thomas, was born in Ellicottville, Cattaraugus county. N. Y., April 7, 
1839. When ten years old his parents moved to Ayr, Ontario, where they remained 
six years, and then moved to Louisa county, la., where they remained thirteen years. 
Thomas Charlton returned to Ontario in Maj', 1868, and went into partnership with 
his brother, John Charlton, forming the firm of J. & T. Charlton, which still exists. 
They have carried on a large timber and lumber business since that time, and in 
1890 Mr. Thomas Charlton moved to Tonawanda in order to give more attention to 
the business here. Mr. John Charlton still resides in Ontario, and has been a mem- 
ber of Parliament since 1872, and is still a member. The firm handles from 6,000,- 
000 to 10,000,000 feet of lumber annually. Thomas Charlton married Mary McKenry 
in 1862, and they have a family of six children living: William, John, George, Ella, 
Mary Belle and Rebecca. 

Helwig, Jacob E., M. D., was born in Clarence, Erie county, N. Y., June 17, 1862, 
a son of Christian and Anna (Vreiter) Helwig, natives of Germany, Dr. Helwig was 
educated at the Clarence Academy, the Oakfield Seminary and the University of 
Buffalo, from which he was graduated with the degree of M. D. in the class of 1890. 
He practiced one year in Bennington, Wyoming county, and came to Martinsville in 
the spring of 1891. Dr. Helwig is an active Republican and has been health officer 
for the town of Wheatfield; he was elected a coroner in 1894 to fill a vacancy, was 
re-elected in 1895 and still holds that position. He is also one of the physicians ap- 
pointed by the State Lunacy Commissioner to examine lunatics. He is a member of 



5 

the Niajjara Count)' Medical Societ\', of the Masonic fraternity and is a notarj' pub 
lie. He married Emma L. Simme of Bennington, and they have two sons, Raymond 
G. and Herbert A. Dr. Helwig has three brothers and two sisters; his brothers are 
W. H. Helwig, a lawyer in Dakota; Philip Helwig, superintendent of the Chicago 
& Northwestern Railroad; and John, a farmer m Dakota. One brother. Dr. A. F. 
Helwig, died in 1892. 

Canavan, Cornelius T., was born at Niagara Falls, N. Y., May 20, 1856, and is a 
son of Thomas Canavan, a retired railroad man. Mr. Canavan was educated in the 
public schools and at the age of sixteenentered the services of the New York Central 
Railroad Company and rose from the bottom of the ladder to the position of yard 
master at Niagara Falls. After twenty years faithful service with the New York 
Central Railroad Company, he resigned his position and was elected treasurer of 
the village of Suspension Bridge, which position he retained until the incorporation 
of Niagara Falls as a city in 1892, when he was chosen to fill his present position as 
city treasurer. He has been twice married. He first married Catherine Dinan of 
Niagara Falls, N. Y., October 14, 1879, who died October 20, 1890 leaving four chil- 
dren, Anna L., Margaret F., William J. and Ellen M. September 11, 1894, he mar- 
ried Ellen Kelleher, of Niagara Falls, Ont., and they have two children, Edward J. 
and Mary A. 

Christgau, J. P., was born in Bavaria, Germany, September 29, 1844, and was 
brought to America by his parents John and Sophia (Adier) Christgau, in 1847. 
They settled in Buffalo for two years and then removed to Niagara county. J. P. 
Christgau lived on the farm until June 15, 1862, when he enlisted in Co. B, 8th N.Y. 
Heavy Artillery, and served until the close of the war. He participated in many 
battles and was twice wounded, first at Cold Harbor and again at Hatcher's Run, 
October 29, 1864. From this date he was in the hospital until February, when he 
again joined his regiment and was with it at the surrender of Lee ; he was honorably 
discharged June 15, 1865. He is a member of Dudley Donnelly Post No. 13?> Niag- 
ara Falls. May 16, 1867, he married Margaret Kohl, and they have ten children: 
Frederick J., George J., John M., Rosa, Rcichert, Lizzie, Emma, Ida, Clara and 
Lillie. In 1889 Mr. Christgau embarked in the grocery business in North Tona- 
wanda and is one of the representative merchants of the place. He is also an active 
Republican and has been assessor for three years. He is also connected with the 
Fairmount Cemetery and holds the office of vice-president, and is one of its di- 
rectors. 

Brophy, Thomas, was born at Whitehall, Ireland, November 22, 1828, a son of 
the late Pierce Brophy. He was educated under private tutors and immigrated to 
America, in 1844, where he at once commenced an active career in the employ of the 
New York Central Railroad Company, working his way up from gravel man to 
yardmaster, and serving that company for forty-nine years. In 1894 he retired from 
work and has since lived a quiet life respected by all who know him. In 1856 Mr. 
Brophy was married to Mary Hickey, and they have eight children, four sons and 
four daughters. 

Nichols, E. S., was born in Niagara county, N. Y.. June 24, 1835, a son of the late 
Hezekiah W. Nichols. He attended the public schools and when eighteen years of 



age engaged in business at Lockport, where he remained until 1862, at which time he 
entered the United States army as second lieutenant in the 8th N. Y. Heavy Artil- 
lery (otherwise known as the 129th N. Y. Vols.) and served in several brilliant cam- 
paigns, being promoted to a captaincy, with which rank he was mustered out of ser- 
vice in July, 1865. He returned to Lockport in that year and engaged in the dry 
goods trade until 1870, when he was appointed a clerk in the custom house and later, 
in 1878, was made special deputy collector at the port of Niagara Falls, of which 
position he is still an incumbent. January 30, 1867, he married Frances Harwood of 
Lockport, and they have two children, "Winifred G. and Harwood S. Mr. Nichols is 
a member of Red Jacket Lodge No. 646, F. & A. M., of Lockport, and has been 
quartermaster of Dudley Donnelly Post, G. A. R., since 1879, the time of its or- 
ganization. 

Wood, W. W. — This representative citizen of North Tonawanda, has been connect- 
ed with its lumber history and business life for the past ten years. He came here in 
1887, with A. P. & W. E. Kelly from Chicago, but in 1890 entered the employ of A. 
Weston & Son, and had charge of the yards for four years. He laid out the second 
lumber yard at Tonawanda Island, now occupied by A. K. & W. E. Silverthorne, and 
was active in the interests of his employers during the great strike. In 1894 he went 
into the hotel business in the Twin City Hotel, but in April, 1895, secured his pres- 
ent large place. Union Hotel. Mr. Wood is a prominent Republican and has been 
active in the interests of his party ever since coming to North Tonawanda; he is an 
exempt fireman and a member of the Royal Arcanum. He married Velna McMul- 
len, and they have two children, Edward and Petei". Mrs. Wood s father was an old 
mill man of North Tonawanda, and Mr. Wood's parents were Edward and Anna 
Wood; Edward Wood was long known as the "Lumber King" in Chicago. 

Smith, Horace C, was born in Canada, July 1, 1858, a son of Phineas and Eva 
Smith. His father was born in New Jersey, September 6, 1799, and by occupation 
was a blacksmith, he being the oldest one in Western New York. His mother was 
born in Canada, where they were married, after which they came to Niagara county 
and located in Lewiston, where they both died, his mother in 1884 and his father in 
1887. They had eight children, six of whom are living: Hetzel P., died in Kansas; 
Levi, died in Buffalo; Samuel resides in Iowa, Henry at Suspension Bridge, Nelson 
in Lewiston, Mrs. Jane Vaughn in Lewiston and Harriet Luff in Lockport. Horace 
C. was married July 4, 1888, to Mary Donohue of Lockport, and they have one 
daughter, Eva, born March 4, 1889, and have lost four children: Horace, born July 
4, 1891, died when seven months old; two that were twins and died in infancy; 
Irvine, born March 14, 1895, died in November, 1895. Mr. Smith learned his trade 
in the town of Lewiston, after which he located at Ridge Road, and in 1883 went to 
Pennsylvania and Ohio, where he i-emained two years, then came back to his old 
place, where he has since resided. 

Judd, Hon. Garwood L , of South Tonawanda, Niagara county, N. Y., was born 
at Augusta Center, Oneida county, N. Y., July 4, 1823. He was educated at the 
Augusta Academy, and the Clinton Institute, and graduated from the latter in 1844. 
He read law at Frankfort, Herkimer county, and was admitted to the State bar No- 
vember 4, 1850, and to the United States bar January 4, 1861. Mr. Judd married 



Maria A. Pryne, daughter of Francis P. Pryne of Herkimer, in 1850. He has one 
daughter, Mary E. Edmonds, wife of John J. Edmonds of North Tonawauda. Mrs. 
Judd died September 25, 1893. Mr. Judd was engaged in the State Engineer's De- 
partment on the enlargement of the Erie Canal from the west line of Oneida county, 
to the lower lock in F^rankfort, Herkimer county, about three years, under William 
J. McAlpine and William B. Taylor, respectively, chief engineers and surveyors of 
the State of New York. In 1848 and 1849 Mr. Judd was baggage master on what is 
now the N. Y. Central Railroad, from Albany to Buffalo, single track, and only one 
track in what is now the Exchange street depot in the city of Buffalo. On the 23d 
day of May Mr. Judd took his demit from Olive Branch Lodge No. 40, Frankfort, 
Herkimer county, and removed to North Tonawanda, N. Y., and opened his law 
office where he has been in practice forty four years. On his arrival at North Tona- 
wanda he affiliated with Tonawanda Lodge No. 247, F. & A. M., and long since a past 
master thereof. Mr. Judd has been appointed and elected to fill various offices 
of trust in North Tonawanda and Niagara county. When the North and South 
villages were one, he was one of the trustees thereof and drew the articles incorporat- 
ing the village of North Tonawanda, also the articles incorporating the Col. John 
Sweeney Rural Cemetery, and was trustee thereof for many years. Mr. Judd was 
superintendent of common schools of the town of Wheatfield three years, town 
clerk two years, village clerk two years, president of the Board of Health six years, 
and a member of the Board of Education about fifteen years, justice of sessions of 
Niagara county two years, and is now serving his thirty-ninth year as justice of the 
peace of the town of Wheatfield. Mr. Judd is a lifelong Democrat and represented 
the first Assembly District of Niagara county in the State Legislature two years 
1891 and 1892, and assumed the gavel at the speaker's solicitation three times each 
year, and performed the duties thereof with honor to the Legislature and the first 
Assembly District of Niagara county which he had the distinguished honor to rep- 
resent, and credit to himself. 

Lennon, John, was born at Rome, N. Y., October 29, 1853, a son of the late Thomas 
Lennon, a mason and builder of that place. He was educated in the public and 
parochial schools of Lockport, whither his parents had removed in 1855, and at the 
age of fifteen began his business career by learning the trade of mason and builder 
with his father, which he followed until 1876, at which time he established himself 
in business at Lockport, as a contractor and builder, in which he is still engaged. 
In 1891 he removed to Niagara Falls, where he 'now resides. Mr. Lennon is well 
known throughout the northern section of New York State and has erected many 
imposing buildings in the principal cities, including the State Armory at Niagara 
Falls, at a cost of §80,000, and has been awarded the contract for the building of St. 
John's Protectory at Buffalo to cost $100,000. Mr. Lennon was married in Septem- 
ber, 1874, to Ella McBride of Brockport. and they have five children. Mr. Lennon 
is now serving his second term as a member of the Board of Public Works, which 
will expire in March, 1899. 

Wagenschuetz, Fred F., Wheatfield, was born in Germany, February, 11, 1866, 
and was brought to America by his parents in 1868, settling in Niagara county. Mr. 
Wagenschuetz first began business life in the employ of Nice & Hinkey in the hard- 
ware business and in 1893 embarked in business for himself, as dealer in hardware. 



8 

stoves, etc., also plumbing and tinning and has done some excellent work in good 
residences in this locality. In November, 1896, he married Christina Ackerman. Mr. 
Wagenschuetz is regarded as one of the sound and prominent mercantile men of 
North Tonawanda. His parents were Frederick and Wilhelmena Wagenschuetz, 
both natives of Prussia. 

Praker, E. C, was born in Wheatfield, a son of August and Wilhelmina (Krull) 
Praker, natives of Prusia; August Praker came to America in 1847 when he was 
seventeen years of age. After a clerkship of six years in Buffalo, Mr. E. C. Praker 
began business for himself in his present stand, 245 Paynes avenue corner Thompson 
street in North Tonawanda, in a general grocery business. He is not only an able 
and successful business man, but is highly popular and takes a warm interest in the 
German Lutheran church, of which he is a member and has been its treasurer for 
several years. In 1887 he married Flora Zimmerman and they have one daughter, 
Viola, born February 21, 1893. 

Carr, William I. , was born in Suspension Bridge, N. Y. , August 9, 1865, a son of 
William Carr. He attended the public schools of his native town and when nineteen 
years of age entered the freight offices of the West Shore Railroad Company, as a 
clerk and served that company until 1892, when he was appointed agent at Niagara 
Falls, for the Adams Express Company, which was superseded by the United States 
Express Company in 1893. Mr. Carr remained in the employ of the United States 
Express Company as agent, until 1897, when he resigned his position and retired for 
the time being. September 21, 1896, he married Eva Ralston of Hamilton, Ont. 

Carr, William, was born at Niagara Falls, N. Y. , June 3, 1827, a son of the late 
John Carr. He was educated in the public schools at Pekin, N. Y., whence his 
parents had removed in 1830, and at the age of sixteen years began clerking in the 
dry goods establishment of W^illiam Fleming at Pekin, where he remained for two 
years. He was later employed in the same business in Buffalo, and in 1850 returned 
to Pekin, where he entered the general store of his father. In 1854 he engaged with 
the New York Central Railroad Company as track superintendent and retained that 
position until 1870, when he was appointed a deputy collector at the United States 
Custom House, Niagara Falls, and filled that office until 1874. He was then ap- 
pointed deputy postmaster at the village of Suspension Bridge, and later was made 
postmaster at the same point, in which position he remained until 1889, when he 
retired from active life. June 30, 1853, Mr. Carr married Amelia L. Barnum of 
Wheatfield, and they have had eight children, six of whom survive. ]\lr. Carr is a 
highly respected citizen and one of the landmarks of Suspension Bridge. 

Doebler, Charles G., Wheatfield, was born in Germany in 1856, and came to 
America in 1867, with his parents and only brother. They settled in Niagara county 
and began farming, in which occupation Charles G. was reared. After following 
different occupations interspersed with farming, he finally went into a planing mill 
of the Export Lumber Company in 1882. He was subsequently employed with A. M. 
Dodge & Co., and in 1888 formed a partnership with Mr. W. W. Robertson. (An 
outline of this business will be found in the article headed W. W. Robertson.) Mr. 
Doebler married Elizabeth Lang of Buffalo, and they have five children: Charles, 
Rosa, Alfred, Herman and Hulda. His parents were Louis and Dora Doebler, both 



deceased, as is also his brother William, referred to above. Mr. Doebler is a prom- 
inent Republican, and a trustee of St. Matthew's church. 

Allan, William, was born in Scotland, and came to America in 1883, settling in 
North Tonawanda, after traveling considerably over the Union. He is the leading 
builder of the city and has put up many of the finest buildings in the place, includ- 
ing the residences of Messrs. Spilman, Bliss and Batt, his own, and others. He also 
built the armory in Tonawanda, the best in the State. Mr. Allan is a member of 
the Odd Fellows, is a past-grand of the Subordinate Lodge and chief patriarch in 
the Local Encampment; he is also a member of the Masonic fraternity. In 1889 he 
married Anna Sticht, of Fort Plain and they have two children, Cora and Walter. 
Mr. Allan has two children, William and James, by his first wife who lived in Scotland. 

Hale, Clinton E., is a native of New York State and a son of Calvin and Mahaley 
(Tryon) Hale. He is related on his mother's side to the poet Bryant and on his 
father's side to several noted men of his name in the annals of old New England. 
Mr. Hale learned the trade of machinist in Massachusetts, and has worked in Ma- 
loue, N. Y. , Potsdam, and Lockport and other points for prominent concerns and in 
North Tonawanda for the Buffalo Steam Pump Company. In the spring of 1894 he 
embarked in business for himself as general machinist and bicycle repairer and em- 
ploys two assistants during the busy season. In 1891 Mr. Hale married Anna Colby, 
and they have two children, Ida and Raymond. 

Graf, C. A., was born in Willand, Ontario, Canada, March 23, 1850, a son of Ed- 
ward and Fredericka Graf, natives of Germany, and now living in We'land, Can. 
C. A. Graf settled in Martinsville in October, 1883, although he had lived in this 
country a good deal previously. In 1883 he established a harness business in Mar- 
tinsville, which he still conducts. He was postmaster at Martinsville for four years 
under President Harrison, and was again appointed in November, 1896, to fill the 
vacancy caused by the death of William Dornfeld ; on April 8, 1897, he was again 
appointed for a period of four years. He was trustee of the village of North Tona- 
wanda for two years and is a notary public. He married Philipine Pfaender, and 
their children are John, Thomas, Harvey, Theodora, Clara, Maggie and Catherine. 
Theodora married Otto Leverance and Clara married Chris. Fritz. 

Rogge, Charles, was born in Germany, March 4, 1847, and came to America in 
1870, settling in Martinsville in 1878. He learned the trade of blacksmith in Ger- 
many and has pursued that trade with great success in this country. He also owns 
a cider mill and has a commodious home in Martinsville. January 20, 1874. he mar- 
ried Miss Schunk, and they had seven children: Kate, Henry, Carl H., Elizabeth. 
Wilhelm, Emma and Ida. Mr. Rogge is a member of the A. O. \J. W. (as is also 
his son Henry), of the Select Knights and of the firemen ; he was also on the Excise 
Board for three years. Mr. Rogge was at sea in a German ship for five months as 
engineer and ship blacksmith. Mrs. Rogge was born in Germany and was three 
months old when she came to America. 

Walck, Gottlieb, was born in Wheatfield, June 16, 1849. a son of Christian and 
Wilhelmina (Wendt) Walck, natives of Germany. Mr. Walck is engaged in farm- 
ing and has been thirty years on the present farm, being very successful in his busi- 
ness. He is also popular politically and has been excise commissioner and has been 

b 



lO 

supported by a large majority in the Republican party for other offices. May 2, 1872, 
he married Marv Thiele, and they have five children; George, Annie (married 
Charles Doering), Esther, Ellen and Adelaide. 

Scanlon, P., was born in Buffalo, in 1849, and has resided in North Tonawanda 
for twenty-eight years, where he is proprietor of the Niagara Frontier House, a fine 
new block which he built on the site of the old Frontier House, which was destroyed 
by fire. The building is 5G by 44 feet in dimensions and contains twenty rooms be- 
sides Scanlon's Hall, which is the entire size of the building. Mr. Scanlon is a 
prominent society man, a member of the C. M. B. A., the Hibernians, the N. C. P. A., 
the Press Club of Buffalo, and Alert Hose Company No. 1, besides a German society. 
In 1883 he married Kate Hennerberger, and their children are George, Charles, 
Frank, Edward, William and Kate, all of whom, except William, are children of 
Mrs. Scanlon's by a previous marriage. Frank assists his father in the business and 
is also a member of Alert Hose Company. Mr. Scanlon owes his success in life en- 
tirely to his own efforts and ability; as a youth and young man he was in the raft- 
ing and lumber business much of the time in Michigan. 

Jacobs, Hiram M., was born in North Tonawanda, August 18, 1856, a son of H. C. 
and Caroline Jacobs. He was educated in the public schools and followed railroad- 
ing on the Lake Shore and the New York Central for many years. He is a member 
of the Odd Fellows, both subordinate lodge and encampment and is an active Re- 
publican, having served on committees and as a delegate to the assembly and other 
conventions. He is collector for the village of North Tonawanda and has been 
elected five years in succession, and it is a notable fact that he has headed the polls 
at every election. 

Pearce, John C. , was born in the town of Wheatfield, Niagara county, N. Y. , May 
12, 1837. He lived on the farm until twenty-eight years of age, when he learned the 
trade of carpenter, joiner and millwright and has followed this since. Mr. Pearce 
has been assessor of the town of Wheatfield tor six consecutive years and is well 
known all over the county as an able official ; he has also been constable and town 
clerk. In 1869 he married Polly Ann Jacobs. His parents were Benjamin S. and 
Vashti (Milliman) Pearce, and his brother, Filander Eugene Pearce, lost his life in 
the Civil war from wounds and exposure. His grandfather, Abiram MilHman, was 
a soldier in the war of 1812. 

Schumacher, C. F., was born in North Tonawanda, February 23, 1868, and has 
resided in this city all his life. He was a clerk for twelve years and in 1892 embarked 
in the grocery business for himself, in which he has been remarkably successful. 
He is a member of the Select Knights, Odd Fellows and the firemen, having served 
ten years with the last named ; he has also been assistant foreman and trustee of the 
firemen. In 1896 he married Hattie Hempel. His parents were Henry and Mary 
Schumacher, natives of Germany, where they were married and came to America 
about 1864. 

Kelsey, W. E. , was born in Indiana, but removed to Topeka, Kan. , with his parents 
when seven years of age. They lived there nine years and then came east to De- 
troit, where he was engaged in the wool business until 1893, when he came to North 
Tonawanda and embarked in the lumber business as partner in the firm of Kelsey 



It 

& Gillespie. They do a large wholesale business, handling about twenty million 
feet of lumber annually. Their plant occupies about four acres of ground and they 
employ an average force of about thirty men. In 1885 Mr. Kelsey married Julia C. 
Tannahill and they have two sous, Edward and Robert. His parents were Charles 
E. and Harriet (Mather) Kelsey, and Mr. Charles E. Kelsey has been a prominent 
lumber merchant of Detroit for many j^ears. 

Rock, James E., was born at Niagara Falls, N. Y., April 9, 1871, and is a son of 
James Rock, retired. James E. Rock was educated in the public and parochial 
schools of Niagara Falls and at the age of twenty-one entered the dry goods busmess, 
as a partner of the Hon. Thomas V. Welch, and remained as such until 1892, at 
which time he bought out his partner's interest in the business and has since success- 
fully carried it on alone. Mr. Rock possesses a finely tramed tenor voice and is fre- 
quently heard in amateur operatic productions. He has been a member of the 
Niagara Falls School Board since the organization of the city. 

Stanley, Lyman G., was born in Vermont in 1842, and lived there until ten years of 
age. His father was a farmer and he was reared to that occupation. August 14, 1862, 
he enlisted in Company E, 30th Iowa Infantry, and served in Sherman's army, was 
with him in his operations around Vicksburg, thence to Chattanooga, on to Atlanta 
and from there in the celebrated march to the sea. He accompanied his regiment to 
Savannah and thence to Washington, where he participated in the grand review. 
He was honorably discharged June 16, 1865, and is a member of Scott Post 129. 
After the close of the war, his brother, who was postmaster of Tonawanda, died and 
his sister being appointed postmistress, he took charge of the office for her, a posi- 
tion he filled for thirteen years, or until the spring of 1879. In 1866 he established a 
stationery business in South Tonawanda and in 1870 a drug store, aud upon leaving 
the post office he turned all his attention to these enterprises. In 1890 he started a 
drug store in North Tonawanda and these have become prominent factors in the 
business life of the twin cities. Mr. Stanley is a prominent Mason and has been 
master of the Blue Lodge and high priest of the chapter; he is also a member of the 
Commandery. He was trustee of Tonawanda and has been treasurer of the school 
board. He married Cornelia Payne, daughter of Col. Payne and they have one 
daughter, Ethel. His parents were M. J. and Mary (Ames) Stanley. His father 
served in the war of 1812 and was one of the twelve men detailed to blow up old Fort 
Erie. 

Kelley, George H., was born in Middleport, September 28, 1866. His father, P. 
Kelley, was a native of Ireland and settled in Middleport, where for over forty years 
he has been engaged in the railroad business, (leorge H. Kelley was educated in 
Middleport and learned telegraphy, and for twelve years was in the einplo}- of the 
New YorkCentral Railroad Company. June 4, 1894, he was appointed by President 
Cleveland, postmaster, which office he still retains. Mr. Kelly is a progressive man 
and has always taken an active interest in all public affairs. 

Judson, George D., was born three miles west of Middleport, December 22, 1858. 
and was a son of George Judson who was born in Hartland in 1802 and was engaged 
in building and dealing in real estate and keeping store at Johnson Creek for many 
years, and who about 1854 moved to Lockport where he erected the Judson House, 



12 

now known as The Grand, and a number of the hotels and business blocks of Lock- 
port, and who died in 1866 in his sixty-seventh year. George D. Judson was edu- 
cated at St. Lawrence University, Canton, N. Y. , and was graduated in 1880. He 
then began the study of law with L. F. & G. W. Bowen of Lockport, and was ad- 
mitted to the bar in 1882. He immediately began the practice of law in Middleport 
and continued up to 1895, when he went to New York city and practiced for about a 
year, then returned to Middleport and was made attorney and secretary of the Mid- 
dleport Manufacturing Company. Since the suspension of business by that corpora- 
tion, Mr. Judson has been engaged in the general practice of law, making corpora- 
tion business a specialty. 

Warren, A. Frank, proprietor of the Lock City Laundry, and one of the most 
respected citizens of Lockport, was born in the town of Walworth, Wayne county, 
N. Y., November 27, 1860. His first business experience was as a clerk in a grocery 
at Fairport, for A. D. Churchill & Son, in whose employ he continued for two years, 
when he removed to Cleveland, Ohio, and entered the services of the K. D. Box 
Company, where he remained for a few years and then removed to Lockport, N. Y., 
where he formed a copartnership with Mr. C. E. Webster in the laundry business. 
This firm was succeeded by Mr. Warren, the present proprietor, in October, 1896, 
and he has since conducted a large and prosperous business. All the latest im- 
proved machinery is used and he gives employment to a large number of men and 
women. In May, 1888, he married Sarah L., daughter of A. D. Churchill of Fair- 
port. Mr. Warren has always been identified with the Republican party, but has 
never sought political honors. He is affiliated with a number of societies, being a 
member of Lodge No. 476, Free and Accepted Masons 

Allen, Norman O., an enterprising and successful real estate and loan agent of 
Lockport and one of the most respected citizens, was born in the town of Wilson, 
Niagara county, N. Y., December 5, 1840, a son of Parmer and Mary (Tower) Allen. 
He was educated in the public schools and the Wilson Academy ; after finishing his 
schooling he was engaged in farming until the breaking out of the war, when he en- 
listed in the 28th N. Y. Infantry as corporal and was promoted to sergeant and when 
mustered out in June, 18G3, held the office of second lieutenant. After the war he 
returned to Lockport and was appointed deputy sheriff under James D. Ames from 
1864 to 1867. He was afterward under sheriff for three years and tlien elected 
sheriff for a term of three years; since that time he has been engaged in the real 
estate and loan business. He was married in 1874 to Mary Stebbins of Lockport. 

Hobbs, John W.— This popular and efficient manager of the Bell Telephone Com- 
pany of L-fckport was born in the town of Greenfield, Luzerne county. Pa., October 
6, 1850. His parents removed to Bradford county when he was quite young and 
where he attended the common and high schools. He was engaged in farming until 
1880, when he removed to Buffalo and entered the service of the Bell Telephone 
Company as inspector, with whom he continued for three years, and then went with 
the Central Union Telephone Company at Jacksonville, 111. , remaining there for two 
years, and was transferred to Cairo, 111., where he remained until 1887, when he re- 
moved to Lockport and became the manager of the Bell Telephone Company, his 
present position. He is a son of Alanson and Irene (Wallace) Hobbs, who were of 



13 

English and Irish descent. He was married January 27, 1875, to Elizabeth J., 
daughter of Lorenzo Simonds of Pennsylvania, and they have two sons, Herbert C. 
and Rosco S. 

Batt, J. B., was born in Checktowaga, March 1, 1859, where his father was en- 
gaged in the saw mill business. Mr. Batt was bookkeeper in the Williamsville 
brewery for six years, after which he was railroading for two years. In 1880 he 
married Mary Daumen. and their children are John, Linus, Mary and Althea. For 
seven years Mr. Batt was in the lumber business in connection with the Christ Fritz 
estate at Martinsville and a year ago he embarked in the bicycle business and re- 
pair shop on Webster street. North Tonawanda. He has been an active Democrat 
and was trustee of the village of North Tonawanda, N.Y. , two years; he was also 
tax collector of Amherst. Erie county, two years. 

Miller, John, was born in Alsace, France, February 15, 1855, a son of Andrew and 
Sophia (Mosher) Miller. He immigrated to America in 1870, landing in New York 
August 5, of that year; he first went to Hamilton, Canada, where he remained 
three years, thence to Buffalo, where he engaged in the meat business for a time 
and then went to Lancaster, Erie county, where he was associated in business with 
his brother. After seven years in Lancaster, he came to North Tonawanda in the 
spring of 1881 and has since conducted a prosperous meat business. Mr. Miller 
maiTied Anna Rhenet, also of German parentage, but a native of Lancaster, and 
they have six children: John, Lawrence, Lottie, Albert, Rosa and Eugene. 

Steele, W. Wallace, one of Lockport's leading wholesale liquor men, was born in 
Lockport, N. Y., September 10, 1849, and has always resided in that city. He at- 
tended the Lockport public schools and afterwards took a thorough course at the 
Rochester Business College. His first business experience was with the wholesale 
liquor firm of John W. Steele & Co., in which he remained as a partner until 1878, 
and upon the organization of the succeeding company, became the senior member of 
the firm of Steele, Torrance & Co., which continued until 1883, when Mr. Torrance 
and Hon. R. B. Hoag retired, and since that date he has conducted the business 
alone under the name of L. L. Steele. In November, 1872, he was married to Lydia 
L. Freeman, daughter of Benjamin F. Freeman of Middleport, N, Y. He is a prom- 
inent member of Genesee Commandery No. 10, Ames Chapter No. 88, Bruce Council 
No. 15, Red Jacket Lodge F. & A. M., No. 646. He served his ward on the Board 
of Supervisors for Niagara county for the years 1876 and 1877 to the full satisfaction 
of his constituents. He is also a member of the Exempt Firemen, having served a 
full term with Protection Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1, and is at present an active 
member of the Sons of St. John and Malta. Under many business difficulties in 
former years, he has always shown that indomitable business energy which has en- 
abled him to laugh at misfortune and to place himself in the front ranks with the 
successful men at the present time. 

Neff, John F., jr., was born at Niagara Falls, N. Y., June 25, 1864, a son of the 
late John F. Neff. He attended the public schools of his native town and at the age 
of sixteen, entered upon an active career in the freight offices of the Rome, Water- 
town & Ogdensburg Railroad Company at Suspension Bridge, where he remained 
until that road was consolidated with the New York Central Railroad in 1891. In 



14 

April, 1892, he was appointed chief clerk in the freight offices of the consolidated 
roads and is still an incumbent of that office. December 11, 1895, j\Ir. Nefif mar- 
ried Miss Hassenflue of Cleveland, O. Mr. Neff is a worthy and trusted ofhcial and 
is a member of the Niagara River Lodge No. 785, Free and Accepted Masons. 

Schuyler, Robert A., was born at Seneca Falls, N. Y., November 3, 1848, a son of 
Rensselaer Schuyler. He was educated in the public schools of his native township 
and when sixteen years of age began his business career, as shipping clerk for the 
Downs Manufacturing Company, at Seneca Falls, N. Y. In 1871 he entered the em- 
ploy of the New York Central & Hudson River Railroad Company and has remained 
in their service ever since, with the exception of five years in which he was a deputy 
collector of customs at the port of Suspension Bridge. He is at present filling the 
position of cashier for the N. Y. C. & H. R. R. R. Co. and the R. W. & O. R. R. Co. 
at Suspension Bridge. Mr. Schuyler is a faithful aud trusted officer and justly de- 
serves the respect and high esteem in which he is held by all. April 14, 1885, he 
married Mary E. Baker and they have one child, Mary G. Mr. Schuyler is a mem- 
ber of the Masonic fraternity, is Recorder of Niagara Commandery No. 64, K. T., 
Past Chancellor of Niagara Lodge No. 383, K. of P., and is quartermaster-sergeant 
of the 42d Separate Company, N. G. S. N. Y. 

Comstock, E. T., Wheatfield, was born in Cambria, Niagara county, N. Y., and 
was educated at the Lockpoi't High School, and the LTniversity of Buffalo, from which 
he was graduated in 1896. He opened an office at once after graduating, at North 
Tonawanda, as successor to Dr. Wright. He is a member of the Psi Omega Society, 
which includes dentists all over the Union. Dr. Comstock's parents were Artemus 
and Evaline (Forsyth) Comstock, both natives of Niagara county. His father was 
member of Assembly in 1878 and 1879. 

Staats, William H., was born in Monroe county in 1842, a son of Abram and 
Minerva D. (Gray) Staats, natives of New York. His mother and father came to 
Monroe county after marriage, where they stayed a short time, then moved to Lock- 
port, where he was engaged in the cotton factory. He went to the war in 1861 and 
never returned. There were seven children in his family, four of whom are living. 
Sarah J. Richardson, resides in Newfane ; James, resides in Lockport; William H. 
and Mrs. Carrie C. McCoUum, reside in Newfane. William H. Staats received his 
education at Newfane and Lockport, after which he engaged in coopering for a 
number of years. In 1861 he went to Wisconsin and joined Co. E, 1st Wisconsin 
Regt. Vol. Infantry, aud was assigned to General Buel's army. They first went to 
Louisville, Ky., then to Nashville, Tenn., Huntsville, Ala., Perry ville, Ky., where 
he was at the front in this hard fought battle and in which he lost an eye. He 
served nearly two years and was discharged in the spring of 1863, coming at once to 
Niagara county. Mr. Staats is a member of Jacob Brauker Post No. 547. Novem- 
ber 9, 1870, he married Mary C. Sherman, born in Maumee City, O., and they had 
one child which died in infancy. Both are members of Newfane Council No. 85, 
Royal Templars. Mr. Staats rents his farm and is now engaged in other business. 

Utz, Otto F., was born at Niagara Falls, N. Y., October 31, 1865, a son of Charles 
Utz. He attended the public schools of his native town and later took a course in 
Eastman's Business College at Poughkeep.sie, N. Y. For a number of years he 



15 

traveled as a grocery salesman and from 18VU to 1896 served as bookkeeper for the 
Miller &■ Briindage Coach Compar.y at Niagara Falls. In the latter year he was 
elected chief of the Niagara Falls Fire Department and is still an incumbent of that 
office 

Gentz, John, was born in Germany in 1840, and came to America in 1850. In 18()4 
he enlisted in Co. B, 10th U. S. Infantry and served in the Army of the Potomac, 
participating in the battle of the Wilderness, May 6, 18G4; Spottsylvania, May 
14. 1864; North Anna River, May 24, 1864; Cold Harbor, June 2 and 3, 1864; 
the Siege of Petersburg and Weldon Railway, August 18 to 21, 1864. He was 
wounded at Weldon and lay in the hospital for four months at Whitehall, Pa. He 
was honorably discharged at Fort Snelling, Minn., in 1867; in that year he came to 
North Tonawanda and in 1884 embarked in the grocery business, which he has since 
successfully conducted. Mr. Gentzisamemberof A. R. Scott Post No. 129, G. A. R., and 
is its present commander. He was village trustee for four years and was chairman 
of important committees during his term of office. In 1869 he married Fredericka 
Demler, and they have one son, A. C. Gentz, born November 16, 1870. A. C. Gentz 
is an active Republican worker and was nominated for town clerk by his party in 
the spring of 1897. He is a member of the Odd Fellows and the Fraternal Mystic 
Circle. In 1892 he married Anna Ballard, and they have two children, Irene and 
Clarence. 

Gushing, Sarah L., M. D., has been a resident of the village and city of Lockport 
for nearly forty years and the prominence attained is such as to warrant some men- 
tion in these pages. Dr. Gushing has occupied a special sphere in the successful 
care and treatment of the sick and afflicted, having been especially qualified to con- 
stitute the successful nurse. Mrs. Gushing devoted her energies to the study of 
medicine and the successful treatment of the affiicted. She was born near Troy, 
N. Y. , in August, 1817; she attended the district schools and was graduated from 
the Albany Female Academy in 1841. In 1858 she was graduated from the Starling 
Medical College at Columbus, O., where .she settled in the practice of her profession 
until the war broke out, when she went to care for the sick and wounded, distribut- 
ing sanitary supplies to the soldiers. After a time she was taken sick and compelled 
to give up her position. She then settled in Lockport, N. Y., and resumed the prac- 
tice of her profession, where she has since resided. The doctor is in all respects a 
self-made woman, one who through the adversities of an orphaned childhood, the 
loss of husband and an only child, and the conquest of obstacles fit to dement any 
save the most courageous, has learned the reality of sorrow, and from the start has 
made the cause of humanity her own. Her great love for her work is best told in 
her own words, when she says: "During busy days or sleepless nights, with many 
disappointments and much hard work, never for one moment have I regretted having 
chosen the practice of medicine." 

Davison, Norton E., was born in Clarence, Erie County, N. Y., December 14, 1845. 
His father, John Davison, a native of parish of Newton, county of Northumber- 
land, England, settled in Onondaga county in 1810 and afterward moved to the 
town of Somerset in 1833 and to Clarence in 1837, where he was identified as a 
farmer- he died in 1864. Norton E. Davi.son was educated in the common schools, 



i6 

and in 1866 married Phoebe J., daughter of Lyman B. Burdick, whose father, Rowse 
Burdick, was one of the first settlers on Tonawanda Creek in 1833, where the family 
were among the prominent farmers of the town. Mr. and Mrs. Davison are the 
parents of four children: Edwin E.. Lyman L., Nellie L. and Belle. In 1894 Mr. 
Davison moved to Royaltou Center, where he engaged in the mercantile business. 

Jaenecke John G. , was born in Martinsville, June 5, 1856, and has lived in this 
place all his life. He was a farmer until thirty years of age, when he engaged in 
the hotel business and conducts one of the largest hostelries in the count)'. October 
27, 1881, he married Bertha Ziehl and they have three children: Wilhelmine, Benja- 
min and Pauline. Mr. Jaenecke is a fireman and has been a trustee and president 
of the company; he is also a trustee of the German Lutheran church and is a Repub- 
lican in politics. He rebviilt his hotel in 1896, and is a genial and popular man. 
His parents were Charles F. and Annie (Schwartzenholz) Jaenecke, natives of Ger- 
many. Charles F. Jaenecke came to America in 1845 and was a blacksmith and 
farmer ; he died in 1892 and his wife in 1893. Mrs. Jaenecke's parents were Charles 
and Mary (Reck) Ziehl, 

Tulley, Thomas H., was born in Boonville, N. Y., June 2, 1842, a son of Charles 
and Mary (Welch) Tulley, natives of the north of Ireland. When Mr. Tulley was 
yet an mfant, his parents moved to Allegany county and he came to North Tona- 
wanda at the age of ten. For twenty-two years Mr. Tulley followed sailing on the 
lakes and boating and in 1886 embarked in the grocery business, which he still con- 
ducts successfully. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. and also Independent Or- 
der Foresters, of which he is at present treasurer. Mr. Tulley is a prominent Dem- 
ocrat in North Tonawanda and was on that ticket for village assessor in the spring 
of 1897. He married Mary Kane, and they have six children: Thomas H., Martin 
E., George A., Francis Nelson, Helen and Mary. 

Dutton, E. M., was born in the town of Hartland, October 16, 1857, a son of Will- 
iam and Cynthia Dutton. William Dutton was born near Rochester, N. Y., in 1814 
and came to Niagara county when a young man, locating in Lockport, where he mar 
ried Cynthia Richardson, daughter of Ephraim and Amy Richardson, then moved to 
Pendleton, where he lived several years, he then moved to Hartland and died in 1894 
Mrs. Cynthia Dutton was born in Lockport, N.Y., in 1821, and died in 1883. E. M. 
Dutton engaged in farming until twenty-three years of age when he engaged in the 
mercantile business with his sister, Mrs. Mason, under the firm name of E. M. Dutton 
& Co. In February, 1885, was married to Miss Carrie Shaw, daughter of Walter and 
Lydia Shaw, of Newfane, and they have one daughter, Mabel, aged eleven years. 
E. M. Dutton was appointed postmaster at Newfane in 1889, under Republican ad- 
ministration and held the office the full term of four years and five months until his 
successor was appointed, by the Democratic party. Mr. Dutton was elected clerk of 
Newfane in 1895 by the Republican party. His mother's father, Ephraim Rich- 
ardson, cleared up the county farm and was a carpenter by trade. He was killed 
while working on the old Spaulding mill at Lockport, by a premature blast 

Schneider, John C, was born in Niagara county, a son of the Rev. Theobald 
Schneider. He attended the public schools and later took a course in the Buffalo 
Normal School ; he then entered the North Western College, from which he was 



17 

graduated in 1885, after completing the Latin scientific course and had conferred 
upon him the degree of B. S. For some time following his graduation he taught iu 
the public and union schools at Niagara Falls and Suspension Bridge and later be- 
came assistant to Prof. N. L. Benham, the superintendent. Ill health caused his 
resignation in 1889, since which time he has been engaged in the real estate and in- 
surance business and has met with marked success. Mr. Schneider is a man of 
liberal education, of practical mind and is popular in both busine.ss and social circles. 
He is an active worker in the church and is president of the Niagara County Christ- 
ian Endeavor Society. 

McBrien, Frederick R., M.D., was born at Newtonville, Ontario, Canada, January 
23, 1869, and was a son of Alfred N. McBrien, M. D., of that place, now deceased. 
Mr. McBrien attended the public schools at Port Perry, and later the Whitly (Ont.) 
Collegiate Institute; at the age of eighteen he entered Trinity College of Medicine 
at Toronto, Ontario, and was graduated from there in 1891. In the same year he 
removed to Niagara Falls, N. Y., and opened an office, where he still continues to 
practice his profession. 

Fassett, H. V. S., is a scion of an old American family which dates its history back 
•to Revolutionary days, when some members of the family fought on the patriot side. 
Mr. Fassetts grandfather Asa Fassett, was a brigade inspector with the rank of 
major; his father, James A. Fassett, a veteran of the late Civil war, is still living 
and has been one of the foremost men of the Twin Cities. In 1873 he embarked in 
the lumber business in Tonawanda, and January 1, 1881, formed a partnership with 
A. A. Bellinger, (which still exists), to do the business of receiving and forwarding 
lumber, etc., for Eastern points. For some time Mr. Fassett has been unable to 
engage actively in business and his son, H. V. S. Fassett, represents him in the firm. 
H. V. S. Fa.ssett was born in Albanj', N. Y., and educated there. He came to North 
Tonawanda in 1873 and has been associated with the great lumber interests in this 
city since their inception. The firm of Fassett & Bellinger handle from seventy to 
one hundred million feet of lumber annually. In 1882 Mr. Fassett married Theodora 
C. Booth and thej^ have two daughters, Mabel S. and Theodora V. 

Jaenecke, E. G., was born in Martinsville, October 29, 1849, a son of Charles and 
Annie Jaenecke, natives of Germany. Mr. Jaenecke followed farming and engineer- 
ing for some years before going into business, and in 1890 started his general store 
in Martinsville, which he has since successfully conducted. Mr. Jaenecke is a Re- 
publican in politics and was trustee of the Fire Department for a year; he is also a 
trustee of St. Paul's German Lutheran church. He married Hermina Praker, and 
they have four children: Alfred, Louise, Belva Cohoe and Amelia. 

Kinsella, Michael, was born in Ireland in 1824, a son of John and Catherine Kin- 
sella. His mother died in Ireland, and Mr. Kinsella came with his father to America 
in 1848, locating in the town of Newfane, where his father died. Michael Kinsella 
bought a farm in 1875 and has seventy acres, all but two under cultivation. He is a 
breeder of cattle and horses and is a good farmer, having a fine home. In 1857 he 
married Margaret Wall of Newfane. He has three brothers and three sisters: 
Lizzie, Frank and Mary, all dead; John resides in Newfane, Thomas in Spencer- 
port, and Hannah G. Barray lives in Buffalo. 



Tallon, John M., Wheatfield, was born in York county, Ontario, Canada, August 
6, 1856. He learned the trade of barrel maker with his father, who conducted a coop- 
erage at Vaughn Mills, Ont., for some years; he came to the United States in 1874, 
and after returning to Canada for a time, finallj' settled in North Tonawanda in 
1885, where he has successfully conducted a cooperage on Thompson street. He 
makes about 45,000 fruit and flour barrels and 5,000 kegs annually, and employs as 
high as nine men in the busy season. Mr. Tallon is a member of the C. M. B. A. 
and is a Democrat in politics. He married Ellen McCann of North Tonawanda. 

Fowler, William C. , was born in North Tonawanda, September 8, 1869, and 
worked for some time in the shingle business with his father. He afterwards 
worked in the lumber yard of the T. L. & Saw Mill Company; then for eight years 
was cashier in the freight office of the New York Central Railroad, and on April 25, 
1896, entered into partnership with E. A. Koetsch, forming the jewelry firm of 
Koetsch & Fowler, which holds a foremost place among the business houses of the 
county. Mr. Fowler is a member of the 25th Separate Company and also of the First 
Methodist church; he is a member of Masonic Lodge No. 247, Tonawanda, N. Y. 
His parents were Robert and Mary Fowler. His father died in Maj', 1895, and 
was well known as a rafter of timber and afterwards a shingle manufacturer. 

Myrick, F. A., Wheatfield, was born in Taunton, Mass., and has been connected 
with the lumber business since he was nineteen years old. He came to North Ton- 
awanda in 1882 and about six years ago he bought a planing mill which he conduct- 
ed for five years. After acting as a buyer for a New York lumber house for some 
time he started into the lumber business for himself in 1893. His business is strictly 
wholesale and he handles from six million to eight million feet annually. In 1890 
he married Maud G. Hittel, and they have one son, Paul Myrick. Mr. Myrick's 
parents were W. C. and Myra F. (Paul) Myrick. The Myricks have been in America 
since ante-Revolution days and one of his ancestors, on his mother's side, was a 
Revolutionary soldier. 

Dinan, William, jr., was born at Lewiston, N. Y , June 24, 1854, and is a son of 
William Dinan, a worthy farmer, who later in life became superintendent of Oak- 
wood Cemetery at Niagara Falls. Mr. Dinan received his education at the public 
schools of Lewiston. His father had purchased a farm of 150 acres of fertile land in 
Boyd county, Ky., whither he removed with his family in the spring of 1870, but re- 
turned to Niagara Falls in the spring of 1871. Upon his arrival in Niagara Falls 
William Dinan, jr., entei-ed the employ of the International Hotel as barman, where 
he remained for two years. At this time (1873) Mrs. Col. Peter A. Porter engaged 
him as coachman and he served her in that capacity until her removal from Niagara 
Falls in 1875. He then returned to the International Hotel, where he worked as 
omnibus and carriage driver for four summers, spending vacations in travel in the 
South and West. He \yas of a roving disposition and spent the following five years 
in Colorado, California and Oregon in prospecting, mining and general travel, return- 
ing to Niagara Falls on July 4, 1884. He was persuaded to remain in the East and 
in the fall of 1886 built a substantial home for himself, and on April 19, 1886, mar- 
ried Louise A. Wegner of Buffalo. He was appointed as patrolman on the police 
force on April 23, 1886, and served the town in that capacity until March, 1892, 



when ho was given a commission as chief of police of Niagara Falls, which office he 
now holds. 

Denham, Rev. B. O., was born near Bloomington, 111., September 22, 1865. He 
was educated at the Salem Academy, Salem, Mo., and the Illinois Wesleyan Univer- 
sity, Bloomington, 111. He engaged in business pursuits for four years in Kansas 
City, Mo., finally entering the ministry in 1890, as pastor of the Christian church, 
Olathe, Kan. He was formally ordained to the ministry, March 15, 1891. He re- 
mained at Olathe for sixteen months, doing a successful work, when he went to 
Kansas City, Kan., as pastor of the Central Christian church of that city. Here he 
remained for four and a half years, adding over seven hundred members to the church. 
July 1, 1896, he took the pa.storate of the Church of Christ of North Tonawanda, N. 
Y., where in the first eight months of his work one hundred members have been 
added to the church, giving it a membership of four hundred and seventy, being the 
largest protestant membership in this city. He is a lecturer of recognized ability, 
and has won a high reputation as an orator, preacher and Christian worker. Mr. 
Denham publishes a weekly paper in connection with his work, called Onward. 
He also contributes to the national Christian Endeavor organ of his denomination, 
the Lookout, of Cincinnati, O. He served one term as president of the Kansas 
Christian Endeavor Union. He is now corresponding secretary of the New York 
Christian Missionary Society. While in Kansas he led the fight for the extermination 
of the lotteries of that State, and won the fight. He has dedicated four churches 
and ordained three men to the ministry of the gospel. In his different fields of 
labor, and a»an evangelist he has added 1,135 members to the churches of Christ. 
In 1888 he married Azubah Squier, of Hardin, 111., and they have three sons: Leland, 
Ralph and Charles. 

Schwartz, Daniel W., was born near Marburg, Germany, November 18, 1864, a 
son of John Schwartz. He was educated in Germany and immigrated to America 
in 1880, entering the hotel business with his uncle, George W. Schwartz, at Niagara 
Falls. Upon the death of his uncle in 1887, Mr. Schwartz bought the hotel property 
from the estate and has since been eminently successful as proprietor of the Hotel 
Schwartz. He is a man of genial manner and strict integrity and has won many 
warm friends and the full respect of all who know him. 

Hepworth, John T., was born in Buffalo, N. Y., a son of W. H. and Annie Hep- 
worth. Mr. Hepworth was educated in his native city and his father established a 
dry goods business in the Twin Cities and John T. was a partner with him for some 
time. In 1891 he went out of the dry goods business and embarked in the insurance 
and real estate, which he still conducts. Mr. Hepworth was a member of the 25th 
Separate Company for five years and is a Prohibitionist in politics. In 1891 he mar- 
ried Emily R. Pinner. In addition to his other business, Mr. Hepworth is also a 
notary public. 

Brown, Wesley P., was born at Peru, Berkshire county, Mass., October 15, 1838, 
and is the the youngest son of Elija Brown, who was by occupation a farmer. Mr. 
Brown attended the public schools at Pittsfield, Mas.s. , whither his parents removed 
during his infancy. At the age of seventeen he entered the employ of the New York 
Central Railroad Company, as fireman, and afterward became an engineer for that 



20 

company, which position he held for eighteen 5'ears. Since October, 1875, he has 
been engine dispatcher at Niagara Falls and has complete charge of the locomotive 
department of the works of the New York Central Railroad Company at that place. 
He has the full confidence of the company, and is faithful in the discharge of the 
responsible position. 

Waud, Denby, was born at St. Catherine's, Ontario, Canada, November 11, 1843, a 
son of Robert Waud. He attended the public schools of his native town and at the 
age of fourteen began to learn the bricklayer's trade, afterwards the barber's trade, 
which he followed until his appointment as a special inspector of customs at the port 
of Niagara, which office he still holds. In July, 1871, he married Mary Deimer, and 
they have four children. Mr. Waud is a member of the I. O. O. F. and F. & A. M., 
and is held in high esteem by his fellow citizens. 

Holman, Frank N. , was born in Springville, Erie county, N.Y., July 27, 1864, and 
was educated at Griffith Institute and Hamilton College, from which latter institu- 
tion he was graduated m the class of 1885. He read law in Buffalo with Humphrey 
& Lockwood and Green & Marcy, and was admitted to the bar in June, 1887. In 
November, 1893, he came to North Tonawanda, but also has an office in Buffalo. 
In 1890 Mr. Holman married Pauline Mueller. His parents were Frank B. and 
Melinda (Newton) Holman. His grandfather, Joel D. Holman, was a Vermont man 
and was the son of a Revolutionary soldier who served in Washington's army. Mr. 
Holman's grandmother was a Rockwell and her grandmother married the great- 
grandfather of General Grant. Mr. Holman took a very prominent part in the 
presidential elections of 1892 and 1896. In 1892 he was employed by the New York 
Reform Club and was assigned as speaker to the States of Wisconsin, Iowa, Minne- 
sota, Michigan and Indiana and delivered forty-eight addresses in these States dur- 
ing that campaign. In the campaign of 1896 he was on the stump for the National 
Democratic ticket for three weeks, in and around New York city. 

McBean, George, was born at Atherton Mills, Ontario, Can., but has resided in 
North Tonawanda since ten years of age and has been engaged in the lumber busi- 
ness since 1871. He was with A. M. Dodge thirteen years and with Dodge & Bliss 
four years. The officers of the company are Delos Bliss, president; W. F. Brown, 
secretary and treasurer; George McBean, manager, at North Tonawanda. At this 
place they handle from thirteen to fifteen million feet of lumber annually and their 
spacious yards are admirably equipped, containing a cottage, offices, mills and 
sheds. Mr. McBean is one of the representative business men of North Tona- 
wanda and is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Odd Fellows; also chair- 
man of the Republican City Committee. Mr. McBean's father, Alexander, was also 
a prominent man of the place and was president of the village for many years. 

Lynch. Daniel M., was born at Niagara Falls, N. Y. , February 3, 1858, and is a 
son of Daniel Lynch, a wholesale and retail dealer in boots and shoes. Mr, Lynch 
was educated at the public schools and at St. Mary's Institute, in Niagara Falls, and 
in 1873 entered his father's store to learn the business and is at present manager of 
one of two large stores under the firm name of Daniel Lynch & Sons. The business 
was established in 1849 and has continued to increase until the opening of an addi- 
tional store became a necessity. 



21 

Gassier, William F., was boru in Wurtemberg, Germany, August 9, 1843, where 
he attended the public schools, and later learned the trade of baker. At the age of 
twenty he was enlisted in the German army, where he served four years, then ob- 
taining papers of furlough he came to New York city in 1866, where he worked at 
his trade until 1869, when he removed to Niagara Falls, where he worked for Will- 
iam Hutzel as baker for eighteen months. On January 21, 1871, he established him- 
self in the bakery business, in which he continues at the present time. He was nat- 
uralized during the second administration of President U. S. Grant. In 187U he 
married Rosina M. Gann, of Niagara Falls, and has one son, William F. Gassier, jr. 
He is a Mason and a member of the A. O. U. W. He is also a veteran of the 42d 
Separate Company, N. G. N. Y. 

Arkush, Solomon F., was born in New York city, December 22, 1857, a son of 
Isaac J. and Sophia Arkush, natives of Russia Poland, who came to this country in 
1856. When six years of age his parents removed to Denver, Col., but returned to 
New York city in 1867. After a short stay in New York city they located in Schen- 
ectady, N. Y., and Syracuse, N. Y., where he received his early education in the 
public schools. In 1873 they again removed to New York city, and in the same year 
he entered the house of the Butterick Publishing Company, remaining with them 
until 1877, when he decided to take up the cutter's profession. Until the year 1884 
he held positions as cutter with well known firms of New York city and with the 
firms of Yates & Company and Danziger Brothers, of Syracuse, N. Y. In 1884 he 
re-entered the employ of the Butterick Publishing Company at New York city as de- 
signer in the men's department, and associate editor of the "Tailors' Review," where 
he remained until 1893, when he removed to Niagara Falls, N. Y., and formed a 
partnership in the merchant tailoring business with one Morre, the firm being 
known as Morre & Arkush. In March, 1894, on account of difficulties with his part- 
ner, the Supreme Court granted a dissolution, and appointed S. F. Arkush receiver 
of the firm, and in six months he closed up the affairs of the firm, paying all creditors 
in full. On February 4, 1895, he was appointed to the position of city clerk by 
Mayor David Phillips, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation, of L. P. Dayton. 
He was reappointed by Mayors Cutler, Schoellkopf and Hastings, during their suc- 
cessive terms of office. On May 17, 1877, he married Helen F. , daughter of William 
F. and Mary E. Evans of Niagara Falls. He has four brothers and three sisters liv- 
ing in New York city, where his parents died ; the mother in 1873, and the father in 
1887. 

Benham, Nathaniel L., was born at Seneca Falls, N. Y., October 29, 1851, and 
was the third son of John A. Benham. who was a builder and contractor there, and 
died in Sacramento. Cal., in 1890, at the age of seventy. Mr. Benham is a direct 
descendant of John Benham, who came to this country in 1630 from Plymouth, 
England, settling at Dorchester, Mass. In 1639 John Benham accompanied the 
colony of Eaton and Davenport to New Haven and was one of the heads of seventy 
families that constituted that settlement. On the maternal side he is a descendant 
of Cary Latham, who was one of the founders of New London, Conn. Mr. Benham 
received his education in the public schools of Seneca Falls and later in the Seneca 
I'alls Academy and prepared for college. At the age of seventeen he began teach- 
ing school in the town of Seneca Falls, and afterwards was connected with the 



22 

schools of the village of Seneca Falls for eight years. During this period he had 
been studying law in the office of J. N. Hammond, at Seneca Falls, and in 1878 he 
was admitted to the bar of the State of New York. He practiced his profession at 
Waterloo (the county seat of Seneca county), being the senior partner of the firm of 
Benham & Rood, until 1880, when he removed to Buffalo. He there engaged in the 
railroad business with the New York Central Railroad and afterwards in the general 
eastern freight office of the Michigan Central Railroad. In 1884 he was appointed 
principal of the Niagara Falls Union School and remained as such until 1891, when 
he was chosen superintendent of the public schools of the village of Niagara Falls. 
On the organization of the city of Niagara Falls he was continued as superintendent 
of the city schools. He also is clerk of the Board of Education. He has been for 
many years a director of the Niagara Permanent Savings and Loan Association, 
one of the most flourishing local loan associations in the State. He is a past master 
of Niagara Frontier Lodge No. 132, F. & A. M., and a member of Niagara Chapter 
No. 200, R. A. M., and Niagara Commandery No. 64, K. T. In 1886 he married 
Margaret E. Sheldon of Niagara Falls, by whom he had three children, two of 
whom, daughters, are living. 

Dean, William H., was born at Detroit, Mich., November 8, 1837, and is a son of 
Frederick Dean, a butcher, who removed to Niagara Falls in 1838. In 1848 his 
parents removed to Lewiston, N. Y. , where he took up his studies in the Lewiston 
public schools, and at the age of fifteen he left school and entered business with his 
father, where he remained until 1859, when he returned to Niagara Falls, forming a 
partnership with William M. Sherwood and establishing a meat market business, 
which was successfully carried on for twenty 5^ears. The partnership was dissolved 
in 1881, and since that time he has continued in the same line of business alone. 
Mr. Dean married Ada M. Brook at Lewiston in 1858, and has had three children, 
two of whom survive, William H. Dean, jr., and F. A. W. Dean. Mr. Dean has 
been for twenty years a member of the A. O. U. W. 

Shepard, William (deceased), was born at Lockport, N. Y., November 21, 1832, a 
son of James Shepard (deceased). He was graduated from the Union School of 
Lockport and at an early age took up the trade of mason and builder, serving his 
apprenticeship with his father at Lockport. In 1851 the family removed to Niagara 
Falls, where William at once established himself in business and from that time 
until he passed away, on November 20, 1895, prosperity attended his efforts. His 
building work was always so well done that it was a model of perfection and his 
sterling worth was soon recognized, hence his success. Among the most prominent 
structures at Niagara Falls that stand as monuments to his skill are the Interna- 
tional Hotel; the Inclined Railway at the State Reservation; the immense mills of 
Schoellkopf & Matthews, and manj^ of the finest residences of the city. His la.st 
important contracts were the building of the great plant of the Carborundum Com- 
pany and the Shelter house on Goat Island. Mr. Shepard was a man of fine mind 
and of domestic tastes, preferring his home to outside organizations, being a mem- 
ber of the Royal Templars and the A. O. U. W. In 1855 he married Anna Belle Liv- 
ingston, and they had four sons: James L. , George G., Will A. and Charles T., one 
daughter, Jessie A., all of whom survive, and one daughter, Jennie, who died at the 
age of twenty-three, in 1882. 



23 

Shepard, George G., was born at Niagara Falls, N. Y., November IG, 1805, a son 
of the late William Shepard. He was educated in the public schools and De Veaux 
College at Niagara Falls, and when eighteen years of age entered the employ of the 
Cataract Bank as a runner, but soon rose to the position of assistant cashier, which 
office he filled until 1893. In December, 1894, Mr. Shepard became identified with 
the Electric City Bank as its cashier and still retains that position. November 15, 
1890, he married Edith Pfeiffer and they have one child, Marion. Mr. Shepard is a 
member of Niagara Frontier Lodge No. 132, F. & A. M., of Niagara Chaj)ter No. 200, 
R. A. M., and has been a member of the 42d Separate Co., N. G. N. Y., since 1889, 
and second lieutenant since January, 1897. 

Porter, Alexander J., was born at Niagara Falls, June 29, 1863, a son of the late 
Hon. Albert Augustus Porter of that city. He received his education under private 
tutors and at the age of seventeen removed to Auburn, where he became manager 
of one of the departments of the Osborn Manufacturing Company and remained 
with that firm until 1888, when he returned to Niagara Falls to assume the position 
of treasurer of the Pettebone Paper Co., of which Maj. L. W. Pettebone is vice-pres- 
ident, and still remains in that office. In 1888 he was appointed secretary of the 
Niagara Falls Power Company to succeed the original secretary, Mr. George N. 
Miller, and retained that position until 1894. Mr. Porter is a director of the Niagara 
Falls and Suspension Bridge Railroad Company, a director of the F. W. Oliver Com- 
pany and vice-president and director of the Dobbie Foundry Co., and has been a 
trustee of the Niagara County Savings Bank since its incorporation in 1891. In June, 
1894, Mr. Porter was married to Maud M., a daughter of President John W. Lang- 
muir, of the Queen Victoria Park, Canada, and they have two children, Albert A. 
and Margaret J. Mr. Porter is a man of high attainments and is highly honored and 
respected by his fellow citizens, and well sustains the reputation of his father and 
the Porter family. 

Jameson, William Arthur, was born near the city of St. Stephen, N. B., at the 
head of tidewater and navigation on the St. Croix River. He is the son of Charles 
Jameson, whose ancestors were Scotch. The latter was both a shipbuilder and 
farmer, and still resides in that city at the age of eighty-nine years. Mr. Jameson 
inherited a taste for mechanics and gained considerable knowledge of the practice of 
the same during his youth. In the fall of 1870 he left home, reaching Hartford. 
Conn., September 30 of that year, and at once obtained a situation with the Weed 
Sewing Machine Company. He was at first engaged at general repairs about the 
manufactory, and afterwards spent several years at carpentry and building. In 
1877 he removed to Wallingford, Conn., taking a position with the Oneida Com- 
pany, which was just arranging to manufacture spoons, forks, etc., remaining there 
until 1881, wh?n the company decided to move its works to Niagara Falls. May 1, 
1881, he removed to the latter place, superintended the construction of the factory 
buildings and installed the machinery plant for the manufacture of plated ware. 
He afterwards superintended the manufacture of these wares until April 1, 1893, 
when an engagement covering sixteen years was voluntarily severed to enable Mr. 
Jameson to start a new enterprise, the Niagara Silver Company. As manager of 
this company he arranged for securing the present premises and the erection of 
buildings, purchased and installed the machinery and turned out the first finished 



24 

spoon July 15, 1893. Mr. Jameson is a stockholder in the Carter-Crume Company, 
of which the Niagara Silver Company is a branch; also in the Oneida Company, 
several building and loan associations and land companies. He is also interested in 
real estate, including several land syndicates. April 9, 1873, he married a New 
England lady, whose maiden name was Clara A. Jameson. They have an adopted 
daughter, Daisy Gertrude. Mr. Jameson is a man of enterprise, public-spirited and 
highly respected in the business and social world. His success as a business man is 
due entirely to his own untiring energy, and he might be regarded as the highest 
type of a self-made American citizen. 

Vogt, Jacob B., was born at Niagara Falls, N. Y., April 11, 1852, a son of Jacob 
J. Vogt, a prosperous farmer of that place, now retired. Jacob B. Vogt was edu- 
cated in the public schools at Niagara Falls and l)e Veaux College and later took a 
course in Bryant & Stratton's Business College at Buffalo. After finishing his 
schooling in 1871, he returned to his father's farm and remained there until 1873, 
when upon coming of age his father set off for him from his farm 150 acres of cleared 
land, which he cultivated and from which he received the proceeds until 1883, at 
which time he purchased that plot of land from his father and continued at farming, 
and in 1889 bought twenty acres more of the home farm. During the land boom of 
1891 he sold 165 acres from his farm at a good round sum an acre and built for him- 
self a handsome residence on the remaining five acres, where he now resides, leading 
the quiet life of a retired farmer. Mr. Vogt has dealt extensively in real estate and 
has been successful in all of his operations. October 18, 1876, he married Mary S. 
Whitney, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Garrett) Whitney of Niagara Falls, and 
they have four children, J. Whitney, Catherine E., Charles W. and Clarence B. 

Esslie, Adam, deceased, was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, April 23, 1831, 
and educated in the common schools of his native town. In 1854 he immigrated to 
America, settling at Niagara Falls, N. Y., where he took up the calling of farmer, 
and in 1868 bought fifty acres of fertile land in the town of Niagara, and established 
the present Esslie homestead farm. He was an industrious and highly respected 
farmer and esteemed by all his fellow citizens, and was deeply mourned upon his 
passing away, November 12, 1888. Since his decease Mrs. Esslie has continued to 
reside at the farm near the historic Schlosser's dock, a typical country home. Mrs. 
Esslie has reared a family of eleven children, six sons and five daughters, all of whom 
are still living. During the land boom in 1891 she sold half of her farm (twenty-four 
acres) at eight hundred and fift}' dollars an acre, for which her husband had paid but 
eighty dollars an acre. Mrs. Esslie lives a quiet, retiring life, much esteemed by 
her neighbors and friends. Adam Esslie was married in January, 1861, to Caroline 
Strieker, a daughter of George Strieker of Niagara Falls. Mr. Esslie and family 
were members of the Lutheran church. In politics he was a Democrat. 

Hulett, Judge Theodore G., was born at Williamsburgh, Mass., June 13, 1811, and 
is a son of Anthony Hulett. Mr. Hulett received very little schooling and at the age 
of twelve left home and apprenticed himself to Ja.son Clapp, a carriage maker at Pitts- 
field, Mass., at a salary of fifty dollars a year, one quarter's schooling and furnished 
his own clothing. From his employer he obtained a loan of fifty dollars, giving his 
note, and purchased a small library and a box of tallow candles in order to read and 



study at night. After serving his apprenticeship he was in Pittsfield, Albany and 
Troy, working at his trade in summer and reading law in the winter for three years. 
He came to Niagara Falls in 1834 and after working two years at the manufacture of 
carriage sprmgs, he went into business for himself. In 1847 he mas made superintend- 
ent of the first suspension bridge across Niagara River ; he invented and built the iron 
basket which hung beneath the railway suspension bridge and which is now in the 
rooms of the Buffalo Historical Society. He has superintended the building of many 
suspension bridges in various parts of the country and he invented and patented the 
cast iron shackle fastenings which secure the cables of the first Niagara Suspension 
Bridge, built in 1865, to the anchors. In 1858 he built the Niagara Falls Gas Works 
and run them for twelve years. He built gas works in 1870 at Dansville and War- 
saw, N. Y., and in 1873 he constructed' the o.xyhydric gas plant at Buffalo, on plans 
furnished by a prominent French engineer. In 1849 he was elected justice of the 
peace of the town of Niagara and held that oflfice for over thirty consecutive years; 
during that time he also served as judge of the Courts of Sessions and Oyer and 
Terminer of Niagara county for four years. He took an active part in the cau.se of 
the Union during the war and assisted in raising and equipping the 8th N. Y. Heavy 
Artillery; he devised and executed means by which soldiers' families were relieved 
to the extent of §28,000 without creating an indebtedness of the town. Late in life 
he originated the idea of cementation of the dead and was elected president of the 
American Cementation Society on November 26, 1886. Judge Hulett has attained 
some fame as a poet and is to-day what may be termed one of the best living ex- 
ponents of the old school. He keeps fully posted on the times and bears a wide rep- 
utation as a most skillfull and ingenious civil engineer. In 1833 he married Mercy 
A. Bailey of Pittsfield, Mass., and they had three children, only one of whom sur- 
vives, Mrs. J. B. Gates, of Niagara Falls. He has seven grandchildren and seven 
great-grandchildren living. Mrs. Hulett is dead. In politics he was originally a 
Whig, later a Republican. 

Lovell, Prof. Thomas B., was born at Brooklyn. N. Y., November 12, 1838, and 
is a son of Robert Lovell who was a baker of that city. He attended the public 
schools at Rochester, whence his parents had removed in 1843; in 1853 his parents 
removed to Nunda, where three years later he entered the Nunda Academy and 
was graduated from there in 1857. The following fall he entered the Rochester 
(N. Y.) LTniversity, where he completed the classical course, graduating in 1862; 
and had conferred upon him the degree of A. B. and three years later the degree 
of A. M. by the Rochester University. In 1863 he was appointed principal of the 
Penfield (N. Y.) Seminary, where he remained for one year, when he went to the 
Marion Collegiate Institute, at Marion. N. Y.. in the same capacity (principal), 
holding that position till 1870. when he was appointed principal of the Attica (N. Y.) 
Union School, remaining there until, on August 1, 1892, he received his appointment 
as principal of the Cleveland Avenue High School, at Niagara Falls, which position 
he now holds. In 1891 he was chosen president of the Principals' Association of 
New York State. April 14, 1864. he married Ada \'. Hammond, and they have one 
son. 

Dobbie, John, was born at Thorold, Ontario, Canada, January 17, 1S62, a son of 
d 



26 

the late Archibald Dobbie, who was a prominent manufacturer and machinist of 
that place. Mr. Dobbie was educated in the public schools of his native town and 
at the Hamilton (Ont.) Business College; at the age of sixteen he remov^ed with his 
father to Buffalo, where he learned the machinist trade in his father's foundry, and 
followed that pursuit for eight years. From 1886 to 1887 he was engaged in a bank- 
ing institution at Buffalo, at the end of which time he entered the employ of a 
manufacturer of heavy machinery, where he remained for five years. In 1892 he 
formed a partnership with his brother, A. J. Dobbie, and John Stuart, and built 
the present plant at Niagara Falls, where, under the firm name of Dobbie & Stewart, 
they successfully carried on the manufacture of machinery and machinist's imple- 
ments until 1896, when the partnership of Dobbie & Stuart was dissolved and the 
Dobbie Foundry Company, of which John Dobbie is the president, was incorporated 
as a stock company, since which time the business has been controlled by that com- 
pany. In September, 1889, Mr. Dobbie married Linnie I. Jones of Louisville, Ky. , 
and they have one son, John C. 

Bierstadt, Charles, was born at Solingen, Prussia, November 28, 1819, a son of 
the late Henry Bierstadt. He was educated in the national schools of his native 
town and New Bedford, Mass. .whence his parents removed in 1831. At fifteen 
years of age he began his apprenticeship at cabinetmaking and during his six years 
of service he spent some time in the study of photography, in which, in 1856, he and 
his brother Edward made numerous trials and experiments which proved successful, 
and then they established themselves in business as photographers. In 1863 Mr. 
Bierstadt removed his business to Niagara Falls, N. Y., where he has since carried 
it on with great success. He is an expert in stereoscopic views and has in connec- 
tion with his manufactory a large bazaar where his views and many relics and curios 
are displayed to advantage. 

Babcock, Edward O., was born in Chautauqua county, N. Y. , November 29, 1861, a 
son of the late Asel Babcock. He attended the public schools at Jamestown, N. Y. , 
and Jamestown Collegiate Institute and was graduated from the latter institution in 
1880. In the same year he entered the employ of J. W. Prossor & Co., wall paper 
dealers of Jamestown, and remained with that firm until 1884, at which time he re- 
moved to Niagara Falls, and after two years of service with Benjamin Rhodes in 
the same line of business he formed a partnership with Mr. Rhodes, which existed 
until 1889, when Mr. Babcock bought out his partner's interest in the business and 
has ever since operated it alone and has been successful and popular. October 
29, 1885, he married Jennie Davy, and they have one child, Howard O. Mr. Bab- 
cock is a member of numerous organizations and enjoys the high esteem of his fel- 
low citizens. 

Welch, John H., was born at Brockport, N.Y. , July 17, 1863, a son of John Welch. 
He was educated in the public schools of his native town, the State Normal School 
and St. Joseph's College at Buffalo, and later took a course in the Notre Dame 
(Indiana) University, and was graduated therefrom in 1881. For several years there- 
after he was employed as a clerk in the Chicago office of the Grand Trunk Railroad 
Company and later removed to Rochester, N. Y., where he learned the clothing 
business with M. H. Carroll and in 1887 he returned to his home town and entered 



27 

into business with his brother, as the Welch Hat and Clothing Company, carry- 
ing on that business successfully until 1893, when he removed to Niagara Falls 
and established his present business as clothier and tailor. June 12, 1894, Mr. Welch 
married Catherine G. Kirby, and they have one child, Albertine L. Mr. Welch is a 
member of Niagara Council No. 1,397, Royal Arcanum; of Niagara Chapter No. 
346, B. P. O. E., and of Rescue Hook and Ladder Company No. 2. He is a man 
of genial manner, of business ability and tact and is highly esteemed by all who 
know him. 

Home, Hon. Walter P., was born at Boston, Mass., April 20, 1849, and is a son of 
John Home (deceased). Mr. Home was educated in the public schools of Boston 
and at the age of sixteen came to Suspension Bridge and found employment in the 
stock yards of the New York Central Railroad Company at that place, where he re- 
mained for two years, at which tmie his cousin, George E. Brock, persuaded him to 
leave the stock yards and help him in his meat market. He remained with Mr. 
Brock until 1871, when he launched out into the flour and feed business as his own 
master, and carried that business on successfully until the spring of 1872, when he re- 
turned to Boston, thence in 1874 to Suspension Bridge, and assumed the manage- 
ment of Atwood's Western Hotel. He continued there until 1883, and upon the 
death of the proprietor he purchased the hotel, remodeled and refurnished it and has 
operated it successfully ever since. In 1896 he purchased a half interest m the 
Lockport Union Sun Publishing Company, which he still retains. On April 15, 1893, 
he was appointed postmaster at Suspension Bridge, and on June 15, 1894, was given 
a new commission embracing Suspension Bridge and Niagara Falls, as postmaster, 
which position he now holds. Mr. Home is vice-president of the Buflfalo and 
Niagara Falls Electric Light and Power Company and a director of the Bank of 
Suspension Bridge. He has been president of the School Board of Suspension 
Bridge, president of the Board of Water Works, member of the Board of Trustees of 
the village and was a member of the Legislature from 1885 to 1886. 

Welch, Hon. Thomas V., was born in Camillus, Onondaga county, N. Y., October 
1, 1850, a son of the late Thomas Welch and Honor Holland Welch. He was edu- 
cated in the public schools of Niagara Falls, to which place his parents came with 
their family in 1856, and he began his business career in 1873 as freight agent for 
the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad Company. In 1875 he engaged 
in mercantile business, from which he retired in 1893. He was clerk of the village 
of Niagara Falls in 1873, 1874; village trustee 1875. 1876; supervisor of the town 
of Niagara 1876, 1877, 1878, being chairman of the county board during the latter 
year. He was Member of As.sembly, 1882, 1883, 1884, and advocated the estab- 
lishment of the State Reservation at Niagara. July 16, 1885, he was appointed 
superintendent of the State Reservation at Niagara, which position he still holds. 
In 1886 he became an incorporator of the Niagara Falls Power Company and was a 
director of the company until the development of the water power was assured. He 
is president of the Niagara County Savings Bank, a trustee of the Niagara Falls 
Public Library, and a trustee of Niagara University. 

Topping, Michael, was born at Haydon Bridge? Northumberland, England, June 
5, 1835, a son of the late Michael Topping, who came to America in 1853 and died in 



28 

Niagara Falls in 1884. Mr. Topping was educated in the Shaftoe Memorial School 
at his native town and immigrated to America with his parents in 1853, settling near 
London, Ontario. In 1865 he removed to Niagara Falls and took up the calling 
of carpenter, which trade he had learned during his sojourn m Canada and which 
he has pursued ever since. Mr. Topping leads a quiet, retired life, respected and 
highly esteemed by all who know him. He is a member of Niagara Frontier Lodge 
No. 132, F. & A. M., of Niagara Chapter No. 200, of Niagara Commandery No. 64, 
and is also a Royal Templar and a charter member of the A. O. U. W. 

Brooks, Frederick, was born at La Salle, N. Y., July 5, 1858, a son of the late 
George Brooks. He attended the public schools of his native town until thirteen 
years of age, when he went to work for Jackson Angevine, and in 1881 he entered 
the employ of Daniel Dietrich, a carpenter and builder at La Salle, where he 
learned the trade which he has followed ever since. For some time after serving 
his apprenticeship he did journeyman work. In 1892 he formed a partnership 
with Robert Greenwaldt of La Salle, and under the firm name of Brooks & 
Greenwaldt they have erected a number of fine buildings in Niagara Falls and 
vicinity and have been successful in all of their operations. April 15, 1884, he mar- 
ried Sophia A. Ortt of La Salle, and they have one child, Serena A. Mr. Brooks 
has served the town of La Salle for a number of years as trustee and highway com- 
missioner. 

Flagler, Gen. Benjamin, was born in Lockport, N. Y., December 10, 1833, a son 
of Sylvester Flagler, a prosperous and highly respected farmer of that place. Mr. 
Flagler was educated in the pubhc schools of Niagara county and at Lockport Union 
School. After leaving school he remained at home on the farm until 1859, when he 
entered the Erie Canal collector's office at Lockport, as chief clerk. In 1861 he en- 
tered the service of the United States as captain of a company of the 28th N. Y. 
Vols., the first regiment organized in Niagara county at the breaking out of the 
Civil war. The regiment was ordered to the front and during the battle of Win- 
chester, Va., Captain Flagler was seriously wounded, necessitating his discharge 
from the service. He returned to his home at Lockport and some time later was ap- 
pointed inspector of customs at Suspension Bridge, in which capacity he served un- 
til 1864. In 18T2 he was appointed special deputy collector at the same port and re- 
tained that position until 1878, when he was made collector of customs for the dis- 
trict of Niagara, remaining in that office until 1886. January 1, 1895, he was ap- 
pointed chief of ordnance of the State of New York, on the staff of Governor Mor- 
ton, with the rank of brigadier-general, and was reappointed to the same position 
by Governor Black, and is the present incumbent. In 1886 he became one of the 
organizers of the Bank of Suspension Bridge, of which he was made president and 
which office he still fills; he was also active in the organization of the Niagara Falls 
and Suspension Bridge Railroad Company, of which he became president and re- 
tained that position until 1890. He is iirst vice-president and a director of the Niag- 
ara Falls Power Company and a director of the Bank of Niagara at Niagara Falls. 
November 9, 1859, he married Martha J. McKnight of the town of Newfane, and 
they had one son, Sylvester, deceased. General Flagler is a member of Niagara 
Frontier Lodge No. 132, F. & A. M., of Niagara Falls, and a thirty-third degree 
honorary member of the Supreme Council of the Northern Jurisdiction, and has been 



29 

grand master of the State of New York. He is also a member of Dudley Donnelly 
Post No. 133, G. A. R., of which he was commander for five years. He is also a 
member of New York Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion. 
Politically he was one of the organizers of the Republican party of this State, being 
a delegate in the first County Convention of the Republican party in Niagara 
county. 

Scott, Walter A., M. D., was born at Readsboro, Vt. , March 2.5, 1871, and is a son 
of S. Walter Scott, M. D., of Troy, N. Y. Mr. Scott attended the public schools at 
Greenwich, N. Y., whither his parents had removed in 1883, and at the age of eight- 
een he entered the Syracuse (N. Y.) University and was graduated from there in the 
medical department in 1892. During the following year he was house surgeon at 
St. Joseph's Hospital, Syracuse, and in January, 1893, removed to Niagara Falls, 
where he has built up for him.self a large and paying practice. He was appointed 
health officer of Niagara Falls in April, 1896. to succeed Dr. J. H. Meehan, and is 
still an incumbent of that office. On April 26, 1893, he married Daisy Tallman of 
Syracuse, and they have one daughter, Louise A. 

Van Pelt, John Grove, M. D., was born in Williamsville, Erie county, N. Y., De- 
cember 25, 1848, a son of the late William Van Pelt, M.D., a very learned gentleman 
and eminent physician of that place. John Van Pelt received his education in the 
public schools and Williamsville Academy, and in the Buffalo Central High School. 
At the age of twenty two he returned to his native place and taught school there for 
three winters, in time taking up the study of medicine, and in 1876 was graduated 
from the Buffalo Medical School ; following upon his graduation he spent a year and 
a half in the Buffalo Plains Hospital as house surgeon. In the autumn of 1877 he 
removed to Wyoming county, where he was placed in charge of the Alms House and 
Insane Asylum, remaining in that position until 1888, at which time he removed to 
Niagara Falls, where he has since enjoyed a large and paying practice. In the spring 
of 1897 Dr. Van Pelt was appointed physician to the Third and Fourth wards of the 
city of Niagara Falls. July 10, 1883, he married Elizabeth R. Crawford of Benning- 
ton, N.Y., daughter of Thomas and Matilda Crawford, natives of Warsaw, N.Y., both 
deceased. 

Stivers, Charles Gaskill, was born at Jackson Barracks, Louisiana, ISIarch 25, 1869, 
where his father, Capt. Edwin J. Stivers, of the U. S. A. was in command. Captain 
Stivers has since retired and resides in New York city. Charles G, Stivers received 
his early education under private tutors, until sixteen years of age, when he en- 
tered the high school at St. Paul, Minn., whence his parents had removed, and was 
graduated from there in 1888. In the fall of the same year he began his studies of 
medicine in the University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia, and following upon his 
graduation in 1891, when he had won a special prize of a §100 check given by an 
alumnus to the student passing the highest examination in pathology, the position 
of demonstrator of normal and pathological microscopy at the University of Penn- 
sylvania was tendered him and accepted. In 1892 he was appointed resident physi- 
cian at the Philadelphia hospital and remained there until the summer of 1893, when 
he took charge of the practice of Dr. Leonhardt at Tonawanda, N. Y., for one year, 
during the absence of Dr. Leonhardt in Vienna, Austria, and in the fall of 1894 he 



30 

removed to Niagara Falls, where he opened an office and has since remained in the 
enjoyment of a large and growing practice. Dr. Stivers is secretary of the Niagara 
Falls Academy of Medicine, of which he was a charter member and organizer, and 
is prominently identified with numerous other organizations of which he is a mem- 
ber, and for which he acts as surgeon. He is also medical examiner for five prom- 
inent life insurance companies. In September, 1894, he married Grace A., daughter 
of Daniel O. Miltimore of Los Angeles, Cal., and president of the Los Angeles 
Olive Growers' Association. Mrs. Stivers possesses a finely trained soprano voice, 
being a graduate of the Conservatory of Music at Boston, and frequently appears in 
amateur opera. 

Canfield, Mrs. Betsy D., widow of the late Osborn Canfield, was born at Youngs- 
town, N. Y., March 17, 1826, and is the eldest daughter of Olaf Hathaway and Ada- 
line B. Richards. Mrs. Canfield was educated in the public schools of her native town 
and at the age of seventeen left school, going to Willoughby, O., for a space of 
two years, and upon her return in 1845 was united in marriage to Osborn Canfield, 
who was a successful farmer at Y'oungstown, N. Y. In 1850 they removed to 
Niagara Falls, where Mr. Canfield engaged in business as coal dealer, until the 
time of his death on November 4, 1895. He had been more than ordinarily success- 
ful in business and had become owner of a number of valuable pieces of real estate. 
Mr. and Mrs Canfield had two children: Ezzie, wife of George H. Salt, of Niagara 
Falls; and Nettie M., wife of George E. Wright of the same place. Mrs. Canfield's 
father, Olaf Hathaway, was a noted man in many respects, especially in seeking to 
relieve the distress of others. He often jeopardized his life in his efforts to save others. 
In several instances when small boats were icebound on the Niagara River and the ice 
was carrying them into the lake to certain destruction, he would, at the risk of his 
own life, make his way out to them on the floating ice and rescue them. It was a 
pleasure to him to aid suffering humanity. In all the relations of life he was an ex- 
emplary man, and the community in which he lived will long regret his death. 

Russell, Edward E., was born at Henrietta, N. Y. , June 30, 1839, and was a son 
of Perry G. Russell, a farmer, now deceased, who moved to Rochester in 1845. 
Edward E. Russell attended the public schools at the latter city until at the age 
of fifteen he entered the drug store of Hadley & Duryea of Rochester, where he 
remained for four years, learning the business. In 1857 he removed to Niagara Falls 
and entered the employ of A. B. Lawrence & Co., druggists, and at the expiration 
of one year purchased their interest in the business and succesfully carried it on un- 
til 1862, when he enlisted in the ranks of the 151st N. Y. Infantry, and went to the 
front, leaving the business in the hands of H. E. Griffith, with whom he had formed 
a partnership previous to his enlistment.. During the war he served in all the most 
important engagements under Sheridan and Grant, returning to Niagara Falls and 
his business, on being mustered out as adjutant in the spring of 1865. In 1870 he 
sold out his interest in the drug business to his partner, H. E. Griffith, and later 
went to California, where he remained for one year. On returning to Niagara Falls 
in 1879 he formed a partnership with George H. Salt, and began business under the 
firm nam.e of George H. Salt & Co., druggists and apothecaries, where he still con- 
tinues to do business. Mr. Russell is justice of the peace and has been supervisor 



3' 

of the First ward since the city incorporation in 1892. He is a prominent Mason 
and highly respected by all who know him. In November, 1859, he married Mar- 
garet C. Grithth of Niagara Falls, and they have two sons and one daughter. 

Donaby, Richard, was born in Norfolk, England, December 6, 1835, and was a 
son of Thomas Donaby, a well known brewer. At the age of twenty-one Mr. Don- 
aby shipped on a merchant vessel bound to Calcutta, where he served with the 
British East India Company for one year, helping to quell the mutiny of 1856-57. 
In the spring of 1857 he came to New York city where be remained eight months, 
when he went to Norfolk. Va. , enlisting in the United States Navy as able seaman, 
on board the battle-ship, Preble, which was almost immediately ordered to Para- 
guay, S. A., to settle the disagreement of the fall of 1858; after a two years' cruise 
his ship returned to Boston, where he was honorably discharged. He returned to 
New York, where at the first call for volunteers, in the spring of 1861, he re-enlisted 
in the United States Navy and sailed on the Powhattan, commanded by (then) Lieut. 
David D. Porter. At the expiration of his term of enlistment, in the fall of 1864, he 
returned to New York city, and entenng the service of the New York Central Rail- 
road Company, was sent to Albany as a carpenter (having learned and foUownd 
that occupation previous to leaving his home in England, in 1856.) He remained in 
the Albany shops for fourteen years, when he was transferred to the shops at 
Niagara Falls as foreman of repairs, and is still in active service in that capacity. 

Arison, William H., was born in Fayette county. Pa., July 21, 1853, and was a son 
of Matthew Arison, a farmer of that section, now deceased. William Arison attended 
the public schools in Faj^ette county and later the union schools at Monongahela 
City, Pa. In 1873 he married Elizabeth E., daughter of William and Rebecca (Col- 
lins) Coulter, a contractor and builder of Monongahela City, and in the same year 
entered the employ of his wife's father, subsequently entering into partnership, 
where he remained until 1880, when he was made manager of the mercantile de- 
partment of the Harlem Coal Company. Three years later he resigned his position 
and established himself in the dry goods business where he remained until 1892. In 
1894 he was appointed secretary of the Carborundum Company at Monongahela, in 
which he became a director and stockholder. In 1896, upon the completion of the 
big carborundum plant at Niagara Falls, N. Y., he was placed in charge as resident 
manager. He is a director and secretary of the Monongahela Electric Light Company, 
controlled by the Carborundum Company since 1894, and was a member of the City 
Council and Monongahela City School Board for ten years prior to his removal to 
Niagara Falls. His wife died in 1877, leaving one son, Edgar E., and in 1879 he 
married Katharine C. Collins, daughter of James F. and Eliza A. (Weaver) Collins 
and they have one daughter, Katherine. 

Hancock, John M., was born at Chicago, 111., October 17, 1860, a son of William T. 
Hancock and Maria H. Samways, both deceased. John M. Hancock attended the 
public schools at Niagara Falls, and later De Veaux College. At the age of sixteen 
he entered the office of Pierce, Howard & Company in Niagara Falls. Ontario, whole- 
sale dealers in coal and private bankers, where he remained until 1887, when he 
launched out in the same line of business with G. H. & W. S. Pierce, in Niagara 
Falls, N. Y., in which business he still continues alone. Mr. Hancock is one of the 



leading (young) business men of Niagara Falls, highly respected by all who know 
him. September 6, 1887, he married Kate W. Pomroy, and they have two children. 
Mr. Hancock is an ex-member of the Board of Education, also an ex-member of Rescue 
Hook and Ladder Company after serving for five years, and an ex-member of the 
42d Separate Co., N. G. N. Y., after serving as a non-commissioned and commissioned 
officer, for eleven years. 

Hastings, Arthur C , was born at Brooklyn., N.Y., July 13, 1860, and attended the 
public schools of that city; later he took a course in Smith College, at Hatfield, 
Mass., and was graduated from there in 1876. In 1877 he accepted the position of 
secretary of the Rochester Paper Mill Company at Rochester, N. Y., which position 
he filled until 1889, when he came to Niagara Falls and in company with J. F. 
Quigley, built the Cliff Paper Mill, which was completed in the same year and of 
which he remained as manager until 1892, when the Cliff Paper Company was or- 
ganized, of which company he was made secretary, treasurer and manager. He is 
still an incumbent of that office and is also treasurer of the Francis Manufacturing 
Company since its organization in 1895. In 1896. Mr. Hastings was elected police 
commissioner of the city of Niagara Falls, and served as president of the board until 
he resigned to become mayor, to which office he was elected March 2, 1897. He is a 
K. T. and Shriner. 

Wilcox, Francis U., was born November 10, 1865, at New Haven, Conn., and is a 
sou of the late Daniel H. Wilcox, a prominent cotton mei'chant of that place. Francis 
U. was educated at Phillips Academy at Andover, and at Yale College. At seventeen 
years of age Mr. Wilcox removed to Buffalo, N.Y., and entered the employ of Noyes& 
Sawyer, lumber dealers, where he remained for five years. In 1890 he came to Niag- 
ara Falls, N. Y. , and was identified with the engineer corps, in the construction of 
the tunnel of the Niagara Falls Power Company. In 1895 he became secretary and 
treasurer of the Niagara Falls W^ater W'orks Co., and still retains that office. He is 
also president of the Hygeia Ice and Refrigerating Co., and is otherwise identified 
with the business interests of the city. In 1893 Mr. Wilcox married Miss Anne K. 
Corson of New York city. 

Berger, Herman U., was born in Germany in 1851 and came to America in 1867 
with his father, who settled in Buffalo. After working some time in Buffalo, and in 
the nursery business in Rochester, Mr. H. U. Berger became a brakeman on the 
N. Y. Central Railroad between Rochester and Niagara Falls. He was with the 
N. Y. Central from 1868 to 1889, most of the time as conductor and yardmaster. In 
1889 he opened his coal business, which he has since successfully conducted. Mr. 
Berger is one of the enterprising men of North Tonawanda, having served as village 
treasurer for three years and trustee four years. He has served on committees and 
as delegate to Republican conventions repeatedly. Mr. Berger aLso has been a 
director of the German American Bank of Tonawanda since its organization. He is 
a member of the Odd Fellows, the A. O. U. W., the Foresters, the D. O. H. and is 
an exempt fireman. In 1873 he married Anna Westphall and they have seven chil- 
dren: Bertha, Lena, Emma, May, Annie, Herman and Charles. Mr. Berger' s par- 
ents were Herman U. and Bertha Berger, both natives of Germany. 

Smoyer, Henry, M. D. , was born at Pendleton Center, Niagara county, N. Y. 



33 

April 18, 1870, and is the son of Daniel and Dorotha (Boyer) Smoyer. He was edu- 
cated at the Lockport and North Tonawanda Union School ; he then took a three 
years' course in the medical department of Niagara University of Buffalo, and was 
graduated in 1895; also graduating from the Medical College of the State of New 
York the same year. In 1894 Dr. Smoyer married Theresa, daughter of John and 
Elizabeth (Spoth) Bowers. He is a member of the Select Knights and is medical 
examiner for the order in North Tonawanda; he is also medical examiner for the 
Maccabees and the Industrial Insurance Company, and is physician for the town of 
Wheatfield, and city physician for the city of North Tonawanda. 

Morgan, Andrew C, was born at Cambria, N. Y., January 9, 1871, a son of John 
Morgan, a thrifty farmer of that place, now deceased. Andrew C. Morgan attended 
the public schools of his native town and later the High School at Lockport ; at the 
age of seventeen he began teaching .school at Cambria. In the sprmg of 1889 he en- 
tered the law office of the Hon. P. F. King at Lockport, and continued there until 
the following fall, wnen he resumed his calling (as teacher) in the Lockport public 
schools. In the spring of 1890 he removed to Buffalo, where he entered the office of 
William C. Fitch, lawyer, and continued his studies until September of the same 
year, at which time he took a course of one year in the Buffalo Law School; return- 
ing to Lockport in 1891, he again entered the office of the Hon P. F. King, where he 
remained until 1892, when he was admitted to the bar of the Stale of New York at 
Rochester, and two months later formed a partnership with his former instructor, 
P. F. King, at Lockport, which partnership was dissolved in December, 1894. Early 
in 1895 Mr. Morgan removed to Niagara Falls, and has ever since enjoyed a large 
and paying practice, ranking as one of the foremost young attorneys of that city. 

Morrissey, Michael, Somerset, was born in Ireland, in May, 1828, and came to 
America, locating in Somerset, in 1847, where he remained until the fall of 1850, 
when he returned to Ireland and married Margaret Ryan July 29, 18 1. They 
returned to America, coming direct to Somerset and settled on the farm he now 
owns Thej"^ have eleven children: Patrick, born July 7, 1852 now owns the farm ad- 
joining his father's; Elizabeth, deceased, died June 12, 1890; Johanna, born June 5, 
1856; Catharine, born October 29, 1857; Mary Agnes, born March 3, 18fi0; Timothy, 
born July 16, 1862; Michael, born February 17 1865; Margaret, born January 26, 
1863; Nora, born April 30, 1870; Thomas, born October 6, 1872; Alice, born Decem- 
ber 3, 1876. Michael Morrissey, sr., died February 24, 1897. 

Jackson, Dr. A. VV., was born in Lincoln county, Ont., August 22, 1866. His 
father, John Jackson, was a native of the same place, the family settling there in 
1820. John Jackson married Mary, daughter of John Shephard and has made a na- 
tional reputation as a breeder of Southdown sheep. Dr. Jackson was educated ir 
Toronto, and in 1892 graduated from the medical department of the University of 
the City of New New York. He practiced in Mercer county, Pa., until 1893, when 
he entered the medical department of the University of Buffalo, graduating in 1894, 
and establishing his present practice in the same year. In 1892 he married Lillie, 
daughter of Andrew Wilson, and they have one daughter, Joyce M. Dr. Jackson 
IS one of the progressive men of his profession, taking an intelligent interest in edu- 
cation and religious institutions. 



34 

Thorburn, Margaret, born in Queenston, Ontario, Canada, eldest daughter of 
David and Isabel (Thompson) Thorburn, was educated at Lewiston Academy, N. 
Y., and later on at Mrs. Cockburn's Lady's Boarding School in Toronto, Canada. 
In 1853 was married to John Craigie, and they had seven children, four of them are 
now living, David T., John R. T., Mrs. Mabel Lyon and Mrs. Alice T. Trowbridge. 
John Craigie was a native of Scotland; before leaving that country was employed on 
North British Railway as a book-keeper; after coming to Canada entered into mer- 
cantile and milling business; later on as a railroad contractor in this State and 
Pennsylvania. Mr. Craigie settled in Lewiston in 1881 and died May 7, 1887. Mrs. 
Craigie's father, late David Thorburn, was a native of Roxburghshire, Scotland, 
was a merchant and member of Parliament in Canada for several years; also special 
commissioner, and superintendent of Six Nations Indians affairs on Grand River; 
also government arbitrator and stipendiary magistrate on Welland Canal ; his parents' 
names were David and Catharine Thorburn; they lived and died in Scotland. Isabel 
(Thompson) Thorburn's grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Emerick, were natives of Hol- 
land; emigrated to the State of Pennsylvania; settled in township of Pedden, that 
State; during the Revolutionary war they were taken captives by Indians as well as 
two of their children, a son and daughter. Mr. Emerick and little son could not 
carry the pack so were tomahawked; the lives of the mother and daughter were 
saved. After seven years' captivity they were rescued by British officers. 

Ryan, Thomas, is a native of Ireland ; he was born near the city of Tipperary 
in the year 1842. His father died during his early childhood. Some time after 
the death of his father his mother sold her property, and immigrated with her boy 
and girl to this country in 1854 and settled in Lockport, N. Y., with her father 
and three brothers, who had come to this country several years previous. His 
first business experience after coming to this country was at the age of thirteen 
years, when he was employed as a clerk in the grocery business of Samuel Few, 
in whose employ he remained for six years; he was then apprenticed to the ma- 
chinist trade and was employed at that business for several years. He was em- 
ployed several years by James Richmond in the manufacture of grain cleaning 
machinery and bran dusters. After the death of James Richmond, over twenty 
years ago, the business was conducted for several years by WilHam Richmond ; 
when the present Richmond Manufacturing Company was incorporated under the 
laws of the State, Mr. Ryan was one of the stockholders, William Richmond, presi- 
dent. At the present time Mr. Ryan is superintendent and secretary, and William 
Richmond, president. The Richmond Manufacturing Co. is one of the largest and 
most widely known concerns in Western New York and gives employment to from 
thirty to sixty men, manufacturing grain cleaning machinery and bran dusters; 
their business extends all over the United States, Canada, South and Central 
America, England, Ireland, France, Germany, Russia, Turkey and Australia. Mr. 
Ryan was married in 1864 to Mary A., daughter of Samuel Millender, and they 
have two surviving children ; George J., and WilHam F. Their residence is at 47 
Waterman street, Lockport, N. Y. 

Rankine, William B., was born at Oswego, N. Y., January 4, 1858, and is a son 
of the Rev. Dr. Rankine of Geneva, N. Y. William B. Rankine received his early 
e'lucation in the Canandaigua (N. Y.) Academy, and later at Hobart College, and 



Union College, from which later college he was graduated with the degree of A. B. 
in 1877. He later received the degree of A. M. from both colleges. He read law in 
the office of Hon. A. Augustus Porter of Niagara Falls, and was admitted to the 
bar of the State of New York in 1880, and at once entered into the active practice of 
his profession in New York city, where he has since continued. Mr. Rankine is 
a brilliant and successful lawyer. In 1889 he became one of the incorporators of 
the Cataract Construction Company and is at present attorney for and sec- 
retary and treasurer of that company. He is also attorney for the Niagara Falls 
Power Co. ; the Niagara Development Co., and the Niagara Junction Railroad Co., 
as well as president of the Niagara Falls Water Works Co. ; vice-president of the 
Niagara Falls and Suspension Bridge Railroad Co. ; .secretary and treasurer of the 
Canadian Niagara Power Co. ; secretary and treasurer of the Cataract Power and 
Conduit Co. ; and president of the Tonawanda Electric Light and Power Co. Mr. 
Rankine is a man of liberal education, ability and wide influence and is highly 
honored and respected by all. 

Faling, Peter, M. D., was born in Saratoga county, March 12, 1833. His father, 
Cornelius Faling, came to Niagara county in 1839, settling in Royalton, where he 
practiced medicine for thirty five years, and died in 1876. Peter Faling was educated 
in Niagara county, began his study of medicine with Ur. Caleb Hill, of Lockport, 
N. Y., and spent the last two years of his studies with Prof. Aldeu March of Albany, 
N. Y., where he served one year as an interne in the Albany City Hospital, grad- 
uating from the Albany Medical College in 1854, when he returned to Gasport, where 
he has practiced for forty-four years. In 1865 he married Emily, daughter of William 
Robinson. Dr. Faling is a member of the County and State Medical Societies and 
is recognized as a man of conservative character who has ever adaanced the best 
interests of his town and towns people. 

Davis, John W., one of the representative farmers of Hartland, was born in 1824, 
and is a son of William and Hannah (Kenyon^ Davis, William Davis was a native 
of Massachusetts, and came to Cayuga county, N. Y., when he was twenty-one, and 
from there to Niagara county in 1843, settling in the town of Hartland on the farm 
now owned by Mr. Bronson. Mr. Davis died in 1855, and his widow in 1860. March 
16, 1848, Mr. John W Davis married Mary Waterman, and they have four children: 
Eugene, born February 14, 1849, resides in Buffalo and is engineer for a manufac- 
turing company; James A., born December 15, 1850, resides in Buffalo and is in the 
employ of a railroad company ; Carrie, Mrs. Freeman of Middleport, born June 29, 
1855, and George W., born May 21, 1861, married July 1, 1882, Mary Podgers, who 
died October 31, 1885. They have one son, Warren J. Davis, who was born April 
19, 1884; he is now in school and is a very bright and intelligent bo}-. Mrs. Davis, 
wife of John W. , was born October 6, 1829, and is a daughter of John and Caroline 
D. Waterman. Mr. Davis has served his towm as assessor for three years; is a 
birthright Quaker and a staunch Republican. 

Douglass, Jay C, was born in Clinton county, N. Y., February 7, 1856, a son of 
Elijah W. and Harriet A. (Allen) Douglass. Elijah Douglass was born in Washing- 
ton county, and his wife in Clinton county; they (;ame to Wilson in 1865, where he 
bought fifty acres of land and lived until his death, which occurred in 1896; his wife 



36 

died in 1889. Jay C. Douglass was reared on a farm and educated in the common 
schools; he is a farmer and has fifty acres of land where he lives. The paternal 
grandfather, Congdon Douglass, lived and died in Clinton county; he was justice in 
the town of Beakman several years and a member of the Baptist church. Mr. Doug- 
lass has a brother, Weaver M., who is also a farmer and a Republican. 

Porter, Franklin, Somerset, was born in Ontario county, N. Y., November 18, 
1827, and is a son of William A. and Abigail (Sage) Porter, both natives of New 
York. His mother was born in Bloomfield, Ontario county, also married there and 
in 1838 he went to Michigan, where his father died in 1838. They had seven chil- 
dren, four of whom are living: Jane, the eldest, born March 7, 1836, died Janu- 
ary 11, 1897; O. S. Porter, born July 29, 1826, is mayor of Rochester, Minn., and 
has been a member of the General Assembly of that State ; Mary (deceased), born 
July 25, 1831; Elinor, born July 18, 1833, married Albert Hayes; Julia (deceased), 
born September 30, 1835; S. J. Porter, born October 4, 1837. On his mother's side 
he comes from Nathan Herendeen, who was born in Cumberland, R. I., in 1741. 
After he became of age he went to the West Indies, where he married Huldah 
Dillingham in 1764. At the one hundredth anniversary held in Farmington, On- 
tario county, in 1890, there were seven generatious of that family present. In 1769 
he moved to Adams, Mass., where his wife died; he then married Sarah Pierce in 
1785 and one son was born to them. This son obtained 1,000 acres located in 
Farmington, Ontario county, in exchange for his farm in Massachusetts. He re- 
moved to Genesee county in February, 1790 ; there was Nathan, Welcome (his son), 
Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, his daughters, with their husbands, Joshua Herring- 
ton and John McOmber and children. The journey was made with an ox sled 
through a wilderness, no mills, no doctors, no roads. Nathan and son Welcome 
lived together. The mother died in 1807. The oldest of the third generation living 
are Mrs. R. Power, Mrs. Mary Jeffrey, Mrs. Carpenter and Mrs. W. W. Herendeen. 
There were seventy-six descendants of Welcome Herendeen at the anniversary; 
Mrs. Maria Sheffield, Mrs. Harriet Pearson, Mrs. Minnie Furbush and Uncle Wick 
represented five generations. William A. Porter, father of the subject, was born 
December 14, 1798, and his mother January 16, 1801. Mr. Porter was first married 
to Pauline Fox, February 12, 1854, and she died March 25, 1880, leaving two chil- 
dren ; Alma, born January 3, 1861, married George Higgs; Willis F. Porter, born 
December 29, 1863, married Bertha Lewis, December 14, 1887. Mr. Porter was 
again married to Mary Spooner, September 27, 1882, who died August 3, 1884, when 
he married again, in 1886, Mrs. Grigg, daughter of Samuel and Sallie (Bates) Stock- 
well. The above Welcome Herendeen was the first white child born in Ontario 
county. The Porters came to Niagara county in 1810 and settled on the place now 
known as the Sprague farm. In 1815 David Barker, a relative of Mr. Porter's, 
came to Somerset and pitched his tent where the village which bears his name now 
stands, and where he recently died. He came with an ox team and with a wagon 
made by himself, the wheels being made by sawing off a log. Mrs. Porter's grand- 
father built the first mill in Somerset; it was erected in the top of a stump, a hole 
being bored out and corn for meal being pounded in it. Mr. Porter has been asses- 
sor for three years, and is a cultivated and entertaining gentleman. 

Armstrong, Seiner E., Somerset, was born in the town of Wheatland, Monroe 



37 

county, October 31, 1845, and is a son of Elon G. and Mary Matilda (Oilman) Arm- 
strong. His mother was born July 25, 1824. in Pennsylvania and came to New York, 
settling in Livingston county. His father was born April 9, 1820, in the town of 
Leschester, Livingston county. They were married in August, 1844. There were 
four children in this family, of whom the subject is the oldest: LalaE., now Mrs. J. 
W. Comstock; Mary J., now Mrs. Ellicott, and Henry C. E. Mr. Armstrong married 
Emma Wise, December 25, 1867, and they have one daughter, Anna E., born 
September 17, 1882. May 21, 1861, Mr. Armstrong enlisted in Co. H, 27th N. Y. 
Vols., serving two years, when the regiment was discharged May 31, 1863. He then 
re-enlisted and helped raise the 22d N. Y. Vol. Cav., in which he served until the 
close of the war, being discharged August 9, 1865. Upon his arrival home he en- 
gaged in the milling busmess at Shelby, N. Y., where he remained four years, when 
he moved to Muskegan, Mich., remaining there until April, 1872, when he removed 
to Lockport, and since then he has been a resident of Niagara county. July 12, 
1889, he was appointed keeper of the government light station at Thirtj'-mile Point, 
on Lake Ontario, Niagara county, which position he still holds. 

Bradley, G. H., Somerset, son of Abel and Elizabeth Bradley, was born August 
12, 1830, and came with his parents from Vermont when five years of age, settling 
in the town of Hartford, where his father remained until he died, October 3, 1858; 
his mother died in June, 1872. Mr. Bradley married Fannie Meade in May, 1855, 
and they have two sons: Lewis A., born March 8, 1868, and Frank M., born April 
11, 1864. Mr. Bradley is president of the Niagara and Orleans County Insurance 
Company and has held that position for twenty consecutive years. He is also presi- 
dent of the Niagara County Agricultural Society. He is the largest fruit grower in 
Somerset, having twenty-five acres of apple orchard, his crop in 1896 being 8,000 
barrels. He has a peach orchard of 4,000 trees, 1,000 plum trees and 2,000 pear 
trees. It is both a sight and a pleasure to see his magnificent orchards and fine 
buildings. 

Brown, James G. O., was born in Pittstown, Rensselaer county, N. Y., May 23, 
1824, a son of Joseph and Polly (Dix) Brown. Joseph Brown was born in Massachu- 
setts and in 1833 came to Olcott and in 1838 to Wilson ; he died in Michigan April 2, 
1849; his wife was born in Vermont, and died in 1872. James G. O. Brown was 
reared in Wilson and there educated. He was ten years a mason and helped build 
the Union School building in 1845 ; in 1855 he moved on to his present farm of 100 
acres, and follows general farming. He was first a Whig and is now a Republican, 
having been one since the organization of the party; he has served as commissioner 
and inspector. May 30, 1849, he married Mary E., daughter of Daniel and Sally 
(Taylor) Holmes, and they have eight children: Edward D., Sarah L., James G., a 
lawyer of Dubuque, Iowa, Mary E., Joseph E. and Daniel E. (twins), Llewellyn H. 
and Samuel D. Mr. and Mrs. Brown were Presbyterians and he has been a member 
since 18;)8; he has been elder for thirty-four years, trustee over thirty years and is 
now president of the board and clerk of the session for twenty-nine years. In 1855 
he took the census of Wilson. 

Blake, T. A., was born in Orleans county, November 5. 1854, a son of Anthony 
and Mary (Phillips) Blake. Anthony Blake and his wife came from Mendon, N. Y. , 



38 

to Orleans county, where she died and Mr. Blake was killed in Chicago, at the 
World's Fair in 1893. T. A. Blake was reared on afarm and educated in the district 
schools. He was ten years in Flint, Mich., and in 1885 came to Wilson, where he 
bought his farm of 134 acres. He was married in 1879 to Ada, daughter of Joseph 
Parker of Flint, Mich., and they had two children, Roy K. and Vera E. Mr. Blake 
is a Republican and was supervisor by appointment three months in Wilson. He is 
a member of Lodge No. 1255, I. O. F. 

Brown, Frederick J., was born at Ayer, Mass., August 12, 1866, a son of Michael 
Brown, who has been engaged in the grocery business at that place for over thirty 
years. Frederick Brown attended the public schools of his native town and at the 
age of eighteen completed the course of study prescribed. He then learned the trade 
of carriage painting, which he followed in the town of Ayer for five years, at the end 
of which time he entered the employ of the Ayer Furniture Company as a finisher of 
fine furniture. In 1891 he removed to Niagara Falls, where he was engaged for the 
period of one year as agent for the Miller & Brundage Coach Co. and later, in 1898, 
he took up the study of law in the office of King & Morgan, remaining with that firm 
until the spring of 1896, when he was admitted to the bar of the State of New York, 
and a short time afterwards became a member of the firm of King, Leggett & 
Brown. Mr. Brown is a capable lawyer, and bound to rise in his profession. 

Button, Frank E., Somerset, was born in the town of Somerset July 7, 1855, and 
when eight years old he moved with his parents to the Settlement Road, near Gas- 
port, where he remained until he was of age. He then went to Nebraska, where he 
remained eight years, then to Dakota, remaining there nearly three years, when he 
returned to Yates county, N. Y., where he remained two years, and then came to 
Somerset, where he has since resided. February 17, 1880, he married Theressie 
Benn, daughter of John and Mary Benn, natives of Ireland and both dead. Mr. and 
Mrs, Button have four children: Arnold E., born May 9, 1881 ; Mildred E., born 
April 26, 1884; Mary A., born October 14, 1886, and Burnice, deceased, born Octo- 
ber 10, 1892; died in infancy. Mr. Button has a well improved and highly cultivated 
farm of 132 acres, with thirty acres of orchard, apple, pear, peach and plum, grow- 
ing large quantities of each. His father was born in Clinton county September 6, 
1822, and moved to Somerset, settling on the farm now owned by Stephen Houpt 
and J. Townsend, about fifty years ago. He was married three times and by his 
finst wife had five children; Clarence, Frank E., Libbie, Etta, and Ida, deceased. 
He has two children by his third wife, Ellis and OHve He now lives near Gasport. 

Hamblin John A., was born in Wilson on the farm he now owns, April 23, 1842, a 
son of Heman Hamblin. Heman was born in Cornwall, Vt., and came to Wilson in 
1825 to look at land, and in 1834 settled and cleared the farm where the snbject now 
lives. He was married three times; first to Laura Peck, who died April 23, 1842; 
his second wife was Jane Wilson, to whom he was married in 1843; she died in 1850; 
in 1865 he married Mrs. Rachael McKenzie, who died April 9, 1884. Mr. Hamblin 
had three children by his first wife — Mary L., Lucy A. and John A. He died October 
14, 1882. John A. Hamblin was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. 
He is a farmer and owns about 109 acres of land ; in politics he is a Republican 
and has been assessor three years and constable fifteen years. He enlisted August 



39 

12, 1862, in the 19th Light Battery and served three years, and was in the Imttle of 
the Wilderness, Cold Harbor. Spotsylvania. Petersburg, Bethesda Church and about 
a dozen others, and is a member of Peter A. Porter Post, No. 126, G. A. R. Novem- 
ber 14, 1865, he married Helen R. , daughter of Appleton Andrews of Cambria, 
Niagara county. 

Harmony, Edwin, was born in the town of Lynn, Lehigh county. Pa.. April 25, 
1825, a son of Daniel and Anna (Long) Harmony. His great-grandfather, Rudolph 
Harmony, came from Holland in an early day and settled at Lehigh, where he lived 
and died. His maternal grandfather owned a large tract of land on which is now 
one of the largest developed coal mines of Pennsylvania. The father came to Seneca 
county in 1826 and engaged in farming; in 1834 he came to Niagara county, settling 
in Cambria, where he died in 1854. Edwin Harmony was reared on the farm and 
educated at Wilson Collegiate Institute. In 1855 he married Mary A., daughter of 
William and Susan Murray and they had two children, Harriet A. B. and Lewis 
Sheldon, who died at the age of four years. Mr. Harmony has always had a home on 
the old homestead, where he carries on farming and fruit growing. He was engaged 
in the grocery business for a short time and was also agent in the oil field, buying 
and shipping oil. In politics Mr. Harmony is a Republican and has been justice of 
the peace and supervisor; he is a member of the Niagara County Farmers' Club and 
is its vice president. 

Hixson, P. v., Somerset, was born in Somerset count}?, N. J., March 12, 1821, and 
is a son of Nathaniel and Dinah Hixson, both of whom were natives of New Jersey. 
He came with his parents to Niagara county in the fall of 1831, settling in the town 
of Lockport, when it contained but one brick building. He remained there twenty- 
two years, when he moved to Newfane. where he remained eleven years, then w^ent 
back to Lockport for two years, when he moved to Tioga, Tioga county. Pa., where 
he engaged in the lumber business, remaining there twenty j-ears. In 1846 he mar- 
ried Mrs. Phebe M. McCoj-, and they had two sons, Nathaniel Wilmer, born April 
17, 1848, died February 28, 1886, and George McCoy, born April 15, 1853, is engaged 
in the jewelry business in New York city. Mrs. Hixon having died while they lived 
in Pennsylvania, Mr. Hixson disposed of his business and went to Dakota, where he 
purchased a farm (which he still owns) and remained two years, when he went to St. 
Paul, remaining there one year, and returned to Somerset in June, 1889. June 27. 
1889. he married Fannie Hess, daughter of Charles and Jane (Brown) Fisher. Mrs. 
Hixson was born in Essex county. November 28, 1830. and had two children by her 
first husband: John V. Hess, born October 13, 1853, resides in Rochester. Martha 
Jane Hess, born Januarj'^ 31. 1857, is now Mrs. H. D. Bliss, M. D . and resides in 
Brooklyn, N. Y. Mr. Hixson served as assessor while in Pennsylvania and taught 
school one term. He is a member of the Presbyterian church at Lockport. and has 
been elder for over thirty years. He has the oldest sweet cherry trees in the county, 
and the crop of 1896 was over two tons, although the trees were half dead. He was 
in a woolen mill in Lockport for over eight years. His oldest son died in San Francisco 
and is buried beside his mother in Lockport. 

Highland, Henry, was born in County Kent, Eng., April 16, 1831, a son of the 
late John Highland. In 1841 Jolin Highland immigrated with his family to America, 



40 

settling in Canada. Henry had received his education in England and in 1848 he 
migrated from Canada to Buffalo, N. Y., where he engaged in the livery business 
for six years. He then removed to Niagara Falls, where he has since resided and 
carried on the livery business until 1871, when he was appointed on the Niagara 
village police force. In 1875 he was engaged by the Porter estate to care for Goat 
Island and Three Sisters Islands, at that time the property of the Porters. He 
served them in the capacity of keeper and warden until 1885, when the property was. 
purchased by the State and since that time he has been State keeper of the islands. 
In 1868 Mr. Highland married Esther L. West and they have two children. He is a 
member of the A. O. U. W. and Royal Templars of Niagara Falls. 

Holmes, William Howard, has been all his life a resident of Wilson and his an- 
cestors for three generations have lived, died and are buried within five rhiles of 
his present residence. The great-grandfather and mother, John and Anna Holmes, 
came from Saratoga county some time previous to 1818, and settled on a farm in 
what was then the town of Porter, afterwards became a part of the town of Wilson, 
but is now in the town of Newfane. The house was on the north side of the Lake 
Road, and on the east bank of Hopkins Creek. He died there and he and his wife 
lie buried at Olcott. The grandfather, Daniel Holmes, was born in Saratoga 
count)', N. Y., July 8, 1789, and the grandmother Sally (Taylor) Holmes, was born 
in same county, February 21, 1792. They were married February 12, 1811. In 
May, 1812, they moved to Carlysle, Schoharie county. They there together united 
with the Presbyterian church in September, 1813. In February, 1818, they moved 
to the Holland Purchase, stopping till spring in his father's old house near Hopkins 
Creek ; then going into a new log house on the farm he had already bought, now owned 
and occupied by his daughter, Mrs. J. G. O. Brown. There were at that date no 
regular religious Sabbath services in town. Early in the spring of 1818 Daniel 
Holmes began holding Sabbath services in a school house; the services consisted in 
prayer, praise and the reading of a printed sermon. In January, 1819, a Presbyter- 
ian church was organized at the house of John Holmes by Rev. David M. Smith of 
Lewiston. It was form^ed with six members, John and Anna Holmes, Daniel and 
Sally Holmes and Peter and Ruth Crosby. Mrs. Crosby was the daughter of John 
and sister of Daniel Holmes. Additions were from time to time made to this mem- 
bership and in 1835 a church building was erected in what is now Wilson village. 
Previous to this, regular services were kept up in school houses and barns, and as 
most of the time the church was unable to support a pastor, these services were led 
by Deacon Daniel Holmes. Much of the time he held a Sunday school also in an- 
other school house several miles distant. He was deacon, elder, clerk of session, and 
most of the time trustee in this church. He was for many years commissioner of 
deeds, and held a commission as captain of the State militia. He died at his home May 
26, 1858. His wife survived her husband many years, and saw her children, grand- 
children, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren gathered about her in 
her old home on several Thanksgiving days. She died May 17, 1889, retaining al- 
most to the last her faculties fully, and her interest in her family, the church, and 
every effort for good everywhere. The father, Richard C. Holmes, was born De- 
cember 21, 1813, and came with his parents to Wilson in 1818. Brought up in this 
new country his opportunities for education were very limited, but were well im- 



41 

proved. He early united with the Presbyterian church, of which he became an ac- 
tive and devoted member, serving as deacon, elder and trustee, and for thirty years 
superintendent of Sunday school. He was for many years trustee of school district, 
and was elected on the Republican ticket supervisor of the town in spring of 1877. 
He died after a short illness April 8, 1887. His first wife, the mother, Betsey C. 
(Frost) Holmes, was born October 4, 1819. She was a devoted wife, mother and 
Christian woman. She died suddenly March 9, 1870. His second wife Anna M. 
(Loomis) Holmes still survives. William H. Holmes was born October 22, 1840, 
was brought up on a farm, attending district .school and a few terms at Wilson Col- 
legiate Institute. October 4, 1861, he was mustered into the United States service for 
three years at Elmira, N. Y., as a private in Captain Ellsworth's Co. G, 7th N. Y. 
Cav., and was mustered out with the regiment at Washington, D. C, March 31, 
1862. Going alone and at his own expense to the army of General Banks in the 
Shenandoah Valley, Va. , he enlisted at Newmarket, Va., April 23, 1862, in Captain 
Cothran's Battery M, 1st N. Y. Light Artillery, and served therein till April 27, 
1865, when he was discharged near Raleigh, N. C. He participated in the battles of 
Winchester (Bank's retreat). Cedar Mountain, Antietam, Chancellorsville, Gettys- 
burg, Resaca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Kulp's Farm, Peach Tree Creek, and 
siege of Atlanta, and many skirmishes; was never wounded or taken prisoner, and 
was never absent from the battery a day except when detailed by proper authority 
for other duty. He held no rank but private, but from July 30, 1864, till muster 
out he was acting ordnance sergeant of the Artillery Brigade, 20th Army Corps. 
Had charge of collecting the cannon ; some of them large pieces, abandoned b}^ the 
enemy in their works about both Atlanta and Savannah. Returning home he 
worked on his father's farm summers and taught school two winters, and on No- 
vember 7, 1867, was married to Jennie Pettit, adopted daughter of Lauton Pettitof 
Somerset. She was for many years an invalid and died August 5, 1877. On March 
24, 1881, he was married to Mary E. Tenbrook, daughter of Matthew Tenbrook of 
Pendleton. They have two sons Merle Howard and Le Roy. Daniel Holmes had 
nine sons, seven of whom grew up and had families, but these two boys and their 
father are the only descendants bearing the family name now living in Niagara 
county. William H. keeps alive his soldier memories by active membership in Peter 
A. Porter Post, G. A. R. He served his town two terms as supervisor, being 
elected as a Republican in 1891 and 1892. He and his wife were for many years 
members of the Presbyterian church, but they and the oldest son are now connected 
with the M. E. church. 

Gaskill, Jedediah. D. D. S., has been engaged in the practice of dentistry in the 
city of Lockport since 1849, and is one of the oldest practitioners in the county and 
possibly in the State. He was born on a farm in the town of Lockport, Niagara 
county, N. Y., January 17, 1822. He had the advantage of a liberal education, 
attending the public .schools, the Lewiston Academy and the State Normal at Al- 
bany, from which he was graduated in the class of 1846. After teaching for one 
year he determined to study dentistry and entered the office of Dr. Chase of Lock- 
port, and afterwards in the office of Dr. Atkinson of New York city, where he re- 
mained until 1849. when he began the practice of his profession on his own account 
in Lockport, where he has since resided, a period of nearly fifty years. Dr. Gaskill 
f 



42 

deservedly enjoys the confidence and a liberal share of the patronage of the citizens 
of Lockport and the country around about, and is popular with all who know him 
by reason of his well known integrity, liberality and courteous manners. 

Good, George W., was born in the town of Niagara, March 6, 1842. His father, 
George Good, was a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Lewiston, thence to Ni- 
agara Falls, where he established the first tailor shop and afterwards kept hotel four 
miles east of the Falls. In 1846 he came to Royalton, where he was one of the lead- 
ing farmers; he married Mary, daughter of Peter Hitth. George W. Good was 
educated in the common schools; in 1866 he married Maggie, daughter of Peter Ar- 
nold, and they have one son, Edward. Mr. Good is one of the practical and success- 
ful farmers of his town and in 1893 was appointed postmaster of his town; he takes 
an active interest in school matters and has served as trustee for sixteen j'ears. 

Goodfellow, William T., was born in Schoharie county, N. Y. , September 14, 1829, 
a son of Sylvester and Caroline (Ames) Goodfellow, who lived and died in Schoharie 
count3\ William T. was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools. 
He was one of a family of eight sons and eight daughters, and began when twenty 
years old working by the month and saved |1,000 and bought the farm he now owns 
of fifty acres, and has made his own way in life. In politics he was first a Whig and 
is now a Republican since the organization of the party. In 1844 he married Han- 
nah M. Retchmyer, and they had one son, James, who lives at home. 

Kerr, T. A., M. D., was born in Hallville, Dundas county, Ontario, February 6, 
1864, and was educated in the High School at Kemptville, Ontario, Canada, and the 
University of Vermont. He took a three years medical course at Burlington, and 
was graduated in the class of 1885; also a post graduate course at N. Y. Post Grad- 
uate School and Hospital in 1896. He first began the practice of medicine in Rossie, 
St. Lawrence county, where he remained four years. In 1889 he came to Lewiston 
and through his success as a physician and his social qualities and ability, has 
attracted practically all the clientage of Lewiston. In 1887 Dr. Kerr married Idella 
Melrose and they have one daughter, Mildred. 

Kyte, Francis, was born m the town of Hopewell, N. Y., December 28, 1825, a 
son of William and Lorinda (Culver) Kyte. William Kyte was born in England and 
came to America with his parents when he was seven years old, settling in Utica, 
N. Y. In 1829 William came to Porter and settled on a farm and afterwards moved 
to Canada, and died while on a visit to Porter. They had a family of seven sons 
and three daughters. Francis Kyte was reared on a farm and educated in the com- 
mon schools. He is a farmer and owns about 255 acres of land, having about 
twenty acres laid out in orchards. In 1849 he married Clarinda, daughter of Parker 
Corwin, and they had seven children: Edna and George (deceased), Sarah E., wife 
of Glenn Moote; Frances E. , wife of Homer L. Simmons; Mary E., wife of Clinton 
G. Cuddeback; Clara L., at home, and Fred W. Mr. Kyte is a Republican and has 
been assessor twelve years and is now holding that office. 

Taylor, Cortez, was born in Bennington county, Vt., July 24, 1825. His father, 
Joel Taylor, came to Niagara county in 1859; he married Olive Field and through 
life was a farnier and served his town as postmaster ; they were both natives of Ver- 



43 

mont. He was ever ready to aid any enterprise intended to benefit his town and 
townspeople and took an active interest in school and church matters; he died in 
1859. Cortez Taylor was educated in the common schools and in 1859 married Eliza 
A. (born in Canada), daughter of John N. Hutchins and wife, natives of Vermont, 
and they have three children: John C, Mrs. Grace Woolfall and Mrs. Mary T. Long. 

Tuttle, George M., was born at Stafford, Genesee county. N. Y., May 29, 1871, and 
is a son of Thomas B. Tuttle, a druggist at Le Roy in the same county. George M. 
Tuttle attended the Le Roy Academic Institute until he was seventeen years of age, 
when he took a course at Cornell University and was graduated from there in the 
spring of 1892. In the fall of the same year, he returned to Cornell, took a course in 
law, and was graduated with honors in the .spring of 1893, having completed the two 
years' course in one year. He then came to Niagara Falls, where he entered the law 
offices of Cromley & Lawrence, continuing there until December, 1895, at which time 
the partnership of Cromley & Lawrence was dissolved and the partnership of Law- 
rence & Tuttle was formed. Mr. Tuttle is one of the rising young attorneys at 
Niagara Falls and enjoys an enviable reputation. 

Watts, J. C, one of the most successful and enterprising merchants of Hartland, 
was born in the town of Royalton, September 4, 1856, and is a son of William and 
Sarah Watts, natives of England. They came to America in 1855, locating in Niag- 
ara county, where they engaged in farming. They had eight children : William 
(decea.sed); Mary, now Mrs. H. D. Montoma; Emma, now Mrs. Gleason; Matthevi^, 
Ella (deceased), J. C, and George. Mr. Watts was educated in Hartland, after 
which he engaged in farming for four years, then as a wheelwright at Lockport for 
a period of eight years and is now engaged in general merchandise at John.son's 
Creek, N. Y. July 22, 1879, he married Mary A. Bougie, and they have three sons: 
Charles B., Willie H., and John D. Mr. Watts is a staunch Republican and was 
postmaster under Harrison. He is a pleasant and genial gentleman and is enjoy- 
ing a lucrative business. 

Warren, Charles A., was born in Newfane, February 6, 1857. His father, Barney 
Warren, was born in Clinton county, N. Y., July 21, 1817, and came to Niagara in 
1829, where he was engaged in farming and dealing in agricultural imijlements. In 
1842 he married Ro.\ey J., daughter of Mr. Lindley. Charles A. Warren was ed- 
ucated in Lockport, learned the hardware business and in 1878 moved on to his 
present farm, making a specialty of dairying. In 1877 he married Alice E. Alex- 
ander, and they have three children: Frank B., Frederick W. and Alice. Mr. War- 
ren has served as president of the Niagara County Agricultural Society for three 
years and was elected supervisor in 1895, and served for two years; on April 20, 
1897, he was appointed dairy inspector for Erie, Niagara and Orleans counties by 
Charles A. Weiting, commissioner of agriculture. 

Winslow, George C. , was born in Buffalo, October 16, 1844, a son of Edward 
Thomas and Sarah Frances (Coit) Winslow. Edward Win.slow was a member of old 
Company D, Buffalo City Guard, of Buffalo and a participant in the McKenzie Re- 
bellion in Canada, also one of the proprietors of the American Express Company 
when it was seven years old; he died at Geneva, N. Y., in 1849. George C. Wins- 
low removed to Lewiston May 6, 1875 ; he bought a part of the Calvin Hotchkiss farm 



44 

on the River Road comprising 112 acres, where he remained until 1884, when he went 
to Chicago, remaining there one year, then returned to Lewiston and has ever since 
resided there, where he has one of the finest places on the river, as regards scenery 
and location. While residing in Buffalo Mr. Winslow was a member oi Company D, 
74th Regiment for nine years, and also of Eagle Hose Co. No. 2, for five years. He 
is a member of the Empire Knights of Relief and is popular socially. He is a musi- 
cian of much ability and helped to organize the band in 1880 and in the fall of 1896 
helped to organize the Lewiston Drum Corps. In 1872 Mr. Winslow entered the 
controller's office where he remained upwards of two years. Mr. Winslow has been 
twice married; his first wife was Carrie L. Davis, whom he married October 8, 1873, 
and who died in 1885 leaving one daughter, Sarah Frances Winslow. In 1895 Mr. 
Winslow married Gertrude Coates Byrne, of Lewiston, daughter of Eliza and John 
D. Byrne. Miss Winslow is a teacher in the kindergarten at Covington, Ky. 

Wynkoop, Charles, was born in Montgomery county. Pa. September 24, 1804, 
and came to Niagara county with his father, Abram Wynkoop, 1822. Starting in 
the middle of the woods they cleared up the land, having to go to mill at Lewiston 
and Niagara Falls. In 1825 he married Sarah, daughter of John and Margaret 
Buchanan. Mr. Wynkoop has always been a farmer and has done as much, or more 
to clear up the town of Lockport as any other one man. Of strict integrity, he 
has ever advanced the best interests of his town and townspeople and has ever aided 
any enterprise intended to benefit his fellow men, and at the close of life of over 
ninety-three ^^ears, receives the respect of all his associates. Mr. Wynkoop is a 
member of the Lutheran church and a lifelong Democrat, casting his first presiden- 
tial vote for Andrew Jackson. 

Wool worth, W. H., was born in Longmeadow, Mass., a son of William and Nancy 
(French) Woolworth. His parents removed to Vermont when he was one year old, 
where they resided seven years on a farm and later returned to Massachusetts, where 
the family made a permanent residence. W. H. Woolworth, at the age of nineteen 
years, learned the trade of carriage and wagon maker, which he pursued for several 
years in different places in the east, when he came to Central New York and en- 
gaged in various mechanical pursuits, also in fruit preserving. Subsequently he be- 
came interested in the manufacture of tableware, silver plating, etc. He removed 
to Niagara Falls in 1882, and after living there about ten years bought a farm on the 
lower Niagara River, two miles south of Youngstown, where he has a summer resi- 
dence. He was married in 1847 to Emma Campbell of Vermont. His wife died, 
leaving two children, Helen (deceased) and Arabelle, now Mrs. M. J. Newhouse. 
He afterward married Caroline A. Macknet. They had one son, Felix M. Wool- 
worth, teller of Electric City Bank, who married Morelli Kingsley of Glens Falls, N. 
Y. Their children are Howard, Chester and Richard. The Woolworth family is an 
old American one, dating back to 1678, when Richard Woolworth came to America 
and .settled in New England. 

Wallace, William C. , was born at Suspension Bridge, N. Y., August 3, 1869, and 
is a son of William H. Wallace, a prosperous druggist, now retired. William C. 
Wallace attended the public schools at Suspension Bridge and De Veaux Prepara- 
tory College, later taking a course in Phillips Exeter Academy at Exeter, N. H., 



45 

from which he was graduated in the spring of 1888. He then entered the office of 
Eugene Carey, at Niagara Falls, and read law until 1890, when he attended the 
Buffalo Law School for two years, and was admitted to the bar of the State of New 
York in 1892; returning to Niagara Falls, he formed a partnership with Eugene 
Carey and has since enjoyed a large and profitable practice. April 30, 1894, he mar- 
ried Mathilde Corson daughter of Cornelius Corson, president of the Daniel Sloat 
Company, New York city, and they have one child, Anne C. 

Warner, Hon. Henry E., was born at Albion, Orleans county, N. Y., May 20, 1864. 
a son of Sheldon E. and Sarah (Porter) Warner. He was educated in the common 
schools, graduated from the Albion High School in 1882, and from the Albany Law 
School, from which he received the degree of LL B. in the class of 1885. He read 
law with Signer & Wage of Albion, and was admitted to the bar as soon as he was of 
age. He first located at Holiey, Orleans county, N. Y.. where he remained about 
six months. He then removed to Albion, where he practiced law until 1888, when 
he came to North Tonawanda, and in 1894 he entered into copartnership with the 
Hon. James P. Lindsay. As a lawyer Mr. Warner is not only a prominent member 
of the Niagara county bar, but years ago, as an author, published three legal works, 
namely, " Law of Evidence," " Service of Papers " and "Questions on the Code." 
It is, however, as a public man, that he has earned his widest, if not greatest dis- 
tinction; he was village attorney of North Tonawanda from 1893 until 1896, and in 
the fall of 1895 was elected to the Assembly, having a majority of 604 votes, and was 
re-elected in 1896. In the Legislature of 1896 he was on the committees on canal 
and excise, and in 1897 was a member of the judiciary, banks, caucus and public in- 
stitutions committees ; he was also a member of the special trust investigation com- 
mittee. Mr. Warner not only looks closely after legislation beneficial to his constitu- 
ents directly, but has the ability to engage intelligently in State legislation generally, 
and has made a highly creditable record for himself at Albany. He has always 
taken deep interest in the welfare and development of North Tonawanda, and has 
done much to advance its interests in many ways. In 1886 Mr. Warner married 
Catherine E. McCarthy of Barre, Orleans county, and they have three children: 
Paul, Margaret and Mary. 

Wendt, Fred E., was born in Lewiston, August 29, 1865, a son of Christian and 
Rachael (Metcher) Wendt. He has always carried on farming and is also engaged in 
fruit growing. In 1896 he established a coal office in Sanborn, where he does a 
thriving business. He is also agent for agricultural implements, representing the 
Johnston Harvester Company, Cortland Wagon Company, the Madison Drill Company, 
the Robinson Chilled Plows and Planet, jr.. Cultivators for S. A. Allen & Co. He 
also represents the Stoddard Manufacturing Company of Dayton, O., in bicycle.s, 
and sells fertilizers for M. E. Wheeler & Co. of Rutland, Vt. In the fall of 1890 Mr. 
Wendt married Ernestine Kroening, and they have four children: John, Henry, 
Tilly and Fred. Mr. Wendt is a Republican, and an enterprising and successful 
voung business man with a prosperous career before him. 

Woodford, Henry E., was born at Tipton, England, May 2:5, 1835, a son of the 
late John and Alicia Woodford. Henry E. Woodford received his education under 
private tutors in England, and emigrated to America in 1854, settling in Toronto, 



46 

Ontario, Can., where he entered the office of a leading newspaper and remained 
until 1856. In that year he went to England and returned to America in 1859, when 
he entered the employ of the Grand Trunk Railroad Company as freight agent at 
Stratford, Ontario, Can., remaining there for three years and a half, when he re- 
moved to Quebec and served as freight clerk for the same company. In 1864 he re- 
moved to Suspension Bridge, N. Y. , where he was appointed clerk for the American 
Express Company, and later, in 1868, was made agent for that company at Clifton 
(now Niagara Falls, Ont.), Canada, remaining in that position for nine years, at 
which time he returned to Suspension Bridge, acting in the same capacity for the 
same company. In 1886 he established his present business of brokerage and ex- 
change and later purchased the Niagara Rapids Mill, which he still operates suc- 
cessfully. May 22, 1867, he married Catherine Hoffman, a niece of John A. Roeb- 
ling, who built the original Suspension Bridge over the Niagara River at Clifton, 
Ont., and who was the designer of the world famous Brooklyn Bridge between New 
York and Brooklyn. Mr. Woodford is an extensive property owner, a director of the 
Bank of Suspension Bridge, and a stockholder and election inspector of the new 
steel arch bridge over the Niagara River. 

Ware, Cleland A. — This enterprising and successful insurance man was born in 
the town of Warren, Herkimer county, N. Y., April 26, 1862. He was educated in 
the public schools and the Lockport Union School, from which he was graduated in 
the class of 1882, and afterward took a scientific cource at the University of Roches- 
ter. After completing his schooling he entered his father's office, that of the Lock- 
port Journal, as his bookkeeper, where he remained for a period of ten years, which 
proved a valuable schooling which was afterwards of great value to him. He at 
this date removed to Detroit and embarked in business on his own account, in which 
he continued for three j'ears, when he returned to Lockport and engaged in the in- 
surance business, which business both at Lockport and Le Roy, N. Y., he has since 
conducted with gratifying success. Mr. Ward is associated with many societies, 
among which are the I. O. O. F., A. O. U. W., K. of St. J. & M., Lockport Wheel- 
men, of which he was one of the founders, the Lockport Gun Club and a number of 
others. October 15, 1884, he married Mary F. McQueen of Lockport, and they have 
four children. 

Wichterman, Chauncey, sou of G. D. Wichterman, one of the pioneers of Royal- 
ton, was born in the town of Royalton, Niagara county, March 12, 1842, and resided 
with his parents on the farm in that town until he enlisted in Co. H, 151st Regt., 
N. Y. Vols., on September 1, 1862, for three years, or during the war, and served 
until the close of the war, being honorably dischai-ged June 26, 1865. In the spring 
of 1870 he came to Wheatfield and engaged in farming and has lived here ever 
since. December 28, 1865, Mr. Wichterman married Mary L. Bratt, also of Royal- 
ton ; they have five children : John, Lillian, lona, Emma and Margaret. Mr. Wich- 
terman is one of the leading men of Wheatfield and has held prominent offices in 
the town ; he has been justice of the peace for eight years, assessor for three years 
and supervisor for six consecutive years. He has been vice-commander of his post 
and was one of its charter members and has declined preference for other offices to 
which his friends were desirous to elevate him. 



47 

Pettit, Wilson M., M. D., was born in the village of Wilson, Niagara county, N. 
Y., April 6. 1852. In 1875 he began the study of medicine in the office of Doctors 
Bishop and Evans, and was graduated from the New York Homoeopathic Medical 
College in 1879. He immediately began the practice of his profession in Lockport, 
where he has since resided and carried on a very successful business. On June 20, 
1889, he married Emma Hollenbeck of Shawnee, Niagara county, N. Y., and they 
have four children: Harold, May, Hazel and Margaret. He is a prominent member 
of Red Jacket Lodge No. ()46, F. & A. M., the Select Knights, Empire Knights of 
Relief, the Safety Fund Insurance Society, and of Cataract Lodge No. 54, I. (). O. 
F. He is also serving a second term as member of the Local Board ol Health 

Wells, David M., was born in Pendleton, N. Y., March 19, 1849, a son of William 
and Ruth (Gilling.s) Wells, natives of England. The grandparents, William and 
Martha Wells, came to America when William was but a boy, settling in Pendleton 
on a farm. The maternal grandparents. Edward and Elizabeth Gillings, came to 
America when Ruth was but thirteen years of age and spent most of his time in 
Lockport, dealing in fruit. David J. Wells was reared on the. farm in Pendleton 
and made farming his life occupation and now owns the homestead farm. In 1872 
he married Flora, daughter of Rufus H. and Betsey J. (Olcott) Weaver, and they 
have two children; Effie R., wife of Edwin N. Olds of Cambria; and William D. at 
home. In politics Mr. Wells is a Republican and they are members of the Presby- 
terian church, Mr. Wells being one of the elders. 

Watters, Fowler A., M. D. — Among the younger members of the profession none 
are more prominent than Dr. F. A. Waters of Lockport. He was born and reared 
in that city and received his preliminary education from the public schools of his 
native city. In 1888 he determined to study medicine and accordingly entered the 
office of Drs. Evans and Hurd as a student, where he remained until 1889 when he 
entered the Hahnemann Medical College of Philadelphia, from which he received 
his degree of M. D., in 1892. In the fall of that year he began the practice of his 
profession m Lockport, where he has since resided. He is a son of John and Jane 
(Patton) Watters ; his father was of German descent and his mother Scotch. Dr. 
Watters is a member of the A. O. of F. , Knights of S. F. I. and the Western New 
York Homeopathic Medical Society. 

Worden, E. H., was born in Niagara county, February 15, 1862, a son of Paul B. 
and Angelina (Pool) Worden. After receiving a liberal education he entered the 
employ of the New York Central Railroad as ticket agent and operator, remaining 
with that company seven years. He then became manager of the Postal Telegraph 
Company in 1887, which position he still retains, although he is engaged in the in- 
surance business also. Mr. Worden is a Republican and has been delegate to 
county conventions for several years ; was secretary of the Board of Health three 
years, and is a prominent Odd Fellow, in which he was district deputy grand master 
one year, elected to serve another year. In 1883 he married Lillian A. Ro.ss, and 
they have four children: Clarence, Harold, Bessie and Annabel. 

Williams, William A., a native of Germany, was born December 19. 1845, and 
came to this country with his parents in 1857, settling in Niagara county, N. Y., 
where he attended the public schools and the Lockport Union School. His first busi- 



48 

ness experience was as a clerk in the hat store of Howard Strong, where he re- 
mained for three years. He then entered the service of Jason Collier & Sons, dry 
goods merchants, and continued with this firm until 1868. when he engaged in busi- 
ness on his own account, in company with Messrs. Lerch & Van Dusen, under the 
firm name of Lerch, Williams & Van Dusen, and after the death of Mr. Van Dusen, 
in 1869, the business was conducted by Lerch & Williams for ten years. In 1878 the 
firm of Williams Bros, was organized, which is now one of the largest wholesale 
and retail dry goods houses in the city. April 5, 1867, he married Miss Emilie Hutzel 
of Niagara Falls, F. Y., and they have two children, a son, Eric Johann Williams, 
and a daughter, Katherine Hutzel Williams. 

Wilson, Robert D., was born in the town of Newfane, June 13, 1853, a son of 
Daniel and Elizabeth Wilson. His father was born in Yorkshire, England, and 
came with his parents to America in 1823, when twelve years of age. In 1840 he 
bought the farm which Robert D. now owns and cleared all but fourteen acres of 
the farm ; the road leading west was made of logs and they were flooded with water 
a good part of the time. He died October 25, 1885. His wife was also born in 
Yorkshire, England, in 1825, and settled on the Ridge road near Wright's Corners 
on what is known as the Dr. Peck farm. They were marrierl November 16, 1843, 
and they had two sons and two daughters; Martha J., born October 6, 1844, died 
April 11, 1847; William T., born March 24, 1846; Libbie, born April 2, 1849, mar- 
ried John Fainsworth of Cambria; and Robert D., the subject. Robert D. received 
his education in the public schools of Newfane, after which he engaged m farming. 
In 1887 he with Mr. Kelley, Mr. P. D. Miller and Mr. Rilman, formed the first stock 
company that was organized in the town of Newfane, known as the Newfane Basket 
Manufacturing Co., of which Mr. Wilson is secretary and trustee. February 6, 
1878, he married Alice L. Miller (born February 2, 1855), and they have one daugh- 
ter, Emma J., born June 12, 1886. Mr. Wilson has served as county committee- 
man two years, and is engaged in fruit growing and general farming. 

Wadhams, Norman E. G., was born at Whitehall, Washington county, N. Y., 
August 24, 1829, a son of Heman Wadhams, a butcher of that place, now deceased. 
Mr. Wadhams was educated in the public schools at Albion, whither his parents 
had removed while he was yet in infancy, and at the age of thirteen he left school 
and for two years was employed on a large farm near Albion ; in 1845 he removed to 
Lockport, where he attended the locks for thirteen years. In 1S64 he was appointed 
deputy collector of customs at Youngstown, N. Y., and held that office until 1886; 
the latter fourteen years being located at Niagara Falls. In 1890 he was reap- 
pointed to same office of which he is now an incumbent. Mr. Wadhams is justly 
proud of his war record, having enlisted as a private at the first call for troops in the 
ranks of the 28th N. Y. Vol. Infantry, experiencing two years of hard fighting at 
the front, being mustered out in 1863 as first lieutenant of Co. C. He is a prominent 
Mason and a member of the G. A. R., and is highly respected by all who know him. 
July 3, 1851, he married Christiana E. King of Lockport, and they had two sons and 
five daughters. 

Zeiger, Charles, was born in Bavaria, Germany, April 11, 1845, and is a son of 
Louis Zeiger, who immigrated to America in 1848, settling in La Salle, N. Y., 



49 

where he purchased a farm and operated the same for eight years. Charles Zeiger 
attended the public schools at La Salle until 1856, when his parents removed to Ni- 
agara Falls, where his father entered business as a grocery and liquor dealer. In 
1864 his father established the present hotel and restaurant which Charles Zeiger 
operates as Zeiger's Hotel. He is thrifty and prosperous and enjoys the high esteem 
of all who know him. 

Zimmerman, N. B., was born in North Tonawanda, a son of Nelson and Arvilla 
Zimmerman ; his grandfather, Alexander Zimmerman, was a soldier in the Revolu- 
tionary war. N. B. Zimmerman is a machinist and worked for Armitage, Herschell 
& Co. for seven years; also other machine shops, including Niles's Tool Works, for 
three years; he has now been engaged in the bicycle lousiness for three years, being 
one of the leading bicycle dealers of Niagara county and has a high reputation as a 
business- man. The principal wheels handled by him are the Fenton, Crescent and 
the World; he also does all kinds of repairing and carries all kinds of bicycle sup- 
plies. Mr. Zmimerman is a member both of the subordinate Lodge and Encamp- 
ment m the order of Odd Fellows and is noted for his ability in degree work. In 
1891 he married Emma Freck. 

Meyers, Hiram Benedict, now a banker and bond Vjuyer, but better known as a 
newspaperman, was born at Pendleton, Niagara county, N. Y., September 10, 1871. 
His father was Capt. Henry Meyers, who was one of the early settlers on the Holland 
Land Company's purchase in Erie county, and who in 1870 was married to Miss Mag- 
delane Hartman of Pendleton. From farming Captain Meyers became interested 
in canal and harbor property and finally in the shipping business, and now lives in 
North Tonawanda. Hiram Meyers spent time in the schools at Pendleton, Lock- 
port, Tonawanda, Brockport, Jersey City, N. J., and Brooklyn, N. Y. He began 
newspaper work in New York city and in 1891 settled in North Tonawanda where 
he worked in the capacity of reporter and assistant editor on the Tonawanda News 
and correspondent for Buffalo papers. When the Buffalo Courier opened its bureau 
in the Tonawandas Mr. Meyers was installed as manager and held that position un- 
til the Courier went out of existence in May, 1897. During the interim and since 
then he corresponded for various metropolitan daily as well as weekly and monthly 
trade papers. He also did some original writing which was mainly in the humorous 
line. When the Courier went out of existence Mr. Meyers was at once started on 
the career of a banker and bond buyer with the banking house of James H. Rand, 
having charge of the bond department of that institution and which ofhce he still 
holds In October, 1897, Mr. Meyers was married to Miss Ilione Woodbury, daughter 
of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin S. Woodbury, of Boston, Mass., and purchased a house in 
the Christiana Street district. North Tonawanda, N. Y. 

Silverthorne, A. K., was born in Muscatine county, Iowa, April 5. 1865, and 
went to Chicago with his parents when quite young, where he began the lumber 
business with his brother, W. E. Silverthorne. In 1891 they came to North Tona- 
wanda, and it can safely be said that no Hrm in the place does a larger business or 
enjoys a higher reputation for honorable dealings. They have a dock frontage of 
800 feet and their yards are 600 feet in depth. During the year 1896 they handled 
over twenty-eight million feet of lumber. January 6, 1889, Mr. Silverthorne married 



so 

Mattie Fassett, and they have two children: Frederick W., and Margaret. His 
parents were David and Francis (Hodgkins) Silverthorne; his grandfather, Oliver 
Silverthorne, came to this country at the close of the Revolution and settled in Penn- 
sylvania. 

Kerr, W. B., Wheattield, was born in Cambria county, February 17, 1849. He 
began railroading when a youth, his first position being that of day watchman in a 
deep cut ; he followed railroading for eighteen years advancing to the position of 
conductor. He then became connected with Carnegie Bros, for three years, when 
he went to the Isabelle Furnace at Sharpsburg, where he remained three and a half 
years. In 1890 he came to Tonawanda and took charge of the Iron Works, remodel- 
ing the entire plant, tearing down part of the old structures and erecting new. 
These works cover an area of twenty-six acres and give employment to 380 men. Mr. 
Kerr is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Royal Arcanum. In Septem- 
ber, 1878, he married Lyde Thompson, and they have two children : Mary B. and 
W. T. Kerr. Mr. Kerr's parents were John K. and Mary (Blakely) Kerr. Mr. Kerr 
is one of the prominent and enterprising men of North Tonawanda. 

Swift, Elisha B., was born in the town of Henrietta, Monroe county, February 4, 
1823, a son of Henry and Dorcus (Sherwood) Swift. Henry Swift was born in 
Dutchess county, February 15, 1791; they came to Monroe county about 1814, 
settUng in Henrietta, where they wei'e pioneers of the town and where he followed 
his trade of blacksmith, in connection with farming. In the spring of 1844 he set- 
tled in Cambria, purchasing 160 acres of land, and continued farming and working 
at his trade until his death, June 24, 1858, aged sixty seven years. Mrs. Swift died 
October 11, 1881. Elisha B. Swift's grandfather, Lot Swift, was born m Cape Cod, 
Mass., March 13, 1753, and died August 10, 1840. He served in the Revolutionary 
war, enlisting three times as fifer. Elisha B. Swift was reared on a farm and 
taught school winters and carried on farming summers. April 4, 1850, he married 
Adaline F., daughter of Smith Brown. Mrs. Swift died October 11, 1890, leaving 
no children. December 21, 1892, he married Ella M., daughter of Samuel and 
Elizabeth J. Traviss, and they have two children ; Elisha Barlow, jr., and Milo T. 
In 1855 Mr. Swift removed to Lockport and engaged in the grocery and provision 
business with his brother, M. G Swift, which he continued successfully until 1876, 
when he sold out and came to Cambria, settling on the homestead farm and has 
since carried on general farming and fruit culture. In politics Mr. Swift is a Dem- 
ocrat and in early life was town superintendent of schools. They support the Cam- 
bria Center Congregational church. 

Silsby, Charles D., was born in Monroe county, N.Y., February 27, 1830, and is a 
son of William C. and Mary Sophia Silsby. William C. Silsby was born in Windsor, 
Vt., and Mrs. Silsby in New York; they came to Niagara county in 1842, settling in 
the town of Hartland, where he was an edged tool manufacturer. There were 
eleven children in this family: Jay, died in the army; Alfred and John, both de- 
ceased; Charles J., George W., John, Dewitt, Horace, Elizabeth, Emma and Lydia. 
John was in the army and was shot through the left lung at Antietam, but recovered 
and is now living. William Silsby died June 22, 1895, and his wife in 1893. They 
were strong advocates of temperance and lived up to it. Charles D. Silsby married 



5' 

Sarah Bordwell, January 1, 1852, daughter of Enoch and Malah Bordwell. Mr. 
Bordwell was born January 31, 1807, in New York, and Mrs. Bordwell January 22, 
1810, in Massachusetts. They came to Niagara county in 1835, locating in Royal- 
ton, where he engaged in farming. They had eleven children: Laura, Jonathan, 
Adelbert, Altah, Hiram (was killed in the battle of Cold Harbor), Orville, Lucy 
Welcher (wife of Andrew Welcher), Robert, Roxy Wisner. Mr. and Mrs. Silsby are 
the parents of eight children: William Cady, born January 10, 1853, resides with his 
parents; Myron W., born December 19, 1854, resides in Hartland; Mary Agnes 
Reed, born June 10, 1857, resides on the Ridge in Hartland; Judson D., born No- 
vember 10, 1859, died May 23, 1861; Emma Pierson, born January 10, 1862, died 
August 12, 1895; Hiram J., born July 11, 1864, resides in Hartland; Clara t). Seward, 
born August 3, 1867, resides in Hartland; and Addie E. Vedder, born December 30, 
1870, died March 10, 1897, and left a husband and two children. Mr. Silsby is a 
member of the A. O. \J. W. and is a stalwart Republican. He has a fine, well im- 
proved farm of 133 acres, with a fine residence and barns; the barns he framed him- 
self and built the walls. They are entertaining and hospitable people, and are en- 
joying the fruits of honest industry. 

Shaw, George E., the present supervisor of Newfane, was born at Eagle Harbor, 
Orleans county, October 12, 1858, and is a son of David and Mary Shaw. David 
Shaw was born in Cayuga county, N. Y., in 1810, and came to Orleans county when 
a young man; he was a farmer in his younger days and later in life lived a retired 
life; he died at the age of eighty-three years. Mrs. Shaw was a native of Michigan 
and was of German descent; she now resides in the town of Albion, Orleans county. 
They have five children and all are now living: Emma Barrows, resides at Eagle 
Harbor; George E. ; Hattie, now Mrs. Cleaver, resides in the town of Albion; 
Charles D., a merchant at Olcott; and Kittie, now Mrs. Kimball, resides in the town 
of Albion. George E. Shaw received his education at Eagle Harbor, after which he 
clerked in a store at Waterport, where he remained one year, and clerked one year 
at Olcott. He then bought a stock of goods at Newfane Station and continued the 
business two years, then moved to Olcott, where he continued in business for eight 
years and then sold out to his brother and bought a farm at Newfane Station. In 
the spring of 1895 Mr. Shaw was elected supervi.sor of his town and was renominated 
and elected for the office m the spring of 1897. January 27, 1884, he married Jessie 
Gaskell (born June 3, 1862), and they have one daughter, Flossie May, born July 30, 
1892. Mr. Shaw was postmaster at Olcott under Cleveland's first administration and 
at Newfane Station in 1883-84. 

Brundage, James T., was born at Homer, Ontario, Canada, July 30, 1865. His 
father and grandfather were natives of Connecticut, and his father removed to Can- 
ada in 1815. James T. Brundage received his education in the Wilson (N. Y.) 
Academy and early in Hfe established himself in the boot and shoe business at Niag- 
ara Falls, in which he continued for eight or nine years; later he purchased a well 
equipped livery stable and has since successfully carried on a general livery business. 
In 1889 he formed a partnership with Mr. Miller and built the present big stables, 
where they keep in active service over 150 head of fine horses. They are known far 
and wide as the Miller &: Brundage Coach Co., and do a very large and profitable 
business. Mr. Brundage is an extensive property owner and during the past fifteen 



52 

years has given the greater portion of his time to the real estate business, in which 
he has been generally successful. May 17, 1857, he married Mary A. Shepard of 
Niagara Falls. Mr. Brundage is a stockholder in the Buttery Rapids Co., and is a 
prominent member of the Clifton Lodge No. 254, F. & A. M. 

Wilcox, William W., was born at Cambridge, N. Y., July 21, 1861, and was a son 
of Garrett W. Wilcox, banker, now deceased. He attended the Rochester Academy 
and Rochester Business University, and at the age of eighteen removed to St. Paul, 
Minn., where he was engaged in the hardware business for five years; he then re- 
turned to Brockport, where, in company with his brother, C. G. Wilcox, he estab- 
lished himself in the men's furnishing business, which he carried on for two years. 
He was at that time appointed special agent for the Washington Life and Manhat- 
tan Life Insurance Companies of New York, and acted in that capacity for several 
years. Later he removed to Niagara Falls, where he carried on an insurance busi- 
ness until 1895, when he and other prominent business men of Niagara Falls incor- 
porated the Electric City Bank, of which he became teller and retained that position 
until April 1, 1897, at which time he resigned to give his attention to real estate and 
insurance. March 21, 1882, Mr. Wilcox married Louise M. Sprong of Spencerport, 
N. Y., and they have three children, Garrett W., Annie R. and Blair S. Mr. Wilcox 
is treasurer of the Riverdale Cemetery Association ; treasurer of the Hygeia Ice and 
Refrigerating Company, and president of the Niagara Falls Land Investment Com- 
pany. He is a member of Niagara Frontier Lodge No. 132, F. & A. M., of Niagara 
Chapter No. 200, R. A. M., Niagara Council No. 1,397, Royal Arcanum, and of 
Niagara Commandery No. 64. 

Belden, George D. , was born at Albany, N. Y. , August 14, 1839, and is a son of 
Selah Belden, who was for years a dealer in boots and shoes in that city. George 
D. Belden was educated at the public schools and Classical Institute at Albany, and 
later attended the Western Reserve Seminary in Northern Ohio. At the age of six- 
teen he went to the pineries on Green Bay, Wis., as clerk for the New York Lumber 
Company, just then organized. In 1857 he moved to Chicago, where he studied 
dentistry in the office of Drs. Quinlan and Gushing for two years, later on graduat- 
ing at the Ohio College of Dental Surgery at Cincinnati. In the summer of 1862 he 
enlisted from Chicago in the Marine Artillery of the North Atlantic Blockading 
Squadron. Returning to Chicago in the spring of 1863, he at once entered the ser- 
vice of the C. A. & St. L. Railioad Company, and was almost continuously engaged 
in railroading on Illinois and New York railroads as agent, telegrapher and chief 
train dispatcher until 1884. As chief train dispatcher he served the D., L. & W. and 
D. & H. C. Co.'s Saratoga division for a number of years. In 1884 he organized 
and successfully conducted the Vermont Slate Trust, comprising all the important 
roofing slate quarries in " Sea-green" output, having his headquarters at Granville, 
Washington count3% N. Y. In 1881 he accepted the general New England agency, 
with headquarters at Poultney, Vt. , for the Niagara Mercantile Agency and held 
that position until 1890, when he removed to Niagara Falls and opened an office in 
real estate and ticket brokerage business, in partnership with Arthur N. Allen, at 44 
Falls street, in which he is now engaged. He is a member of the Episcopal church, 
a comrade in the Grand Army of the Republic and aided in organizing Joyce Post 
No. 49, in Poultney, Vt. 



53 

Canavan, James W., was born at Niagara Falls, N. Y., January 22, 1801, and is a 
son of Thomas Canavan, a retired railroad man. Mr. Canavan attended the public 
schools at Niagara Falls until, at the age of eighteen, he entered the employ of the 
New York Central Railroad Company as a brakeman, in which capacity he .served 
for six years, when he was promoted to the position of freight conductor, which he 
held until 1887, at which time he was appointed deputy collector of customs at the 
Custom House, Niagara Falls, where he remained four years. In 1891 he opened 
the Colonnade Hotel at Niagara Falls, which he still operates successfully in con- 
junction with the new State Park Hotel, built in 1895, and opened to the public on 
July 15, 1896. Mr. Canavan is also proprietor and manager of the Lyceum Theater 
at Niagara Falls and is otherwise identified with the business interests of that city. 
July 15, 1886, he married Ellen Donnelly of Niagara Falls, and they have twin sons 
and two daughters. Mr. Canavan is a prominent member of the C. M. B. A., the 
B. P. O. E., Rescue Hook and Ladder Company and other organizations of Niagara 
Falls. He was elected alderman of Niagara Falls in March, 1895, and served two 
years. 

Van Cleef, Lawrence, was born at Seneca Falls, N. Y., and received his education 
in the public schools of that place. At the age of eighteen he entered the grocery 
business at Seneca Falls, and remained four years and then removed to Niagara 
Falls, where he entered the employ of the New York Central Railroad Company as 
clerk in the freight department. In 1895 he resigned that position and established 
himself in the insurance business, in which he is at present successfully representing 
five leading fire, life and accident companies. He is a member of Niagara Frontier 
Lodge No. 132, F. & A. M., of the Knights Templar, Niagara Commandery, and of 
Ismailia Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of Buffalo, and an honorary member of 
the fire department of Niagara Falls. In March, 1897, he was elected alderman from 
the First ward of that city. 

Munson, Hiram D., was born at Bowmansville, Ontario, Can., August 11, 1826, a 
son of Truman M. Munson, a shipbuilder, now deceased. He worked his way 
through boarding school at Buffalo, whither his parents had removed during his in- 
fancy, and early in life learned the nursery business, which he has always followed. 
In 1867 he removed to Grand Island, where he bought a farm and carried on fruit 
growing and the nursery business for ten years, and then removed to La Salle, 
where he has since remained, engaging in fruit growing. January 12, 1853, he mar- 
ried Mary Dickinson of Buffalo. Mr. Munson has practically retired from active 
business and now lives a quiet life respected by all. In politics he always has been 
an ardent Republican, and has served the town of Grand Island as assessor. He is 
a member of Frontier Lodge No. 132, F. & A. M., of Niagara Falls and of the La 
Salle Lodge No. 17, A. O. U. W. 

Albert, John, was born at Buffalo, N. Y., March 26, 1844, a son of the late John 
Albert, a manufacturer of boots and shoes. He attended a private school at Buf- 
falo and at the age of thirteen began learning the trade of his father. In 1875 he 
removed to La Salle, 'where he bought out the interest of his wife's father in the 
Cayuga Hotel, of which he remained proprietor until 1893, at which time he prac- 
tically retired from business. May 4, 1871, he married Catherine S. Wattengel of 



54 

La Salle, and they have one son, Victor A. Mr. Albert has always been prominent 
in the public affairs of La Salle, holding the office of school trustee for three years 
and is now a justice of the peace, elected in 1895, for a term of four years. In poli- 
tics he always has been an ardent Republican. He is a charter member of Niagara 
Lodge No. 17, A. O. U. W. 

Luick, Leonard J., was born in the town of Niagara, N. Y., July 20, 1866, a son 
of Jacob Luick, a prosperous farmer, now retired. He attended the public schools 
of Niagara county and began early in life to till the soil on his father's farm. In 
1888 he established himself in the coal trade at La Salle and has followed that busi- 
ness ever since. October 14, 1894, he married Zora Greiner of La Salle, and they 
have one son, Leon. Mr. Luick is an energetic and ambitious young business man 
and is held in high esteem bj' his townsmen. He has been councilman for five years 
and is now filling the office of highway commissioner. 

Cooley, Mark O., was born at Canandaigua, N. Y., December 25, 1861, and was a 
son of Nathaniel N. Cooley, a farmer of that place, now deceased. Mr. Cooley was 
educated in the Canandaigua Academy and at the age of seventeen returned to the 
homestead farm, where he tilled the soil. From 1882 until 1885 he studied dentistry 
in the office with C. J. Andruss of Canandaigua, at which time he went to Philadel- 
phia, Pa., where he completed a two years' course in the Philadelphia Dental College 
and was graduated in 1887. In the same year he came to Niagara Falls, where he 
has since had a large and successful practice in dentistry. 

McEwen, William D., was born at Youngstown, N. Y. , June 27, 1857, a son of 
John C. McEwen, a farmer of that place now retired. WilHam McEwen was ed- 
ucated in the public schools of Niagara county, and at the age of eighteen entered 
the dental rooms of Dr. L. D. Walters, at Lockport, where he studied for two years 
and later served with Dr. Charles Watts, at Lockport, for two years more, when he 
removed to Suspension Bridge and at once began the successful practice of his pro- 
fession at Suspension Bridge, where he still continues. October 16, 1889, Dr. Mc- 
Ewen married Priscilla Buttery, daughter of the late John Milton Buttery, of Sus- 
pension Bridge; of this union a daughter was born, Bernice Priscilla, born November 
10, 1890, and died January 24, 1896. 

Richmond, Hon. William, was born in Worcestershire, England, October 6, 1847, 
a son of John Richmond, a miller of that section, who came to America in 1863, set- 
tling at Oswego, N. Y., and now deceased. William Richmond received his educa- 
tion at a private school in England, and removed with his parents to America in 
1863. In 1868 he entered the employ of his uncle, James Richmond, an extensive 
manufacturer of milling machinery at Lockport, and upon the decease of his uncle 
in 1873, he succeeded to the business and has since carried it on successfully. In 
1881 he formed a stock company of which he became president and since that year 
the business has been controlled by that company. In 1895 Mr. Richmond was ap- 
pointed by President Cleveland to the position which he now holds, of collector of 
the port at Niagara Falls and has since resided in that city. Mr. Richmond has 
been prominent in politics in the city of Lockport, having been elected alderman of 
the First ward in 1881, serving until 1883, when he was elected mayor of the city 
and served in that capacity until 1884. In 1889 he was elected alderman of the Third 



55 

ward and held that office for two years; and in the same year, 1889, was elected to 
the Board of Education and served until' 1895. He was president of the Board of 
Water Works from 1884 to 1887 and was president of the Lockport Business Men's 
Association for a number of years prior to his removal to Niagara Falls. He has 
been a member of Niagara Lodge No. 375, F. & A. M., since 1869 and a member of 
the Royal Arcanum since 1882, at Lockport. October 12, 1870, he married Mary 
McGill of Lockport, daughter of William and Mary (Prentice) McGill, and they have 
three sons and two daughters. 

Guillempnt, Frank, M.D., was born at St. Anne, 111., August 12, 1872, and is a son 
of the Rev. Charles B. Guillemont, D.D., Ph. D., of Paris, France, now retired and 
a resident of London, Ontario, Canada. Frank Guillemont attended the grammar 
schools at London, Can., whither his parents removed in 1880, and at the age of 
seventeen he entered the Western University at London, Ont., from which he was 
graduated from the medical department in 1893. From that time until the spring of 
1894 he was in attendance at the London, Ont., Insane Asylum, when he came to 
Niagara Falls, N. Y., and began the practice of medicine in which he has already 
gained prominence. 

Parker, Spencer B., was born at Versailles, N. Y., July 21, 1859, a son of Myron 
M. Parker, a farmer of that place, now retired. Spencer Parker received his educa- 
tion in the public schools of his native town, and later attended the Chamberlain In- 
stitute and Female College at Randolph, N. Y. , from which he was graduated in 
1883 and at once began the study of law in the offiee of Judge William H. Hender- 
son, at Randolph. In 1885 he entered the Albany Law School and was graduated 
with honors in 1886, and soon afterward removed to Salamanca, N. Y., where 
he was engaged in legal practice with Judge O. S. Vreeland until the spring of 
1887, at which time he was admitted to the bar of the State of New York. In the 
fall of the same year he returned to his home at Versailles, and from that time until 
1892 taught in the public schools at that place. He then removed to Niagara 
Falls and formed a partnership with William J. Bryan, with whom he continued to 
practice law until 1893, when the partnership was dissolved and since that time he 
has successfully practiced alone. In 1896 Mr. Parker was elected police justice of 
Niagara Falls, but resigned that position early in 1897, as it interfered with his prac- 
tice of law. June 14, 1887, he married Emma C. Owen of Randolph, and they have 
one child, Alan Vreeland. 

Hough, Walter D., M. D., was born at Newfane, N. Y., October 13, 18o8, and is a 
son of Torrence and Jane (Wolverton) Hough, he a farmer of that section, now re- 
tired and a resident of Niagara Falls. Dr. Hough was educated in the public 
schools of Newfane and in the Lockport Union School. At nineteen years of age he 
entered the New York Homeopathic College, from which he was graduated in 1881, 
and later he took a course in the Long Island College Hospital at Brooklyn and was 
graduated therefrom in 1883. During the following year he practiced his profession 
in New York city, and in 1884 came to Niagara Falls, where he at once entered into 
the active and successful practice of medicine. He is a member of the Western New 
York Homeopathic Medical Society, of the New York State Homeopathic Medical 
Society and of the American Institute of Homeopathy; he is also a member of Ni- 



56 

agara Frontier Lodge No. 133, F. & A. M. September 12, 1883, he married Ella L. 
Haynes of Newfane, and they have one daughter, Florence Genevieve, born August 
39, 1884. Mrs. Hough is the daughter of Edward and Eliza (Fay) Haynes of Niag- 
ara Falls. 

Read, Willett W., was born in Jefferson county, N. Y., April 12, 1865, and is a son 
of De Estaing C. Read, a farmer now retired. Mr. Read was educated in the public 
schools and at Potsdam Normal School, Potsdam, N. Y., and in 1884 entered Cornell 
University where he took and completed the course in civil engineering, graduating 
in 1888. He at once entered the employ of a Syracuse firm of contractors and was 
engaged for the next four years in building the waterworks at Delaware, Ohio, 
Canton, N. Y., Portland, Mich., Ingersoll, Ont., Harvey, 111., and Lagrange, 111. 
In 1892 he settled in Cleveland, Ohio, where he opened an office and carried on a 
general contractmg business until 1894, when he removed to Penn Yan, N. Y., to 
complete the waterworks at that place. In March, 1895, he was appointed engineer 
of the city of Niagara Falls, which office he still holds. August 18, 1890, he married 
Elizabeth Nassoy, daughter of Felix Nassoy, proprietor of the New York Central 
Hotel at Niagara Falls. Mr. and Mrs. Read have two children, a son and daughter. 

Hall, Charles M., was born in Geauga county, Ohio, December 6, 1863, and is a 
son of the Rev. Heman B. Hall, a Congregationalist minister of that place, now re- 
tired and residing at Oberlin, Ohio. Mr. Hall began his school career at the age of 
nine years, when he attended the public school at Oberlin, whither his parents 
had removed in 1873; later he took a course in Oberlin College, and was graduated 
therefrom in 1885. He was one of the pioneers in the manufacture of aluminum and 
while experimenting in the chemical laboratory at Oberlin College, he made impor- 
tant discoveries in connection with this material which resulted in the organization, 
in 1886, of the Pittsburg Reduction Company, of which he was chosen vice-pres- 
ident, and upon the completion of their big plant at Niagara Falls in 1895, he was 
made resident manager, in which capacity he now serves. 

Gray, John, M.D., was born at Lewiston, N. Y., September 6, 1850, a son of the 
late Arthur Gray, who was a well known prosperous farmer and fruit grower of that 
section, and whose wife was Margaret A. Copeland. The doctor is one of a family 
of thirteen children, of whom seven are living: Elizabeth, Mrs. F. S. Sage, of Lewis- 
ton; Catherine, Mrs. Eugene K. Sager, of Lewiston; Margaret A., Mrs. E. A. Childs, 
of Towanda, Pa.; Arthur, of Kansas City, Mo., who married Miss Jennie Clark; 
Grant J., M.D. ; Ella Goddard, of Chicago, 111. ; and William C, who married Min- 
nie Kratz and resides in Niagara Falls. The parents are deceased. Dr. Gray was 
educated in the public schools of his native place and in the Lockport union schools, 
and when twenty years of age joined his father in farming and fruit growing, at 
which he continued for four years. In 1874 he began teaching in the public schools 
of Lewiston and followed that pursuit until 1876, when he removed to New York city 
and took a course in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, later entering the med- 
ical department of the University of New York, from w^hich institution he was grad- 
uated in 1879. He then removed to Ransomville, N. Y., and practiced his profession 
until 1880, having as a partner. Dr. Nathan Cook. Upon the death of Dr. Cook, in 
1880, he accepted the position of surgeon in charge of the lumber camps at Trufant, 



57 

Mich., and filled that position until 1885. In 1886 Dr. Gray removed to Niagara 
Falls, where he has since remained in the successful practice of medicine. June 19, 
1880, he married Florence A. Baker of Porter, N. Y., daughter of Dillman and Laura 
Matilda (Durand) Baker, natives of N. Y. 

Fink, Konrad, was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, August 3, 1835, a son of Jacob 
Fink. Konrad Fink was educated in the public schools of his native place and at 
an early age learned the blacksmith's trade. In 1854 he immigrated to America, 
settling at Niagara Falls, N. Y., and was at once employed in the building of the 
first Suspension Bridge across the Niagara River. In 1857 he entered the employ of 
the New York Central Railroad Company and worked in the shops of that Company 
for ten years, at the end of which time he established his present business as dealer 
in groceries, provisions and liquors, and in which he has met with success. Mr. 
Fink is a property owner and a director of the Bank of Suspension Bridge. Mr. 
Fink and Mrs. Margaret Walter were married November 20, 1858; she had one son, 
Christian Fink, by a former marriage with Christian Fink, brother of Konrad. She 
died in 1887, and on September 10, 1895, he married Margaret Walter, niece of his 
first wife. Three children of the first marriage are living: Dora, Margaret and 
Elizabeth ; of the last marriage one child came to bless their home. Mr. Fink has 
been twice president of the village of Suspension Bridge, and three times served as 
trustee ; at the present time he is assessor of Niagara Falls city. 

Boore, Lewis A., was born at Buffalo, N. Y., January 13, 1862, and is a son of 
Lewis Boore, who is superintendent of the Buffalo Gas Light Company. Mr. Boore 
was educated at St. Joseph's College, in Buffalo, and at the age of sixteen entered 
the office of his father, where he studied thoroughly all departments of the manufac- 
ture of gas. In 1881 he became ticket agent of the Buffalo, New York and Phila- 
delphia Railroad Company at Rochester, and remained in that position for two 
years, when, on October 1, 1883, he was made superintendent of the Niagara Falls 
Gas Light Company and was elected secretary of that company on June 11, 1890. 
Mr. Boore is also proprietor of the Tower Bazaar, which he purchased in 1893. 

Welch, James M., was born in the town of Constable, Franklin county, N. Y., 
April 11, 1816, and is a son of Levi Welch, who was a farmer and lumberman. Mr. 
Welch was educated in the public schools at Grand Island, N. Y., and worked with 
his father until he was seventeen years of age, when his father died. He remained 
at home two years and then began traveling, working at all trades, until 1847, when 
he entered the employ of the New York Central Railroad Company at Tonawanda, 
with which company he remained until his retirement (in 1893) from active service. 
He began his railroad career as a gravel man and retired as engineer at the age of 
seventy-seven, being the oldest engineer on the New York Central Railroad at that 
time. In 1849 he married Christiana Cupp of Tonawanda, and they have eight 
children, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Mr. Welch is a large prop- 
erty owner and a highly respected citizen. 

Tompkins, Henry S., was born February 3, 1848, at Niagara Falls, N. Y., and is 

a son of the late Samuel Tompkins of that place. Henry S. Tompkins attended the 

public schools of his native town, until twenty years of age, when he entered the 

works of his father at La Salle to learn the manufacture of building brick, which he 

k 



58 

has chosen for his Hfe vocation. He is also engaged in farming and fruit growing, 
owning a farm of fifty acres adjoining his brick kiln and works, and has a large or- 
chard of 1,100 finely grafted fruit trees. Mr. Tompkins is a man of sterling worth, 
and has been eminentlj' successful in his business operations. He has served the 
town of Niagara, where his business is located, for many years in varior.s capacities, 
having been a justice of the peace for nineteen years, and was elected supervisor of 
his township in 1895 to serve for two years, and re-elected in 1897 for the same period 
of time. He has also served as assessor for three years, and as a member of the 
Board of School Trustees for twenty-five years, and justly deserves the high esteem 
in which he is held by his townsmen. In 1870 Mr. Tompkms was married to Miss 
Maria Vogt, and they have reared a family of two sons and two daughters. 

Mason, John C, was born September 28, 1859, at La Salle, N. Y., and is a son of 
the late John Mason. John C. Mason received his education in the public schools of 
his native town, and at sixteen years of age went to work on his father's farm. He 
has followed the calling of farmer .since that time, is a man of thrift and enterprise, 
and has been successful in the management of his farm. He devotes almost his en- 
tire time to the cultivation of small fruit. Upon his father's decease, and the settle- 
ment of the estate, he received as his dowry twenty-three acres of land, the larger 
portion of which he sold at an advanced price during the boom of 1891. In 1879 Mr. 
Mason was married to Miss Laura O., daughter of Jackson Angevine, of La Salle, 
and they have a family of seven children, three sons and four daughters. 

Frazer, Washington A., was born September 30, 1869, at Lockport, N. Y., and is 
a son of John Frazer, a prominent farmer of that place and for many years a justice 
of the peace. Washington A. Frazer was educated in the Lockport Union schools, 
and at twenty years of age entered the offices of the superintendent of the Grand 
Trunk Railroad Company, at Hamilton, Ont., Canada, as a clerk, remaining there 
until 1887. At that time he removed to Niagara Falls, N. Y., and entered the em- 
ploy of his brother, William A. Frazer, lumber dealer, and was there until 1894, when 
he established his present business, building a large mill and lumber yard, and has 
.since been successful in all his operations. Mr. Frazer has erected a number of fine 
residences at Niagara Falls, of which he is the owner, and is also interested in the 
timber business, at Gore Bay, Ont., Canada. He is an extensive real estate owner, 
and one of the leading business men of Niagara Falls. He is a member of Niagara 
Lodge No. 375, F. & A. M. of Lockport. In 1891 Mr. Frazer was united in marriage 
with Miss Agnes Preston, of Niagara Falls, Ont., and they have two children, a son 
and a daughter. Mrs. Frazer is a daughter of Fred J. Preston, the first mayor of 
Niagara Falls, Ont., now deceased. 

Premus, A. F., Wheatfield, was born in Germany, February 8, 1860, and came to 
America with his parents in 1865. They settled in the town of Porter and Mr. 
Premus was educated at Porter Center and Lockport and Wilson Academies. He 
taught school winters and studied law during holidays and was admitted to the bar 
in 1892. He came to North Tonawanda in 1880 and read law with Simson, Dudley 
& Harrington, and entered the firm of Simson, Harrington & Premus. This firm is 
now Harrington & Premus. Mr. Premus was elected village attorney in the spring 
of 1896, and re-elected in 1897, and was legislated out of office by an act converting 
the village into a city, and was elected city attorney under the new city charter. 



59 

Harrington, E. B., Wheatfield, was born in Lockport, February 15, 1866, and was 
educated at Lockport Union School. He studied law with Joshua Gaskill and was 
admitted to the bar in March, 1889. He first entered into partnership with Chauncey 
E. Dunkelberger, then surrogate of Niagara county but in 1891 this partnership 
was dissolved and Mr. Harrington practiced law one year alone in Lockport. In 
January, 1892, he came to Tonawanda and entered the tirm of Simson, Dudley & 
Harrington, which lasted one year, when it became Simson, Harrington & Premus, 
which continued for three years, when it was dissolved and Messrs. Harrington and 
Premus organized the present law firm of Harrington & Premus. Mr. Harrington's 
parents were Henry and Polly (Baer) Harrington. Mrs. Harrington is one of the 
oldest residents of the county. Henry Harrington came to Niagara county in 1840 
and died in 1874. 

Fales, Capt. Henry M., Wheatfield, was born on Grand Island and was educated 
by a private tutor and at Deveaux College, from which he was graduated in 1881. 
He came to North Tonawanda in 1885 as secretary of the Tonawanda Gas Light 
Company. This position he resigned to become manager of the City Water Works 
Company and secretary of the Standard Gas Company, and resigned this position 
when the water works were sold to the town. He has since that time become prom- 
inent as a contractor, but he has become particularly distinguishable because of his 
organizing the 25th Separate Company, N. G. N. Y., which was mustered in May 25, 
1891, and of which he has been captain since November 28, 1892. He was first lieu- 
tenant of the company previous to his election to the captaincy. In May, 1893, Capt. 
Fales married Sarah C. Smith daughter of Hon. H. P. Smith, and they have three 
sons: H. Marshall, jr., Eugene and Clarke. 

Homeyer, Henry, Wheatfield, was born in Wheatfield and lived on the farm until 
thirteen years of age, when he came to North Tonawanda in 1869 where he has ever 
since resided. While still a youth he went into the meat business and continued at 
it for seven years, when he went on the canal for two years. He engaged in the 
liquor business in 1882, in which he is still engaged. Mr. Homeyer is one of the 
representative business and public men of North Tonawanda. He was one of the 
organizers of the first Columbia Hook and Ladder Company which was organized in 
1876 and is the only surviving charter member. He was town collector two terms, 
village collector two terms, alderman one term, and for a time Deputy U. S. customs 
inspector under Cleveland, and is at present village treasurer. He is a member of 
the Odd Fellows, A. O. U. W. and Select Knights. He married Helena Meyer and 
their children are George H., Henry F., William H., Mabel E., Laura B., Helen May 
and Ruth Esther. His parents were Henry H. and Fredericka (Bishop) Homeyer. 
His father was a Hanoverian, and his mother a Prussian; he came to America in 
1843. 

Krull, William, was born in Uckermerk, Germany, December 11, 1837, and came 
to America in 1843 with his parents. Christian and Mary (Veccue) Krull. His father 
was one of the early .settlers in Wheatfield, and at the time of his death was one of 
the oldest residents. William Krull has been a farmer all his life and was actively 
engaged in that pursuit until he moved into Martinsville in 1857. He has been a 
successful man and has not only acquired ample means, but has also won the esteem 



6o 

of all classes by his honorable career and his strict integrity in all things. In 1857 
he married Wilhelmina Milleville, who died in 1871, leaving six children: Augusta, 
Albertine, William C. and Wilhelmina, who are living; Christian and Matilda are 
dead. Mr. KruU married for his second wife Louisa Wolfe, and they have two chil- 
dren living, Matilda and Eleanor. Mr. Krull is a Democrat and was highway com- 
missioner for three years in the town of Wheatfield; he has also been a trustee of 
St. Paul's German Lutheran church for t\\ enty-eight years. In 1894 he was a dele- 
gate to the Synod held at Pittsburg, and in 1897 delegate to Baltimore. During his 
career in this county he has always been a leader among his German fellow citizens, 
and as a man whose word has always been considered as good as his bond. 

Skutt, Austin, one of the pioneer farmers of Somerset, was born in Cayuga county, 
N. Y., October 20, 1827, and is a son of Edward and Sally Skutt. He came with his 
parents to Niagara county in May, 1846, where he has been engaged in farming all 
of his life. In 1870 he married Emily Walker, and they have one son and daughter, 
Edward and Mmnie. Mr. Skutt has lived to see nearly all the old settlers pass away 
and to see the rude and humble log cabin of the early settler disappear and in its 
place the handsome and comfortable farm houses erected. He is an entertaining 
talker and one of the substantial citizens of Somerset. Edward Skutt. his son, was 
born April 24, 1871, was married January 7, 1897. to Lenora E. Reid. Minnie was 
born May 10, 1874, was married February 29, 1892, to John W. Fitzgerald, to whom 
was born one child, Emily, March 24, 1893. 

Stacy, Edwin, was born in Wilson, N. Y., December 22, 1836, a sonof Emulus and 
Alice (Tremain) Stacy. Emulus Stacy was born in Washington county and came to 
Wilson in 1834, where he died September 9, 1879; his wife was born in Oneida 
county and died in August, 1885. Edwin Stacy was born in Wilson December 22, 
1836, near where he now resides, was reared on a farm and educated at Wilson and 
Lockport; he is now engaged in farming, owning 101 acres of land. He was mar- 
ried in 1866 to Carrie Sanford (born August 31, 1839), and daughter of Asa Sanford, 
a pioneer of Orleans county. Mr. and Mrs. Stacy have four children, Frank T., C. 
Sumner, Sanford D. and Florence S. The family are members of Olcott Wesleyan 
Methodist church. 

Wilcox, Elisha, was born in Madrid, St. Lawrence cbunty, N. Y., August 18, 1825, 
a son of Ira and Nancy (Robinson) Wilcox, natives of Vermont, who came to Madrid 
where he died in 1825. Mrs. Wilcox moved with her family to Wilson in 1837, where 
she died in 1857. Elisha Wilcox was reared on a farm and educated in the common 
schools. He is a farmer and owns seventy-one acres of land o i which he has lived 
fifty years. In 1859 he married Malinda Cornell (born in Canada), and they had two 
children, Nancy M., born July 14, 1860, and married Alexander Swackhamer of Can- 
ada; and Phoebe A., died when five years old. Mr. Wilcox is a Democrat in poli- 
tics, and the family attend the Baptist church. 

Childs, James H., was born in Lewiston, N. Y., July 3, 1843. a son of Sanford and 
Elizabeth (McGregor) Childs. He was educated in the old Lewiston Academy and 
his life occupation has been farming, which he has been practically engaged in until 
1890 when he was appointed deputy collector of customs, a position he still holds 
with ability and success. He is a veteran of the war of the Rebellion, enlisting on 



6i 

December 26, 1863, in Company L, 8th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, and serving until the 
close of the war, being honorably discharged July 10, 1865. Reserved with the Army 
of the James and participated in eleven pitched battles, including Spotsylvania, 
Cold Harbor, North Anna River, Deep Bottom and all the fighting about Petersburg. 
He was wounded at North Anna River and was confined in the hospital for some 
time. He enlisted as a private, was promoted to corporal and was acting sergeant 
at the close of the war. He is a member of Mabon Post No. 125 and has been junior 
vice-commander; he is also a member of the Masonic fraternity, lodge No. 551, Ran- 
somville, and of the Odd Fellows, Sacariss Lodge No. 307, as well as of the A. O. 
U. W. No. 307. In 1871 Mr. Childs married Helen Schaefer, who died leaving no 
children, and on February 3, 1875, he married Anna Tisdale and they had five chil- 
dren: Clara. Elizabeth (married Dr. Sheppard of Cattaraugus county), Mary Edna, 
James Edward, Joseph E. and Howard T. One son, Charles, died June 6, 1889. 
Mr. Childs has been a life long Republican and cast his first vote for Lincoln (second 
term) at City Point, Va. He has held several town offices, having been highway 
commissioner twice, collector and inspector of election. 

Clary, Thomas F. C, was born at Amsterdam, N. Y., March 14. 1859, and after 
the usual preparatory training in the public schools of that city, entered Niagara 
University, from which institution he was graduated at the age of eighteen. He 
was, thereafter, admitted to the bar after a three years' course of reading in the law 
office of Judge ZeraS. Westbrook, one of the ablest and most successful practitioners 
in Central New York. At about the same time he was elected police justice of his 
native city, in which capacity he served for three years, when he resumed, in earnest, 
the practice of his profession at that place. In 1893, accompanied by his family, con- 
sisting of his mother, sister and nephew, he removed to Niagara Falls, in which 
world-famed and bustling little city he has since practiced his profession with the 
most flattering and satisfactory results. 

Carter, Elwin S., was born in Porter, N. Y., October 12, 1850, a son of John and 
Mary A. (Clyde) Carter. John Carter was born in England in 1814 and came to 
America in 1823 with an uncle, his parents having died in England. He was a 
mason by trade and traveled in the South and various places until twenty-seven 
years of age, when he married and located in Youngstown, N. Y. , where he has 
since resided. Elwin S. Carter was reared on a farm and educated in the common 
schools and Lockport Union School. He is a fruit grower and farmer, having 125 
acres where he has resided for about fifteen years; he has in fruit thirty-five acres, 
mostly peach and pear. October 9, 1873, he married S. Amelia Spencer, born in 
Porter and daughter of C. S. and Marj* Spencer. Mr. and Mrs. Carter had ten chil- 
dren: Charles E., John P., Carrie A., Herbert S., George R., Bessie H., Jessee H. 
(who died at the age of five months), Wesley C, Howard R. and Miriam C. Mr. 
Carter is an ardent Republican and has been very active; he has been town auditor 
and collector and elected supervisor of his town in 1897. He is a member of the A. 
O. U. W. and the Select Knights. In the fall of 1896 he was elected county commit- 
teeman by the Republican party in the town of Porter. 

Prudom, John H., son of Thomas and Mary (Atkinson) Prudom, was born May 1, 
1850. His father was born in the county of Yorkshire, England, July 3, 1817, where 



62 

his mother was also born, and came to America in 1852, settling in Somerset on the 
farm they now own. They had six children: Martin, born in 1848, died in infancy; 
William A., born February 8, 1849, died in 1868; John H., the subject of this sketch ; 
Martin died in infancy; Ann EHzabeth, born June 12, 1853. died March 14, 1878, and 
Hannah M. died when young. His mother was born in England November 14, 1812, 
and died December 21, 1892. 

Pratt, Rufus W., was born in Wilson December 12, 1833, a son of Josiah and Annie 
(Lutts) Pratt. Josiah Pratt was born in Massachusetts and in 1817 came to Porter 
with Peter Tower, a cousin of his, and he died in Wilson ; his wife, Annie, was a 
daughter of Michael Lutts, and was born in Porter and died in 1856, aged fifty-four 
years. Rufus W. Pratt was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools. 
He spent a short time West, and six years at Suspension Bridge in the custom hou.se 
office, but is now a farmer. He is a Republican and was constable three years. De- 
cember 12, 1861, he married Hannah M. , daughter of Thomas Barnes, and they had 
two daughters, Annie E. , wife of Parker Corwin. and Martha M., at home. Martha 
M. was educated at Suspension Bridge and Albany Normal School ; Annie E. was 
educated at a convent in Lockport. Mr. Pratt is a member of the A. O. U. W. 
He is not an aspirant to office, but has taken an active part in politics and repre- 
sented his party m conventions and has been on jury many times in county court. 

Parker George F., was born m Porter, N. Y. , May 3, 1850, a son of John and Eva- 
line (Myers) Parker. John Parker was born in Porter, a son of Joseph Parker, who 
came to Porter about 1820, where he lived and died; he was in the war of 1812. John 
Parker was a farmer and Democrat and died in 1887 and his wife in 1870. George 
F. Parker was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He spent one 
year in Michigan in the marble works; he is now a farmer and has fifty acres of 
land. He was married in December, 1874, to Deborah Holden, daughter of Ezra 
Holden, an early .settler of Porter. To Mr. and Mrs. Parker have been born ten 
children : Lizzie, Deborah, Helen (died aged five years), Hattie (died aged three 
years). Stanley, Fannie, May, Elton, Henry and Ashley. In politics Mr. Parker is 
a Democrat, and was elected highway commissioner in 1897 by a majority of fifty ; 
he was also once appointed collector, and is a member of the Select Knights. 

Pitz, Philip F., was born in Buffalo, where he lived for thirty-one years. He 
learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed in that city twelve years in the 
planing mill of Henry Ruling. He was engaged in the hotel business for one year 
in Buffalo and opened the Angler's Retreat in Lewiston in 1894. This house is 
picturesquely situated on the bank of the river, the Gorge cars running by the 
door and the New York Central depot is across the street. The house is finely 
equipped and the dining room nicely kept and well lighted. In fact the house is 
first class in every respect and has telephone and all modern conveniences, and 
has in connection a first-class boat house and boats and fishing tackle, for fishing 
or pleasure boating. Mr. Pitz married Amelia Scheunamann in 1889, and they have 
two sons, Philip and Fred. Mr. Pitz is one of the enterprising and successful hotel 
men of the county and very popular. 

Peterson, Jesse, has been prominently identified with the manufacturing indus- 
try of Lockport for the past twenty-five years. He was born at Belfast, Allegany 



63 

county, N. Y., October 1, 1850. His parents removed to Lockport when he was 
quite young. He rapidly mastered business methods and has advanced step by step 
until he is now president of one of the largest manufactories of the kind in the 
country. The United Indurated Fiber Co. of which he is president, was organ- 
ized and mcorporated in 1887, with a capital stock of $750,000. Mr. Peterson was 
married to Arabella A. Brown of Lockport, N. Y., January 29, 1872, and two chil- 
dren have been born to them, Jesse Dudley and Clara B. Mr. Peterson has spent 
considerable time in travel, not only in the United States, but over continental 
Europe and a large portion of Africa. He is a member of the Sons of the Ameri- 
can Revolution, the Ellicott and Buffalo Clubs of Buffalo, and the City Club of 
Lockport. 

Pettit, Thomas, was born in Galway, Saratoga county, N. Y.. February 1, 1818, 
a son of Thomas Pettit. He was educated in the common schools, and in 1844 came 
to Wilson, where he took up a farm of fifty acres, where he has since lived. No- 
vember, 22, 1843, he married Emily Wait (born in Clifton Park, Saratoga county, 
jST. Y ), daughter of Solomon and Rachael (Harris) Wait, and they have five chil- 
''dren: George A., of Flint, Mich.; Ida E., wife of Ambrose Haner of Wilson; Eva 
R., wife of Frederick Kelley, a farmer of Wilson, and they have two children: 
Thomas B., of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Martha E., wife of Charles Stabler, of 
Lockport. Mr. Pettit is a Republican, and the family attend the Baptist church. 

Pease, A. Douglas, was born in Newfane, N. Y., December 30, 1834, a son of 
Enoch and Eliza (Douglas) Pease. Enoch Pease was born in Maine, January 12, 
1795, and came to Newfane with his parents, where he was reared and educated. 
He was in the war of 1812 and his house was threatened to be burned, but owing to 
his kind treatment they were not molested ; he was taken prisoner, but was released 
on account of the kindness of his mother. In 1885 he came to Wilson, where he 
resided until his death, which occurred in 1887 at the age of ninety-two years. His 
wife was born in New Jersey in 1800 and died in 1849. A. D. Pease was reared 
on a farm and educated in the common schools and Wilson Collegiate Institute and 
Lima Seminary, graduating from the scientific course in 1855. He is a farmer and 
owns 535 acres, 400 where he resides. He is a large fruit grower, having about 125 
acres in fruit. Sejjtember 29, 1859, he married Abigail Saver (born in Wilson, 
April 26, 1842), daughter of Jonathan Sayer, who came to Wilson and practiced 
medicine until his death in 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Pease are the parents of seven chil- 
dren: Arthur D., of Wilson; Frances M., wife of Landon M. Bostwick, a lumber- 
man of St. Louis, Mo.; Florence A., deceased; Mary E., wife of Edward Hall, of 
Youngstown, N. Y. ; Howard Enoch, born September 19, 1875, at home; Harvey, 
deceased; and Edith G., at home. Mr. Pease is a Republican and was supervisor in 
1882 and 1883, and served as a member of the Board of Education nine years and 
president five years. He was for six years trustee of Greenwood Cemetery. Mrs. 
Pease died February 3, 1897. 

Pettit, Clinton, was born in Saratoga county, August 11, 1813, a son of Elisha 
Pettit, born at Claverack, N. Y., and moved to Galloway, where he became a well- 
to-do farmer and there died (see biography of George Pettit). Mrs. Pettit was 
Hannah Roe, who lived and died in Saratoga county ; they had fourteen children. 



64 

Clinton Pettit was reared on a farm, and in 1836 came to Wilson, where he settled 
on a farm of sixty-two acres and has added forty more to it, clearing most of the 
land. March 9, 1836, he married Clarissa Youngs, and they had four children: 
Mary J., of Kansas; Lucina H., of Iowa; IraS., died in Andersonville prison, and 
the fourth died in infancy. Mrs. Pettit died April 28, 1845, and in 1848 he married 
Kate J. Pangburn, widow of Jacob Phillips. Mr. Pettit has never used any tobacco 
and is now eighty-four years old. 

Parish, George D., was born in Porter, June 2, 1852, a son of William and Cath- 
erine (Lake) Parish. William Parish was born in Canada and came to Porter about 
1836, and traded land for the farm George D. now owns. He died in June, 1881, 
and his widow married Harrison Perry, who died in Porter in 1891. They had three 
sons William lived on the homestead and died there February 17, 1897. George 
D. Parish was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools and Genesee 
Wesleyan Seminary, after which he engaged in farming, and in 1894 went to Flush- 
ing, Mich., where he engaged in the mercantile business and was also engaged in 
the same business at Seneca Falls for one year. He now has the only bazaar at 
Flushing, and also owns 154 acres of land at Porter. February 22, 1872, he mar- 
ried Adelia Halstead, and they have two children: Verna, at home, and Charles W., 
aged nineteen. 

Prudden, Orrin D. — Prominent among the furniture dealers of this city and in fact 
one of the leading establishments is that of Prudden Brothers, of which firm Mr. 
Orrin D. Prudden, subject of this sketch, is the senior member. Mr. Prudden is a 
son of the late Louis and Elizabeth A. Prudden, natives of Connecticut, and was 
born October 3, 1851. He received his education in the district schools and at the 
Lockport Union School, after which he engaged in teaching for a number of years. 
In 1878 he married Miss Ida A. Ouade of Lockport, and their residence. No. 178 
Locust street, is one of the handsomest in town. In 1885 Mr. Prudden formed a co- 
partnership with his brother, Mr. Walter S. Prudden, in the furniture and undertaking 
business, which they have since conducted in a very successful and prosperous man- 
ner. A member of the Royal Arcanum, Odd Fellows, Masons, and Knight Temp- 
lars, and a member of the First Presbyterian charch, Mr. Prudden occupies an im- 
portant position in Lockport' s business circles. 

Pool, W. T., was born on the old Pool homestead in Lewiston, Niagara county, 
Februry 19, 1854, and has always resided on the old place. He is known as a suc- 
cessful farmer and public man. He has been justice of the peace three terms, serv- 
ing from 1884 to 1895, and was elected supervisor in 1891, since which date he has 
been continuously re-elected, his present term running into 1898, and is now chair- 
man of the Board of Supervisors. He has served on town and county committees, 
and was employed in the Constitutional Convention of 1894. He is also a member of 
the A. O. U. W. and of the Masonic Lodge No. 551, Ransomville. In 1878 Mr. Pool 
married Hetty Bradlee, who died April 15, 1896, leaving two daughters, L. Evelyn 
and Ada E. Mr. Pool has always looked closely after the interests of this town in a 
public way and stands high with the best men of the county. 

Pettit, Lauton W., Somerset, one of the wealthy and enterprising farmers of 
Niagara county, was born in Saratoga county, N. V., in 1816, and is a son of Elisha 



6s 

and Hannah Pettit, both born south of Albanj-. Lauton Pettit was married to Mar- 
garet Whitlock, February 16, 18413, and they have one son, Joel H., who was born 
January 5, 1846. Mrs. Pettit died February 12, 1893. Mr. Pettit has held the office of 
postmaster at Lake Road for thirty-three consecutive years, and is probably the oldest 
postmaster in the United States. He is hale and hearty at eighty-one years of age. 
Mr. Pettit's son married and had four children, and after the death of his wife he 
kept his children together on the farm, doing most of the work himself, until, to give 
them better school advantages, he moved to Lockport and engaged in the grocery 
business. The oldest is a graduate of the New York Medical College in the class of 

1896, and is a physician and surgeon in Lockport, where he was married January 1, 

1897, to Eva Rebasz. Glen, the second son, is engaged in the grocery business with 
his father, Walter is in school, and Fred, the fourth son, is dead. 

Pearson, RobertT., was born in county Durham, England, Jane38, 1823, 'and came 
to the United States in 1831, with his parents, George and Dorothy Pearson, who 
settled in the town of Royalton. Robert T. Pearson was educated in the common 
schools and through his life has been identified as a farmer. In 1855 he married Mary 
A., daughter of Thomas and Ruth (Ash) Dale, and they have four children: Robert 
H., Alfred W., Arthur L. , and Ruth A. Mr. Pearson is one of the representative 
farmers of his town, serving as supervisor for three years, and also assessor for three 
years, and has ever advanced the best interest of the town and townspeople. The 
title to the homestead farm came from the Holland Land Company to his father. 

Potter, John, was born at Queenston, Ontario, Can., December 7, 1835, a son of 
George Potter (deceased). He attended the public schools of his native town and at 
sixteen years of age took up the carpenter's trade which he has followed ever since. 
In 1861 he removed to Niagara Falls, N. Y. , and in 1863 entered the car shops of 
the New York Central Railroad Company, where he has been steadily employed for 
thirty five years. April 16, 1868, he married Sarah Scott of Lockport, and they have 
had five children. Mr. Potter is a member of the A. O. U. W. and of Belleview 
Lodge No. 316, I. O. O. F., of Niagara Falls. 

Reed, Albert H., was born in Somerset, Niagara county, N. Y., July 12, 1840, a 
son of Orson V. and Elizabeth (Breckon) Reed. Orson V. was born in Allegheny 
county, N. Y., March 14, 1814, and Elizabeth in England February 16, 1816. Orson 
V. Reed was a carpenter and joiner and died in 1886; his widow died in 1896. Al- 
bert H. Reed was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools. At 
fourteen years of age he began working at the carpenter's trade with his father, 
which he followed for several years, and then engaged in farming. He moved to 
Suspension Bridge in 1882, where he was superintendent of the whirlpool for two 
years, then foreman in the sash and blmd factory of C. H. Turner two years, and in 
1888 came to Wilson where he engaged in the furniture and undertaking business. 
In politics he is a Republican, and is now treasurer of the village and was town 
clerk four years. He is a member and past master of Ontario Lodge No. 376, F. & 
A. M. In 1859 he married Phebe C. Iloag of Niagara county, and they had one 
daughter, Esther L. , who married Walter S. Hill, and has two children, Claud A. 
and Mabel M. Esther L. Hill died in 1893. 

Rosenmiiller, Rev. George F., was born at Dayton, Ohio, October 24, 1847, and is 



66 

a son of David Porter and Eliza SheflEer Rosenmiiller. He was graduated from the 
high school at Lancaster, Pa., and took a full classical course in the Franklin and 
Marshall College at Lancaster, from which he was graduated in 1869 in his twenty- 
first year. He then entered the Divinity School at Philadelphia, from which he was 
graduated in 1872 ; in June of that year he was created deacon by the Right Rev. 
William Bacon Stevens, D.D., LL.D., S. T. D., bishop of Pennsylvania (Protestant 
Episcopal), and in the following year, 1873, at Reading, Pa., he was made a priest 
by the Right Rev. M. A. De Wolf Howe, D. D., LL. D., bishop of Central Pennsyl- 
vania. His first work was at Montoursville, Pa., and parts adjacent, where he re- 
mained for five years, aud then removed to Sayre, Pa., where he passed another 
term of five years in successful church work. November 1, 1882, he became rector 
of the parish of St. Peter's Protestant Episcopal church at Niagara Falls, where 
he has since remained. December 3, 1879, he married Helen Mercur, oldest child 
of Mahlon Mahr and Anna H. Jewett Mercur of Towanda, Pa., and to them have 
been born four daughters: Anna W., Mary K., Helen and Dorothea. 

Robertson, W. W., is a native of Putnam, Washington county, N. Y. , born No- 
vember 18, 1841, but resided in Troy, N. Y., the greater part of his life, prior to com- 
ing to North Tonawanda. He went into a planing mill when a young man, but left 
it in 1862 to enlist m the 11th N. Y. Independent Battery. This battery operated at 
first with the 3d Corps, Army of the Potomac, and afterward with the 2d Corps. Mr. 
Robertson participated in all the battles in which his battery was engaged. He was 
at Second Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, 
Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, and all the operations on to Lee's surrender 
at Appomattox Court House. After the war he went back to the mill and has fol- 
lowed this business ever since. In 1882 became to North Tonawanda and the part- 
nership of Robertson & Doebler was formed in 1888. They erected a planing mill 
on Tonawanda Island, where they dress on an average, 100 car loads of lumber per 
month, or about thirty one million feet annually, and give employment to fifty five 
men. In 1866 Mr. Robertson married Elizabeth Hawleyand they have six children- 
C. Frederick, Wallace Irving, Covert, James E., Nellie Hawley, and Carrie Eliza- 
beth. In politics Mr. Robertson is a Republican. He and his family are members 
of the Methodist Episcopal church. 

Rich, A. D., was born in Otsego county, N. Y., October 16, 1829. His father, Cyrus 
Rich, was a native of Ot.sego county, where he always lived and was a farmer ; he 
died in 1856. A. D. Rich was educated in the common schools and after farming it 
for several years traded his farm for a hotel in Cuba, N. Y. In 1874 he sold out and 
removed to Middleport, where he bought the Pierce House, which burned in 1884, 
and he then erected the brick block which bears his name. In 1860 he married Mary, 
daughter of John Dillenbeck. Mr. Rich is a conservative man of his town and has 
ever advanced the best interests of his town and townspeople. 

Ransom, W. H. H. (deceased), was born in Ulster county, N. Y., October 11, 1816, 
a .son of Peleg and Lettie (Lewis) Ransom, who came from Ulster county in 1842 to 
the town of Wilson, where they lived and died. Peleg Ransom was a descendant of 
one of three brothers, who came from England. The village of Ransomville was 
named for an uncle of the subject, Clark Ransom, who lived and died in the village. 



67 

W. H. II. Ransom was a builder and contractor when he came to Ransomville, and 
about 1850 he engaged in the mercantile business and continued in business until his 
death, December 30, 1889. In 1867 he formed a partnership with his eldest son, E. 
T. Ransom, who has since carried on the business under the old firm name of W. H. 
H. Ransom & Son. E. T. Ransom is a thorough-going business man, and it has 
been mainly through his efforts that Ransomville has grown to be one of the leading 
markets for the farmers in Niagara county. He is not only the leading business man 
of the place, but has been an active politician, having been supervisor of his town a 
number of years and also represented his district in the Assembly. He is assisted 
by his brothers, W. H. H., jr., and H. Seymour, the former having been general 
manager of the store for eighteen years. The firm is also engaged in produce busi- 
ness and large dealers in grains, wool and all farm products. W. H. H. Ransom 
was always an ardent Democrat and was postmaster for a number of years, at one 
time eight years in succession. February 22, 1843, he married Eliza J. Estes, born in 
Vermont in 1835, a daughter of Nathan and Catherine (McArthur) Estes. The Estes 
family are descendants of a Mr, Estes who came from France with La Fayette and 
the McArthurs, are descendants of King Arthur of Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Ransom 
had thirteen children, all of whom are living, except one, Herbert M., who died De- 
cember 1, 1896. Those living are, Elton T., Mary Powley, Oscar M., Lissie Whit- 
field, Walter J., M. D., Nina Dillingham, Jennie Hopkins, W. H. H., jr., Susie 
Peterson, H. Seymour, Carrie Thayer and Lottie M. Barry. 

Ransom, W. H. & F. A. — The senior member of this firm, Washington H., was 
born in Lockport, N. Y., March 9, 1842, and has been engaged in the practice of law 
for over thirty years. He studied law at the Albany Law School and was graduated 
from there and admitted to the bar. He was a classmate of the Hon. D. Cady Her- 
rick and President McKinley. The junior member of this firm, Frank A., son of 
Washington H. and Kate F. (Stickney) Ransom, was born in Lockport October 9, 
1871. He began the study of law in his father's office and was admitted to the bar 
in Buffalo, January 6, '1894, and since that time has been connected with the firm of 
W. H. & F. A. Ransom, one of the leading firms of the city of Lockport. 

Redpath, Philip E. , was born at Clifton (now Niagara Falls, Ont.), Canada, and is 
a son of Edward Redpath, a prosperous merchant of that place. Mr. Redpath at- 
tended the public schools at Clifton, and at the age of twenty-two entered the 
University o£ Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, and was graduated therefrom in 1884, 
having completed the three years' course in dental surgery. In the same year he 
came to Niagara Falls and entered at once into the active and successful practice of 
his profession. October 17, 1888. he married Jeanie Ware of Niagara Falls. 

Richie, William F., was born in Cape Vincent, N. Y., March 21, 1827. His father, 
William Richie, in 1835 settled in the town of Wilson, where he was identified as a 
farmer. William F. Richie was educated in the common schools and early in life 
was engaged in canal transportation; in 1848 he was a ship carpenter in Cleveland, 
and in 1850 went to San Francisco and engaged in mining enterprises. In 1867 he 
came to Gasport and erected the store and elevator now occupied by him, and is one 
of the largest grain buyers in Niagara county ; in 1865 he married Harriet Marshall, 
and they have one son and one daughter: Edward M. and Jennie I. Barrett. 



68 

Ransom, Lewis, was born in New Paltz in 1818, and in 1839 came to Lockport, 
where he worked on the enlargement of the Erie Canal. In 1840 he went to Ran- 
somville and erected the principal buildings of that town, in connection with his 
brother. W. H. H. Ransom. In 1846 he went south, where he remained for fifteen 
years, and at the breaking out of the war returned north again, returning to Buffalo 
in 1861, and in 1864 came to Lockport, where he engaged in contracting and build- 
ing. In 1865 he married Mary, daughter of Nathan Estes. Mr. Ransom is one of 
the representative men of his town and of sterling integrity. 

Rankine, Richard P., was born in Geneva, N. Y., February 4, 1862, a son of the 
Rev. Dr. Rankine of that place. Richard F. Rankine received his education in the 
Canandaigua (N. Y.) Academy and in Hobart College, Geneva, N. Y. ; being grad- 
uated from the latter institution in 1882, with the degree of B. A. In the same year 
he became identified with the First National Bank of Beatrice, Neb., and in 
1884 with the Omaha, (Neb.) National Bank, with which institution he was 
prominently connected until November, 1894, when he removed to Niagara Falls to 
accept his present position, as treasurer of the Niagara Falls Paper Co. He is also 
a stockholder and director in several of the large enterprises at the same place. In 
1886 Mr. Rankine married Jennie B. Wilson of Geneva, N. Y. Mr. Rankine is a 
man of liberal education and is well qualified for the important and responsible 
position which he now fills. 

Scott, Joseph C, was born in Boston, Mass., January 24, 1832, and is a son of Cur- 
tis B. Scott, who was a carpenter by trade. Joseph Scott attended the public schools 
and a.t the age of eighteen went to sea, which he followed for two years. Later he 
served his apprenticeship at carpentering, and in September, 1854, began working 
for the New York Central Railroad Co. as brakeman and was afterward promoted 
to the position of fireman. In 1862 he became an engineer for that company and is 
still in active service. He has two sons who are engineers with the New York Cen- 
tral Railroad Co., and who learned firing with their father. 

Spencer, Samuel B., moved to Niagara Falls early in the spring of 1896 from Chi- 
cago (where he was engaged in the lumber business for eleven years), and in com- 
pany with G. P. Rogers, established his present business, that of lumber and build- 
ers' supplies. In December, 1887, Mr. Spencer married Mary F. Vanderpool of 
Nashville, Tenn. 

Snyder, A, B., was born in Orleans county, September 26, 1822. His father, 
Nicholas Snvder, was a native of Bennington, Vt., and was one of the pioneers of 
Orleans county, clearing up his farm, He married Betsey Downer, wife of Silas 
Allen. He was through life identified as a farmer and was noted for his strict in- 
tegrity and his word was as good as his bond. He died in 1870 in his seventy-third 
year. A. B. Snyder was educated in Clarkson Academy and Cary Collegiate Sem- 
inary, after which he taught school for fifteen years. In 1854 he married Emeline 
A. Dunn, who died June 5, 1884, and in 1888 he married Mrs. H. J. Snyder, daugh- 
ter of Charles Culver of Reading, Steuben county, N. Y. By his first wife he had 
one son, Fred G. Snyder, born in 1861. Mr. Snyder is one of the conservative men 
of his town, taking an active interest in educational and religious institutions and 
has ever advanced the best interest of his town and townspeople. 



69 

Seeley, Mrs. Caroline A.— Charles W. Seeley, deceased, was born in Schoharie 
county, N. Y., February 19, 1828, a son of Daniel and Sally (Green) Seeley. Mr. 
Seeley came to Montgomery county and was engaged in the mercantile business at 
East Creek, also at Ovid, where he was deputy sheriff for four years, and spent his 
last days in Wilson as a merchant. He was a Democrat and held the office of jus- 
tice of the peace for one term. He was a member of Ontario Lodge No. 376, F. & 
A. M., and of the I. O. O. F. In 1858 he married Caroline A., daughter of Capt. 
Sylvester Parsons. To Mr. Seeley and wife were born two children, Fred Parsons, 
educated at Wilson Academy and Poughkeepsie Commercial College and has for 
some time been employed in the railroad office at Buffalo and Niagara Falls; and 
Nettie Emerson, wife of Frank B. Martin of Wilson. They have one child, Jackson 
S. Mr. Seeley died January 24, 1891. 

Shelton, Edwin, was born in Fluntingdon, Fairfield countv. Conn., vSeptember 20, 
1801, and he traced his ancestry from Daniel Shelton of England, who came before 
1600. Edwin Shelton was of the fourth generation and married Susan, daughter of 
Silas Curtis. The}' came to Niagara county in 1848, settling in the town of Lock- 
port, where he was identified as a farmer. He was a man of sterling integrity, in- 
terested in the development of his town and the advancement of his townspeople. 
His word was as good as his bond, and of him it may well be said " An honest man 
is the noblest work of God." His death, which occurred September 29, 1874, was a 
loss not only to his family, but to all who knew him. 

Shaver, Homer, was born in Orleans county, June 5, 1837, and moved to Michigan 
with his parents, when quite young, where he remained until 1849, and then returned 
to Olcott, where he attended the common schools. March 10, 1869, he married 
Arminda L. Smith (born November 19, 1846), and they have five children: Franklin 
G., born June 24, 1870; Edith E., born April 7, 1873; George W., born December 5, 
1875; Lida M., born August 23, 1879, and I. Belle, born May 6, 1885. Mr. Shaver is 
vice-president of the Pioneers' A.ssociation of Newfane. He has twentj' acres of 
peach and pear orchard, twenty-five apple and one hundred plum trees; he is one of 
the substantial farmers and fruit growers of Niagara county, and has met with good 
success. 

Shaeffer, Jesse, has been engaged in the mercantile business in Lockport over fifty 
years. He was born in Dauphin county. Pa., June 22, 1812, and is a son of Samuel 
and Sarah Jones Shaeffer. His great-grandfather was a native of Germany, and 
his grandfather. Christian, was born in Berks county, Pa., but died near Harrisburg, 
same State; he was a farmer, and reared a family of seven children. His father, 
Samuel Shaeffer, was born in Dauphin county and in 1828 came to Lockport, N.Y. ; 
he died aged seventy-five years; he was a farmer, a Republican and a member of 
the Presbyterian church ; he married Sarah Jones (born in 1788, died in 1848), and 
they had five children, one son and four daughters. Jesse, when twelve years of 
age, came to Lockport with his father, where he attended the public .school and 
worked on the farm. In 1835 he became a clerk in the dry goods store of Rogers & 
Brown in Lockport. Ten years later he went into business himself in dry goods 
and general store. He built two large dry goods stores, one grocery and four 
dwellings. In 1868 he built the large seed and produce store on Market street. 



70 

To retire, he sold his store and business to his son, who is doing a very large 
trade in field and garden seeds, wool and evaporated apples, which are sent in car 
lots all over this country and Europe. Jesse Shaeffer was forced to take a wood 
working and turning shop, where he is doing a large and prosperous business. 
On January 13, 1839, Jesse Shaeffer married Elizabeth M., daughter of Gershom 
Owen. They had six children, two sons and four daughters, of whom two are 
living — William C. Shaeffer, his successor in business, and Sarah M., wife of George 
W. Jones of Brooklyn. William E. married Mary Nash, and has five children, all 
boys. Jesse Shaeffer is a Republican and a member and trustee of the English 
Lutheran church. He enjoys the best of health now at the age of eighty-five, all 
of which is due to temperate habits through life. His present wife was Marietta 
French. 

Simmons, Edward, was born in Madison county, N. Y., August 1, 1815. The 
family were originally from Rhode Island, where his grandfather, Benjamin Sim- 
mons, settled before the Revolutionary war and served six years in the Continental 
army. Edward Simmons learned the jewelry and watchmaking trade at Hamilton, 
N. Y. , and in 1838 came to Lockport, where he established a jewelry manufactory 
and watchmaking establishment in which he continued for thirty years. He also 
opened a music store in 1852, which he carried on up to 1856, and then became a 
member of Thomas, Hall & Simmons, the well known dealers in music and musical 
instruments. October 17, 1843, he married J. Augusta, daughter of William Good- 
rich. He died September 27, 1892, aged seventy-seven. 

Sybrandt, Le Roy, was born in the town of Lockport, June 12, 1838, and moved 
with his father to this farm when twelve years old; he bought the farm of his father 
in 1862, and was married in 1864 to Rosalia Kennedy of Yates, Ontario county, 
daughter of Delauzon Kennedy, and they have two children, Charles and Nora. 
Le Roy Sybrandt' s father, John Sybrandt, was born in Washington county in 1806, 
and was married to Laura Green and came to Niagara county in 1827. 

Sawyer, John P., was born on the homestead March 6, 1821. His father, Jason 
Sawyer, was a native of Plymouth, Vt., and came to Niagara county in 1816, and 
purchased a farm of the Holland Land Company which is still in the family. He 
married Patience Taylor, and they made the trip from Rutland county, Vt., with an 
ox team and cart. They cleared the land and suffered all the trials of pioneers. 
Mr. Sawyer aided his town in all ways, both public and private. He died in 1861. 
John P. Sawyer was educated in the Royalton Academy and afterwards taught for 
several winters. In 1850 he married Hannah, daughter of Ebenezer Parson, and 
they have five children: Lewis K., Jason T., William P., Mary E. and Rosa M. Mr. 
Sawyer is one of the practical and successful farmers of his town, filling the office of 
town superintendent of schools for three years and often selected to settle estates, 
and is recognized as a man of sterling integrity who has ever advanced the best in- 
terests of his town and townspeople. 

Slocum, Hart, was born at Cambria, N. Y., March 9, 1848, a son of William P. 
Slocum (deceased). He received a public school education in the schools of his native 
town, and at seventeen years of age learned the cooper's trade and worked at the 
trade until 1871. He moved to Wilson, N. Y., in 1876, and engaged in the agricul- 



71 

tural business. He held the office of street superintendent three years. In the 
spring of 1884 Mr. Slocum went to work for the Neil Bros, of Ohio in the hedge 
fence business, with headquarters at Brockport, N. Y. With the permission of the 
Neil Bros, he resigned his position on September 1, 1884, and accepted a position on 
the customs force the same month, as deputy collector and inspector; he remained on 
the force for one year and ten months under Collector Benjman Flagler. At the 
change of administration he was removed by Collector O. W. Cutler, who took pos- 
session of the office after Mr. Flagler's time had expired, March 18, 1886. In the 
spring of 1887, March 1, Mr. Slocum went to work for G. H. Stevens, agent for the 
West Shore Railway Co. at Suspension Bridge, N. Y., in the freight office ; two years 
of the time while with the railway company he was passenger agent. He remained 
with the railway company until January 1, 1894, when he was elected coroner of Ni- 
agara county for three years and re-elected in the fall of 1896 for second term, being 
a faithful and trusted officer. He is a member cf Niagara River Lodge No 785, 
F. & A. M. ; a charter member of Ontario Lodge No. 147, A. O. U. W., of Wilson, 
N. Y. On September 5, 1869, he married Susan J. Lister of Wilson, N. Y. ; they 
had one daughter, who died at the age of thirteen years on November 20, 188"). 
Mr. Slocum is special agent for the hosiery of the Winona Mills of New York city 
for Niagara county. 

Shaver, Franklin, one of the leading farmers and fruit growers of Niagara count j', 
was born in the town of Yates, Orleans county, N. Y., April 24, 1841, a son of Peter 
and Eleanor Shaver. Peter Shaver was born in Maryland, February 25, 1799, and 
was a son of John and Elizabeth Shaver, who came from Holland to Maryland in 
an early day and in 1804 came to Niagara county. His grandmother died in 1864, 
aged 104 years; his mother was born December 14, 1799, and died in 1889; his father 
died m 1886. Mr. Shaver had seven brothers and four sisters, nine of whom are liv- 
ing: Sidney, Nelson, Electa, Malinda, James, Homer, Esther, Miranda and Eugene. 
Franklin Shaver was married November 28, 1883, to Cornelia Bullard, and they 
have two children, Harold, born October 16, 1887, and Jesse, born March 12, 1891. 
Mr. Shaver's grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. There were sev- 
enteen children in that family, and not one of them died until after ninety years of 
age, one living to be 104 years of age. His father used to burn maple, boil the ashes 
down to black salt andtakeitto Bataviaand trade it forgroceries. Mrs. Shaver's par- 
ents were from Orange county, N. Y., and her father, Hamilton Bullard, settled on the 
farm he now owns April 1, 1847. Her grandfather was a soldier in the war of 1812 
and the family is in possession of a cannon ball that was fired bj' the British at them 
when they were defending their home, and which buried itself in the trunk of a chest- 
nut tree near her home. When Mr. Shaver's people came to Niagara county, the 
country was entirely a wilderness and they literally hewed themselves a home in the 
wild country. His father started on a trip from Rochester to Albany, with a load 
drawn by two span of horses, with the fifth horse as a leader. While going down a 
long hill one horse balked and he was obliged to take a chain and draw the load to 
the top of the hill and arrange it before he could proceed. Mr. Shaver has fourteen 
acres of peach orchard, twenty-five of apple and three of pears ; he is a stock dealer, 
dealing largely in sheep. 

Tucker, Carl E., was born at Buffalo, N. Y., May 26, 1867, and was a son of 



72 

Henry C. Tucker, a well-known lawyer, now deceased. Mr. Tucker attended the 
public schools at Niagara Falls, whither his parents had removed in 1868, and later 
at De Veaux College; he also took a course at Brown University, and was graduated 
from there in 1890. In the same year he began reading law in the othces of Ells- 
worth, Potter & Storrs, and later with William C. Greene of Lockport, N. Y. In 1893 
he returned to Niagara Falls and has since enjoyed a successful practice. 

Taylor, Edward J., is a member of one of the oldest and most respected families in 
Niagara county. His grandfather and great-grandfather were natives of New Jer- 
sey', and his father was born and reared in Niagara county. Edward J. was born in 
the town of Lockport January 2, 1856. He attended the Lockport schools and re- 
ceived a liberal education. After spending some time on a farm he entered the law 
office of Farnell & Burrell as a student, and April 4, 1880, was admitted to the bar. 
After spending some time in the West he returned to Lockport and opened an office 
for the general practice of law, which he has since pursued with marked success. 
February 17, 1879, Mr. Taylor married May L., daughter of Sylvester G. Root of 
Lockport. 

Terry, Frank H.. was born on the homestead September 26, 1835. His father, a 
native of Harpersfield, N. Y., came to Niagara county in 1821 and bought his farm 
of 385 acres and afterwards added 200 acres more. He married Ruth, daughter of 
Lezar Treadwell, and through life was identified as a farmer. He was a man of 
strong character, who took an active interest in the anti-slavery agitation and in 
1850 entertained Hon. Frederick Douglass for several weeks; he died in 1866. F. H. 
Terry was educated in the common schools and in 1870 married Eugenia, daughter 
of N. G. Stebbins, and they have two daughters, Florence and Mabel. 

Trevor, William W., one of Lockport's enterprising, energetic and leading busi- 
dess men, was born at Allegheny Citj', Pa., December 8, 1841. His parents removed 
to Lockport when he was quite young and where he obtained his first schooling in 
the Union School. His first business experience was in the manufacture of nursery- 
men's labels, in which he was engaged for five years. He at this date became the 
senior member of the firm of Trevor & Penfield, which copartnership continued for 
some time, when he sold his interest in the business and became a member of the 
firm of Trevor & Co., which firm was succeeded by the Trevor Manufacturing Com- 
pany and was incorporated January 1, 1890, with Mr. Trevor as president. This is 
the only concern in the city engaged in making machinery for the manufacture of 
shingles, heading, wood pulp, etc., and is one of the largest of the kind in this sec- 
tion of the country. They give employment to from forty to fifty workmen and 
their business extends over the United States, Canada and different parts of Europe. 
Aside from Mr. Trevor's interest in this business, he is the president of the Hartland 
Paper Company of Middleport, N. Y., a director of the Niagara Paper Mills and is 
one of the stockholders in the United Indurated Fiber Company and was one of the 
original founders of the company. He was married December 27, 1867, to Anna M., 
daughter of Benjamin C. Moore of Lockport, and they have two children: Carolyn 
M., a graduate of Wells College, Aurora, and Benjamin R., a graduate of Bryant & 
Stratton's Business College, Buffalo. 

Trevor, Francis M., treasurer of the Trevor Manufacturing Company, and one of 



73 

the most prominent of Lockport's citizens, was born at Hamilton, Madison county, 
N. Y., May IT, 1844. He was educated at the Rensselaer Institute, from which he was 
honorably graduated in 1866 and two years later was graduated from the Naval 
Academy at Annapolis, Md. He then served for three years as assistant engineer in 
the navy; he at this date removed to Lockport and became connected with the man- 
ufacturing firm of Trevor & Co. This concern was established in 1858 by Joseph 
and James B. Trevor, which was carried on under the firm name of J. B. Trevor & 
Co. for three years, when it was succeeded by Trevor & Co. George S. Trevor after- 
ward became a member of the firm and when his interest was purchased by William 
W. Trevor, the style of the firm was unchanged and upon the death of James B. , in 
1867, Mr. Francis N. Trevor became a partner and the firm became Trevor & Co. 
until January 1, 1890, when it was incorporated under the style of the Trevor Manu- 
facturing Company, as it is at present. This firm are large manufacturers of ma- 
chinery for making staves, shingles, heading and wood pulp. Aside from his inter- 
est in this concern he is one of the stockholders in the Niagara Paper Mill, the 
Lockport Hydraulic Company and was one of the organizers and directors in the 
United Indurated Fibre Company. He is a member of Lockport Lodge No. 17, 
F. 8z A. M. and the society of Naval Graduates; he is also a member of the Zeta 
Psi, a Greek letter college fraternity. He was married in April, 1885, to Katharine, 
daughter of Stephen Wheeler of Rochester and an only son, George W. , has been 
born to them. Mr. Trevor takes an active interest in all good moves for the advance- 
ment of the city's interests and is a great lover of outdoor sports, being a member of 
the Anglers' Club and others of equal note. 

Taylor, Reuben A., was born at Lanesboro, Pa., March 8, 1866, and attended the 
jmblic schools until he was fifteen years of age, when he entered the State Normal 
School at Potsdam, Pa. He was compelled to work his way through .^school, which 
took him five years, whereas the regular course was but three. In 1886 he was gradu- 
ated with honors, having completed the English course of instruction ; he then taught 
for one year in the Sanitaria Springs (N. Y.) public schools, also one year at Spring 
Valley, N. Y. , and two years at Haverstraw, N. Y. In November, 1889, he was ap- 
pointed express messenger for the National Express Company over the West Shore 
and Fitchburg Railroad, his route being from Niagara Falls to Boston, Mass. In 
1890 he removed his residence to Niagara Falls. On August 21, he was mar- 
ried to Larena A., daughter of Hon. W. W. Mumford, of Starrucca. In September, 
1892, he assumed the principalship of the then Union School at Niagara Falls, to 
which position he had been appointed in July of the same year; he still holds that 
office, the school at the present time bearing the name of Niagara Falls High School. 

Tice, James A., was born in New Jersej', September 1, 1827, a son of James A. 
Tice, sr., who came to Niagara county in 1833, and located where the subject now 
lives. His parents came all the way with a team and wagon (spending the Fourth of 
July of that year in Philadelphia), and were six weeks on their way. They lived in 
their wagon until they could clear a small spot and erect the small log cabin of the 
pioneer and went to work to hew a home out of the wilderness, for at that time there 
was not a stick of the primeval forest touched. Mr. Tice can remember of hearing 
the wolves howl and .seeing a great many deer. His father was a soldier in the war 
of 1812 and one of the "Jersey Blues." He died April 29, 1876, and his wife March 



74 

24, 1866. James A. Tice was married to Mary C. Richardson, November 15, 1856. 
and they had three children: Emma, the eldest, was born June 2, 1859, and married 
James Bonnell, who resides in the town of Newfane ; Ziba, was born February 23, 
1860, and married Tena Barnes; he resides with his father; and Hattie Eliza (de- 
ceased) was born August 12, 1862, and died September 29, 1894. Mr. Tice is a prac- 
tical and successful farmer and does general farming. He also has about forty acres 
of good orchard, mostly of apple trees. In politics he is a Democrat, and has served 
as pathmaster for several years. He is one of the representative men of Niagara 
county and a genial host. 

Rice, William B. , M. D. — The prominence attained by Dr. W. B. Rice in Lock- 
port during the past fifteen years, is such as to warrant some mention in these 
pages. This gentleman has occupigd a special sphere in the successftil care and 
treatment of the sick and aiflicted. He was born in Madison county, N. Y., Novem- 
ber 29, 1828. He was educated in the public schools and academy at Port Byron. 
At an early age he began the study of medicine in his father's office and in 1863 was 
graduated from the New York Homeopathic Medical College, receiving the degree 
of M. D. He at this date removed to the town of Millville, Mass., and began the 
practice of his profession, in which he continued for a short time when he removed 
to Niagara Falls, N. Y. Dr. Rice has always taken an active part in politics and 
during President Grant's term was postmaster at Niagara Falls, also under Presi- 
dent Hayes. He is a member of the Niagara County Medical Society of which he 
is president. January 13, 1853, he married Jerusha Barton. 

Leonhardt, H. C, M. D. , was born in Logan, Perth county, Ontario, October 3, 
1864. He was then educated at the Mitchell Collegiate Institute, and the University 
of Buffalo, from which he was graduated in 1890. He then went to Europe for a 
year, nine months of which were spent in a post-graduate course in Vienna and 
Berlin and three months in London. He located in North Tonawanda in 1894. Dr, 
Leonhardt is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Iroquois and the Mystic 
Circle ; also of the Erie County Medical Society and of the Anglo-American Vienna 
Medical Association, etc. He married Susan Amelia Wright of Toronto, and they 
have one daughter: Annie K. Dr. Leonhardt's parents were John and Magdalena 
(Klaum) Leonhardt, both natives of Germany. 

Lureman, Charles, was born in Germany, September 16, 1843, a son of John and 
Christian (Schreider) Lureman, natives of Germany, who immigrated to America in 
1854, settling in Trenton, Oneida county, N. Y., and in 1859 came to Pendleton, 
where Mrs. Lureman died in 1879. Charles Lureman was educated in the common 
schools and has always been a farmer on the homestead farm of eighty acres, which 
he now owns. May 6, 1861, he enlisted in Co. A, 28th N. Y. Vols. ; he was discharged 
June 4, 1864, and re-enlisted in Co. A, 2d N. Y. Mounted Rifles, and was honorably 
discharged August 10, 1865. He was engaged in the following battles: Winchester, 
Cedar Mountain, Antietam, Chancellorsville and many smaller battles and was 
wounded while crossing the Appomattox River, near Farmville. In politics Mr. 
Lureman is a Republcan and has been collector and elected assessor in 1897, being 
the only Republican elected in the town. In 1871 he married Wilhelmina Vereck of 
Pendleton, and they have four children: Louisa F., Matilda A., Charles J. and 
Alice C. 



75 

La Barr, John, jr., was born in Saratoga county, October 28, 1832. His father, 
John W. La Barr, came to Niagara county in 1835 and through life has been one of 
the prominent men of his town, representing his county in the Assembly in 1857. 
He married Ahiiira, daughter of Nicholas Palmer. John La Barr, jr., was educated 
in Niagara county and at Lima. He married Mary E. Rowe, and they had six chil- 
dren: William D., Burt C, Mrs. Martha E. Chase, Mrs. Nettie R. Ketcham, Anna 
C. and Frank. 

McDonald, E. C, Wheatfield, was born in Buffalo, October 2, 1857, and received 
his education in that city, graduating from the State Normal School in 1877. He 
has been in the milling business twenty years, seven in Buffalo and thirteen in Ton- 
awanda. He is not only an active and successful business man, but is also a prom- 
inent member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Council. He is past master of the 
Blue Lodge and past high priest of the Chapter and has been senior grand deacon 
of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, and has been secretary of Tona- 
wanda Lodge No. 247, F. & A. M., for the past five years. Mr. McDonald married 
Lois E. Abbey of Buffalo, N. Y. He has been trustee of the village for two years 
and president for part of a term, and has been president of the Board of Water 
Commissioners three years. His parents were Charles C. and Sarah (Crane) Mc- 
Donald. His father died in 1886. 

Mansfield, Alonzo J.— Prominent among Lockport's many manufacturers is A. J. 
Mansfield. He was born in Clarence, Erie county, N. Y., October 20, 1824, and was 
engaged on a farm until 1848, when he removed to Rapids, Niagara county, and 
engaged in farming and milhng, in which he continued for eight years. At this 
date he removed to Lockport and was appointed assistant assessor in the internal 
revenue office, which position he held for seven years. In 1872 he purchased the 
Lockport Glass Works, which he has since owned and operated. Mr. Mansfield 
served six years on the Board of Education and is now president of the Police 
Board. 

McNair, C. C, was born in South Bristol, Ontario county, July 8, 1853. His 
father, James C. McNair, was born in the same town, w^here the family were early 
settlers. James McNair married Jane, daughter of William Kaufman, and they 
came to Niagara county in 1857, settling in the town of Royalton, where he was 
identified as a farmer. C. C. McNair was educated in the common schools, and in 
1875 entered the employ of Seaman & Barton of Gasport; in 1876 he established his 
present business and to-day is carrying the leading stock in Gasport. In 1877 he 
married Hattie E., daughter of Lewis Olds, and she died in 1890; in 1891 Mr. Mc- 
Nair married Mrs. Eva A. Mather, daughter of Jesse A. Gladding, and they have 
three children: Walter K., and Nellie I. McNair and Inez H. Mather. Mr. McNair 
was elected and served his town as supervisor for two years, and has also served as 
postmaster for two terms. 

Mesler, M. A., was born in the town of Royalton, April 5. 1851, a son of A. 
Mesler, who was one of the pioneers of Niagara county. M. A. Mesler was educat- 
ed in Lockport Union school, and in 1875 establi-shed his business of dealer in 
agricultural implements, paints, hardware, flour, feed and produce. In 1893 he 
erected his present store and to day is one of the leading dealers in his line of 



76 

goods. In 1876 he married Carrie, daughter of William H. Simpson ; Mrs. Mesler 
died in 1885, and Mr. Mesler married Mrs. Mary Miles, who died in 1895, and he 
again married Minnie, daughter of Theodore Stevens, and they have two sons, 
Ralph and Clarence, and one daughter, Cora M. 

Miller, Galen, was born in the town of Lewiston, Niagara county, a son of Will- 
iam and Alanthe (Rose) Miller, and is well known throughout this part of the State 
as an agriculturist and lawyer. He has also been prominent both at home and 
abroad in public affairs. He was justice of the peace four years and supervisor of 
the town five years. He took a prominent part in national affairs during 1896, being 
a delegate to the Populist National Convention at St. Louis, where he did more 
than any other man to unite the Populists with the Democrats and prevent them 
putting a Populist ticket in the field. He is one of the origmal silver men, having 
predicted the silver issue of 1896 in 1876. Mr. Miller is an independent reasoner, 
remarkably original in his ideas and arguments and is also a capable speaker. He 
was, when a young man, a Democratic delegate to the State Convention to make 
additions to the judiciary when Martin Grover, Allen and Rapello were elected. He 
has also been delegate to Congressional conventions. His articles to newspajjers 
have always played an important part in public affairs, always opposed to the issuing 
of public bonds for public improvements, believing it to be a better policy than to 
issue bonds to use the constitutional powers of the government and issue full legal 
tender money to make all public improvements ; always maintaining that the value 
of money did not depend on the intrinsic value of its material, but on its volume 
and the legal power given it by law to discharge a debt and to be receivable for all 
public dues. Money having that power given it by law would swap into any and 
all other property, not on account of the material of which it is made. He is in 
favor of good roads, but opposed to issuing bonds to pay for them. During the war 
he was an active patriot, and to secure men for the army he himself paid bounties. 

Moore Donald S. , was born in Georgetown, Ont. , January 21, 1869. He attended 
the public schools and was graduated from the Woodstock Collegiate Institute in 
1887 ; he then engaged in teaching for three years and at the end of this time he 
entered the Cornell School of Law, from which he was graduated with the degree of 
LL.B. conferred upon him in 1894. He then came to Lockport, and after spending 
a year in the law offices of John E. and Cuthbert W. Pound he was admitted to the 
bar and immediately began the practice of his profession in that city where he has 
since been engaged. 

McCarty, Owen E., was born at Belleville, Ontario, Canada, February 15, 1869, a 
son of William McCarty, an employee of the Grand Trunk Railroad Company. 
Owen McCarty attended the public schools of his native town until sixteen years of 
age, when he entered the medical department of Trinity College at Toronto, and was 
graduated therefrom in 1890. He spent the following year in the Toronto general 
hospitals in the capacity of house surgeon and in 1891 removed to Niagara Falls, N. 
Y., where he formed a partnership with M. Talbot, M. D., and where he still con- 
tinues in the successful practice of his profession. Dr. McCarty has been president 
of the Niagara Falls Academy of Medicine since its organization. 

McKee, Thomas J., was born in the town of Newfane, April 22, 1838, a son of 



77 

Anthony and Elizabeth McKee, who were among the oldest settlers in Newfane. 
His father was born in Orange county, N. Y., April 21. 1806, and came with his pa- 
rents, James and Martha McKee, to Niagara county about 1825, locating in Newfane, 
and buying their land from the Holland Land Company. The country was all a 
wilderness filled with wolves, deer and bears; they built their rude log cabin and 
with undaunted courage and energy, hewed a home out of the forest. They were 
married in 1839 and were the parents of eight children, five of whom are living: Mrs. 
P. T. Dix ; James M., who resides in Northern Michigan; Thomas J., Mrs. D. E. 
Stout and A. A. McKee, who resides in the town of Wilson; Martha, Andrew J., 
and Addie are dead. Mr. McKee died in 1896 and his wife in 1874. Thomas J. Mc- 
Kee received his education in Newfane, after which he engaged in farming. He 
was first married to Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob Brauker of Newfane, who died in 
1855. Mrs. McKee died in 1872, and in 1873 he was again married to Lovira 
Brauker, a sister of his former wife, and they ha/e one son, Rodney, born 
April 15, 1875. Mrs. McKee's people came from Pennsylvania to Niagara county in 
an early day, locating in Lockport for a time and came from there to Newfane in 
1845, settling where the subject now lives. There were six children in the family, 
three of whom are living. Daniel, John and Mrs. McKee. Jacob was killed at 
Spottsylvania, and Jacob Brauker Post, G. A. R , at Newfane, is named in his honor. 

McMullin, Rankin, was born at Syracuse, N. Y. , August 27, 1831, a son of Rankin 
R. McMullin, deceased. He attended the Lockport and Lewiston public schools and 
began his business career in the hardware trade at Lockport. He spent a number 
of years in travel, having, in 1859 with a companion, walked from Leavenworth, Kan., 
to San Francisco, Cal., and ended that trip with two years in the California mines. 
In 1861 he enlii-tedin the United States Army in the 4th Regiment of California Vols, 
and served until the close of the war. In June, 1866, he returned to New York State, 
settling at Suspension Bridge and was appointed in the same year a deputy collector 
of customs, which office he filled for four years. In 1872 he again went to California, 
but returned to Niagara Falls in 1877, when he was made a gatekeeper at Prospect 
Park, and upon the purchase by the State of New York of that property, he was 
made one of the State Reservation Police, which position he now holds. Mr. Mc- 
Mullin is a member of Niagara Falls Blue Lodge No. 132, F. & A. M., and Niagara 
Chapter No. 200, R. A. M., and is a member of Dudley Donnelly Post, G. A. R. 

Murphy, James P., was born in Montgomery county, N. Y., May 9, 1816, and came 
to Niagara county in 1832, settling in Lockport, and engaged in the business of cabi- 
net making, which he carried on for many years. He served as city clerk for two 
years, from 1854 to 1856, and in 1862 was appointed assessor of internal revenue by 
President Lincoln, which position he held until the year 1871. He was engaged in 
the grocery business for eighteen years and retired in 1890. In 1833 he married 
Catherine Davey, who died in 1890, and he again married Ellen Roberts in 1894. He 
has three sons: William G., James H. and Charles A., by his first wife, all of whom 
are residents of Lockport and doing business in the city June, 1897. 

Murphy, James P., was born at Niagara Falls, N. Y., January 14, 1855. After his 
school days were ended he worked for three years in the office of D. J. Townsend, 
superintendent of Prospect Park, and for several years he devoted his time to land- 



7S 

scape photographing. From 1882 to 1891 he served as town clerk of the town of 
Niagara, and in 1885 engaged in the insurance business; at the present time (1897) he 
has the largest agency in Western New York, representing the best of the standard 
stock companies doing business in the State. 

Miller, Charles J., was born in Newfane in 1865, a sou of Peter D. and Mary 
(Coulter) Miller. Peter Miller was born in Montgomery county and came to Orleans 
county in 1830, thence to Newfane in 1845, where he lived until his death in 1895. 
Mrs. Miller was born in Newfane and resides on the old homestead. C. J. Miller has 
two sisters, the eldest, Alice L , now Mrs. Robert D. Wilson, resides in Newfane, 
and Carrie E., now Mrs. George D. Bixler. Mr. Miller was graduated from the 
Lockport Union School in the class of 1886, and from Cornell University in 1890, 
after which he returned to Newfane and engaged in the basket and lumber business ; 
he does about $20,000 of business each year, and has a fine house and lot and a farm 
of 110 acres. In 1892 he married Lotta I., daughter of Jesse O. Lockwood. Asso- 
ciated with Mr. Miller in the basket and lumbering business are S. D. Redman, 
president; James A. Kelley, vice-president; R. D. Wilson, secretary, and C. J. Miller, 
treasurer. The company was organized in 1887, at which time they bought out Shaw 
& Vincent, the former owners. They put in two spans of 100 feet each of stone 
dams, one in 1891, the other in 1892, making one of the best dams and giving the 
best water power on Eighteen-mile Creek. In 1893 their entire plant was burned, 
but they at once rebuilt and worked with such vigor that in two weeks they were do- 
ing business again. Their output is about 300,000 each of peach and grape baskets 
and 1,000,000 berry baskets, the latter going to all parts of the United States. In 
1895 they added a saw mill to their already large plant and are doing a profitable 
and growmg business in lumber. 

Murphy, Edward, has resided and prosecuted his vocation in Lockport for many 
years, and is deservedly popular, not only with property owners, contractors, archi- 
tects, builders and others directlj'^ interested in improvements, but with the business 
communitv and general public. He was born at Moyles, Monaghan county, in the 
North of Ireland, October 17, 1859. His first schooling was obtained at New-Castle - 
on-Tyne, England. In 1868 he immigrated with his mother to this country and set- 
tled in Lockport ; his first business experience was in the capacity of office boy in the 
office of R. H. James, in whose employ he continued for nine years. In 1885 he ac- 
cepted a position as salesman with Calvin Himes, one of the leading lumber dealers 
of Lockport, and in 1890 succeeded him in business, which he has since conducted 
with marked success. Mr. Murphy has two yards, one at No. 6 East avenue and one 
on West avenue. The one on West avenue comprises an acre and a half of land, 
with a storage capacity of from 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 feet, the annual sales averaging 
from $50,000 to $60,000. Mr. Murphy deservedly enjoys the confidence and a liberal 
share of the patronage of the contractoi's and builders of Lockport and the country 
round about, and is popular with all who know him by reason of his well known in- 
tegrity, liberality and courteous manners. 

Millar, Hon. David, has been prominent at the Niagara county bar and on the 
bench for nearly thirty years. He was born at Lewiston, Niagara county, N. Y. , 
September 30, 1842, a son of Alexander and Mary (Chew) Millar. He was educated 



79 

in the public schools aud the Levviston Academy and Lockport Union School. In 
1867 he entered the law office of T. F. & G. W. Brown as a student, finishing his 
legal studies, however, in the office of Farnell & Brazee, and was admitted to the bar 
in 1869. He has always been identified with the Democratic party, and in Novem- 
ber, 1889, was elected judge of Niagara county. July 12. 1871, he married Hortense, 
daughter of Peter Valleau of Ontario, Canada. 

Merritt, John A., of Lockport, Niagara county, N. Y., was born in Tecumseh, 
Lenawee county, Mich., November 24, 1851. He was educated in the public schools 
of Tecumseh and the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor; removed to Lockport in 
1870, studied law in the office of Benjamin Hunting, was admitted to the bar in 1876, 
and entered upon the practice of his profession in 1886 ; associated himself with Law- 
yer A. A. Bradley, under the firm name of Bradley & Merritt, attorneys, and con- 
tinues to practice law under the firm name. Mr. Merritt was elected county clerk 
of his county (Niagara) in 1880, and was re-elected in 1883, serving in all six years. 
In 1886 he was chosen a member of the Board of Education of the city of Lockport, 
which position he still holds, having been several times re- elected, and having been 
chosen president of the board for five years. In 1891 he was appointed and commis- 
sioned by President Harrison postmaster of Lockport and served four years; and he 
was appointed third assistant postmaster-general on the incoming of President Mc- 
Kinley's administration. Mr. Merritt is also interested in several large business en- 
terprises, being secretary and treasurer of the Niagara Paper Mills at Lockport. 
Mr. Merritt is married and has one son, who is now in college — Cornell University, 
at Ithaca, N. Y. 

Meehan, James Henry, M. D., was born at Niagara Falls, N. Y., November 4, 
1869, and is a .son of John P. Meehan. Doctor Meehan's grandfather was one of the 
pioneer settlers of Niagara Falls. James H. attended public and parochial schools 
at Niagara Falls and graduated from the Niagara Falls High School in the class of 
'89. He was the first one to win a Cornell scholarship from that institution and 
from Niagara Falls. In the fall of 1889 he entered the Medical Department of Ni- 
agara University at Buffalo, N. Y., and was graduated therefrom in the class of '93. 
Shortly after receiving his medical degree he opened an office in his native city, 
where he has since been engaged in the successful practice of his profession. Doctor 
Meehan was appointed city health officer of Niagara Falls in 1894, and served two 
terms in that office, those of '94-95 and '95-9(i. He is an occasional contributor to 
medical literature and has contributed several articles to medical journals through- 
out the country. He is at present engaged in the preparation of two works, one 
"Our Municipal Corporation," a satirical work on the follies and vices that so fre- 
quently creep into administration of the modern city government, and the other, 
"The Medical Education of the Laity," dealing with medical subjects upon which a 
large degree of misinformation and lack of information exists among the general 
public. 

Noble, Romyne W., Somerset, was born in Somerset, August 10, 1841, and is the 
only son of Marcus and Abigail Noble. His father was born in Connecticut, Decem- 
ber 11, 1808 and his mother was born in New York, October 6, 1810. They came on 
canal to Somerset and were on the way two weeks, arriving at Somerset May 13, 



8o 

1840, and located on the farm now owned by their son. Mr. Noble died September 
25, 1879, and Mrs. Noble May 9, 1889. Mr. Noble attended Yates Academy nearly 
four years, after which he engaged with his father in farming, soon assuming com- 
plete management of the farm. October 17, 1866, he married Ellen Stewart; she 
died November 12, 1878, and on September 39, 1880, he married Orpha A. Bliss, and 
they have two daughters, Edna May, born January 26, 1885, and Mildred Orpha, 
born August 14, 1889. Mr. Noble is engaged in fruit growing and stock raising, and 
has a fine dairy consisting of twenty head of cows. His large farm of 237 acres is 
under a high state of cultivation and his buildings are magnificent. 

Nassoiy, Peter F., was born at Buffalo, N. Y., July 13, 1838, a son of Dominick 
Nassoiy. He attended the public schools of Erie county, N. Y., and worked on his 
father's farm until twenty-one years of age, when he removed to Niagara Falls and 
engaged as carriage driver for Oscar De Camp, hotel and livery stable proprietor. 
Later he purchased carriages and horses and secured the right to do the livery busi- 
ness for the Western Hotel at Suspension Bridge ; he afterwards sold out to W. P. 
Home, proprietor of the Western Hotel, and carried on the grocery business until 
1887, when he leased a piece of property at Niagara Falls and erected the present 
European Hotel, which he has successfully operated ever since, havmg purchased 
the ground upon which it stands. Mr. Nassaoiy is an extensive property owner 
and is widely known and highly respected by all. 

Odell, Charles W., was born on the homestead in Royalton, July 9, 1837. Mr. 
Odell's grandfather Joseph Odell, came to Royalton in 1815 and bought of the Hol- 
land Land Company 225 acres of land, and was one of the men whose efforts have 
made Niagara county what it is to-day. He married Miss Cooley, daughter of 
Erastus Cooley; he died in 1845, His son, Col. Alanson T. Odell, was born in 
the town of Loraine, Jefferson county, December 16, 1811, and came to Royalton 
with his parents in 1815. He was a public spirited man whose judgment was sought 
and respected by all who knew him. He always took an active interest in the devel- 
opment of his town in school and church matters, and was appointed colonel of the 
State militia by Governor Seward in 1838. He married Julia, daughter of James 
Baldwin, and died in 1883. Charles W. Odell was educated at Carysville Semi- 
nary of Genesee, graduating in 1855; also taking a special mathematical course in 
1861 and was appointed assistant door-keeper in the House of Representatives and 
afterwards served in the War Department for five years, as superintendent of the 
division of quartermaster's accounts. In 1867 he returned to Middleport and en- 
gaged in mercantile business for seventeen years, when he was burned out. He 
then became a member of the firm of Compton & Odell and in 1887 became secretary 
of the Batavia Preserving Company; in 1895 and 1896 he was manager of the Lake- 
side Park. In 1862 he married Caroline, daughter of Alphonzo T. Swain, and they 
have three children, Howard S. , Mrs. Jennie S. Cotton, and Mrs. Julia Hughey of 
BufTalo. Mr. Odell has always taken an active interest in the town affairs and has 
served as trustee. 

Odell, James M., was born in Middleport, November 16, 1838. His father, Alan- 
son T. Odell, came from Jefferson county to Niagara county in 1816, with his par- 
ents, Joseph and wife, who settled about three and a half miles southwest of Middle- 



8i 

port and bought a farm of the Holland Land Company. Joseph Odell first walked 
from Jefferson county and cleared up a portion of his land ; returning the following 
spring, he erected a log house, then walked back and brought his family in an ox 
cart. James M. Odell was educated in Lockport and Medina. He traveled South 
for several years and m 1867 returned to Niagara county, where he has since lived. 
In 1893 he built the Odell House in Middleport and is recognized as a con- 
servative, upright man who has ever advanced the best interests of his town and 
townspeople. 

Oliver, William, a member of the firm of Oliver Bros., manufacturers of iron 
bedsteads and one of Lockjjort's influential and popular citizens, has been a resident 
of this city for many years. In 1892, in company with his brothers, Thomas, 
George and John, he engaged in the manufacture of brass and iron bedsteads, hav- 
ing for many years previous been engaged in the manufacture of cider. Mr. Oliver 
is a man of energy and marked practical ability and is to be congratulated upon the 
large measure of success which has attended his efforts in the manufacture of bed- 
steads and the material and industrial development of Lockport. 

Pierce, Fred I., was born at Niagara Falls, N. Y., March 24, 1865, and is a son of 
James S. Pierce, who died in 1869. Mr. Pierce was educated in the public schools at 
Niagara Falls and at De Veaux College, graduating in 1882, when he entered the 
freight office of the New York Central Railroad Company, as a clerk, remaining for 
two years. He then took up the study of law in the office of Henry C. Tucker, 
where he spent one year, then returned to the New York Central Railroad freight 
office for one year. In 1886 he was made bookkeeper of the Bank of Niagara, and 
held that position for seven years, when he was appointed cashier of the Power 
City Bank, where he has remained ever since, a trusted and respected official. 

Pettebone, Maj. Lauren W., was born at Lockport, N. Y. , June 29, 1848, a son of 
the late Stoughton Pettebone, who was the first president of the Pettebone Paper 
Company, incorporated in 1883. Lauren W. received his education principally un- 
der private tutors and at the age of eighteen entered the business office of his 
father at Niagara Falls, where he learned paper manufacturing and has continued in 
that business ever since, becoming president of the Pettebone Paper Company upon 
the death of his father in 1888. He is a director of the Niagara Falls Water Works 
Company, the Niagara County Savings Bank, the Niagara Falls Power Company, 
and is otherwise identified with the business interests of the city of Niagara Falls. 
Major Pettebone was first lieutenant of the 42d Separate Company of Infantry, 
N. G. N. Y. , and later was promoted to the inspectorship of rifle practice, with the 
rank of major, on the staff of Brig.-Gen. P. C. Doyle. September 14, 1881, Major 
Pettebone married Lavinia, daughter of Daniel J. Townsend of Niagara Falls, and 
they have had three children: Lauren A., Harold C. and Gladys. Major Pette- 
bone is a man of liberal education and high attainments, honored and respected by 
all. 

Pearson, William, was born in the county of Durham, England, February 23, 
1821, and came to the United States in 1831 with his parents, George and Dorothy 
Pearson, who settled in the town of Royalton. Mr. Pearson was educated in the 
common schools and in 1847 moved to Lockport, where the family are among the 

k 



82 

largest farmers in Niagara county, having 800 acres. In 1846 he married Sarah, 
daughter of John Ash, and they have four children: George T., John W., Dorothy 
A. and Mary E. Mr. Pearson is one of the conservative men of the town, taking an 
intelligent interest in educational matters and has ever advanced the best interest of 
his town and townspeople. 

Humphrey, S. N., Somerset, was born in Orwell, Addison county, Vt., March 21, 
1830, and is a son of Guy and Sarah (North) Humphrey, who came from Vermont in a 
covered wagon, arriving in Somerset December 8, 1831, and settled on the farm of fifty 
acres now owned by and lying beside the large farm where the subject now lives. At 
that time the country was new and was nearly all woods, what few roads there were 
being corduroy and very rough. His father was identified with the very early de- 
velopment of the section m which he lived and closed a very useful life on October 
1, 1862. His mother died June 13, 1884. There were eight children in this family: 
The subject; Guy C, resides near his brother; Rosevell, died when ten years old; 
Esther Humphrey Abbey, born m 1825, in Orwell, Vt. ; Ruth, born in December, 
1827, died in 1848; Sarah, born August 10, 1834, died January 1, 1837; Betsey E., 
born July 4, 1843, died May 13, 1848, and William Henry, who died when five years 
old. Mr. Humphrey is a large fruit grower, having a number of fine orchards; 
also raises a large quantity of grain and a great many hogs and cattle. He has 
never married. 

Hague, C. Frederick, was born in the town of Hannibal, Oswego county, N. Y., 
September 1, 1871. His education was obtained from the Levinsworth Institute at 
Wolcott, Wayne county, and the Lockport Union School. His first business experi- 
ence was in the photograph business at Niagara Falls, with George Barker, where he 
remained until 1895, when he removed to Lockport and was employed by W. J. 
Hart, and April 1, 1897, succeeded him and has since conducted the business alone. 
Mr. Hague is a .son of Frank W. and Amanda (Pearsall) Hague, who are of Dutch- 
English descent. 

Halsted, Irving, was born in the town of Stockbridge, Wis., April 28, 1852, a son 
of Joseph and Clara Halsted. His father was born in the town of Newfane, and his 
grandfather, Benjamin Halsted, was one of the very first settlers who came into the 
town, locating in Olcott before the war of 1812. During that time they were driven 
out by the British and their home burned, and they returned to Seneca county, from 
which they came, where they remained one winter and returned to Olcott in the 
spring, where they remained until they died. His father was born in Olcott and 
when old enough engaged in farming and the nursery business. He was in Wiscon- 
sin six or eight years, and while there was elected county clerk, serving the people 
with honor and credit. He was married in 1850 and had two children, the subject 
and Oliver W. , born in 1857. Irving Halsted received his early education in the 
district schools and finished at Lockport Union School, after which he made a study 
of music and is well posted in the same. He married Emma F. Beebe (born Decem- 
ber 16, 1851), June 3, 1874. Mr. Halsted is a member of Senach Wine Lodge No. 147, 
I. O. O. F., Tiskilwa, 111., and is a past grand. He has retired from active life. 

Howell, Daniel, was born in Niagara county, N. Y., August 26, 1827, a son of 
Daniel and Sarah (Hill) Howell. Daniel Howell, sr. , was born in New Jersey and 



83 

came to Porter, N. Y., when a young man and bought a farm and spent his last days 
in Canada. Mrs. Howell was born in Ireland and died in Porter. N. Y. Daniel 
Howell, jr., was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools; his first 
business experience was as a clerk for Peter Tower of Porter, and in 1851 he moved 
to Buffalo, where he clerked for several years; was with Pratt & Co. twenty years, 
and later with Walbridge & Co. and in business for himself. In 1898 he came to 
Wilson, where he lives a retired life. He has married twice, first to Letitia Sylves- 
ter on May 4, 1856; they had two children, one died in infancy and Daniel E., who 
died in Chicago, aged thirty-two. Mrs. Howell died in 1891 and in 1896 he married. 
May 21, 1896, Rachael M. (Case) Cramton (born October 16, 1830), widow of Dr. E. 
H. Cramton of Wilson. Dr. Cramton was a veterinary surgeon for thirty-five years 
in Wilson, and a resident there for forty-four years; he was born October 18, 1824, in 
Genesee county, married November 28, 1854, and died January 20, 1894. Mrs. 
Howell's father, Deacon Luman Case, was born in Granby, Conn., and came to 
Wilson on foot when a young man, settling on a farm where he lived and died. He 
served as postmaster for several years and poormaster, was deacon in the Presby- 
terian church and elder and chorister for several years. He was also a stockholder 
in the Union school and trustee many year.s. 

Henry, L. E., was born in Porter, N. Y., October 22, 1858, a son of Lewis, born in 
JeiTerson county, N. Y., a son of Ziba Henry, born in New Hampshire, and came to 
Jeflferson county when a young man. L. E. Henry was reared on the farm and 
educated in the common schools, and a select school in Youngstown. He was with 
W. H. Doyle & Son of Youngstown for two years, and in 1880 came to Wilson, 
where he was clerk in the post-office for three months, when he engaged as a clerk 
for O. S. McChesney, druggist, and remained with him for eleven years. In 1892 he 
engaged in the grocery and meat business for himself and has been very successful. 
In politics he is a Prohibitionist and has served as trustee of the village and member 
of the Union School Board of Education for .several terms. In 1881 he married Ella 
Spicer at Lockport, and they have three children: Lulu, Mabel and Clair. Mr. and 
Mrs. Henry are members of the First Presbyterian church of Wilson, in which he 
has been deacon, elder and trustee for several years, and for some time was superin- 
tendent of the Sunday School. 

Hamblin, William, was born in Vermont, May 6, 1821, a son of Enos and grand- 
son of John Hamblin, who was born in Dutchess county and was a soldier in the 
Revolutionary war. He was taken prisoner and spent his last days in Wilson. Enos 
Hamblin was born in Vermont in 1792, was in the war of 1812, and his wife, Susan 
(Smith) Hamblin, was also born in Vermont; they came to Wilson in 1834, where she 
died April 30, 1852, and he died August 17, 1870. William Hamblin was reared on a 
farm and educated in the common schools. He was engaged in the mercantile busi- 
ness for about twenty years, when he bought his farm he now owns of 260 acres and 
carries on farming and fruitgrowing. In October, 1841, he married Annie Tower, 
daughter of Otis Tower, one of the first .settlers of Wilson. To Mr. and Mrs. Hamb- 
lin were Vjorn three children : Eh N. , enlisted in tho 28th N. Y. Vols. ; George O. and 
Mary (deceased), married L. N. Bradley. Mrs. Hamblin died in 1853 and in 1856 
Mr. Hamblin married Amorette E. Wood, and they had one son, Frank W. Mr. 
Hamblin was lirst a Democrat, but has been a Republican since Lincoln's second 



84 

administration; he has been assessor three j'ears, railroad town commissioner three 
years and supervisor of town three years. He assisted in buying the first Masonic 
Hall and was a charter member of the lodge, No. 376, F. & A. M. 

Haeberle, George, was born in Wiirtemburg, Germany, October 22, 1832, where 
he received his education and at the age of twenty-five immigrated to America. In 
search of employment, he and a companion walked the entire distance from New 
York city to Niagara Falls and it was in the latter city that he first found work, in 
the car shops of the New York Central Railroad Company as a carpenter. He re- 
mained with that company until 1803, when he established himself in business as a 
carpenter and builder at Niagara Falls and followed that calling until the time of his 
decease in October, 1896. Mr. Haeberle was an enterprising and thrifty man and 
as the years went by his business increased rapidly, necessitating the building by 
him of the largest and best equipped steam planing mill and lumber yards at Niagara 
Falls. He has fulfilled contracts for many of the largest and most imposing build- 
inge in Niagara Falls and in his declining years he associated with him in the busi- 
ness, his two sons, George C. and Charles E., who since his death have continued to 
operate the business bequeathed to them by him. Mr. Haeberle was of a modest, 
unassuming nature and applied himself closely to his business. He had served the 
village of Suspension Bridge as water commissioner and trustee for many years, and 
during President Grant's fii'st term of office he held the position of mail agent of that 
village, and later accepted the position of supervisor of the village for four years. 

Huss, Frank, was born in Alsace, October 24, 1858, a son of John and Rosa (Zilliox) 
Huss. He learned the trade of blacksmith in the old country and came to America 
in 1882, where he worked at his trade for four years in Buffalo. He then moved to 
Lewiston and carried on a general blacksmith business for five years, when he built 
the Lewiston House, which he has since successfully conducted. He married Lena 
Walter, and they have four children: Frank, Rose, George and Catherine. Mr. Huss 
is one of the enterprising and progressive citizens of Lewiston and is highly respected 
by all who know him. He is a member of the Odd Fellows and is a Republican in 
politics. 

Hurd, S. Wright, M. D., has been a prominent physician and surgeon of Lock- 
port for nearly fifteen years. He was born at Yates Center, Orleans county, N. Y., 
September 19, 1856; he received the foimdation of his education at the public schools 
of his native town. In 1877 he began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. R. S. 
Bishop of Medina, and on March 10, 1880, was graduated from the Hahneman Med- 
ical College of Philadelphia. He immediately began the practice of his profession at 
Akron, Erie county, N. Y., which he carried on with success for six years, when he 
removed to Lockport, where he has since been engaged in the practice of his pro- 
fession. Dr. Hurd IS a member of the New York State Homoeopathic Medical So- 
ciety, the Western New York Homoeopathic Medical Society and the American In- 
stitute of Homeopathy; he is also connected with the Lexington Heights Hospital of 
Buffalo. He was married in April, 1883, to Belle A. Paxon, of Akron, N. Y. 

Harwood, Bert S., was born December 13, 1873, a son of Hon. J. Marville and 
Cornelia J. Harwood. His father was born in the town of Newfane, on the Hess 
Road, in 1838, and was a prosperous farmer. He served as supervisor for a term 



S5 

of years and was afterward elected to the Assembly and served two terms, 1889 
and 1890. He was killed on August 7, 1893. Bert S. Harwood was attending 
school at Lockport at the time of his father's death, when the care and management 
of a large farm developed upon him, and he was obliged to leave his school with- 
out completing the cour.se. There are four children living in this family: Bert S., 
J. Marville, born in 1880; Nina C, born in 1884, and Frank R., born in 1886 BertS. 
Harwood is now engaged in growing fruit and grain, but gives the most attention 
to fruit growing, having a pear orchard of 1,000 trees, 1,000 peach trees and six acres 
of berries, besides a large apple orchard. 

Higgs, William H., was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., August 26. 1851. His parents 
were natives of England and immigrated to this country at an early age and set- 
tled in Brooklyn. Mr. Higg.s's first business experience was as a salesman in his 
father's leather goods house in New York city, where he remained until 1873, when 
they removed to Lockport, where he has since resided. The hardware firm of Rood 
& Higgs was established in 1875 and in 1878 was succeeded by Higgs & Staples, 
who have since conducted the business. He was married in May, 1877, to Eva, 
daughter of Rev. Asahel Staples of Lockport, and they have two children, Grace 
and William. 

Hathaway, Otis, was born December 2, 1788, in Farmington, Ontario county, N. 
Y. He came to Lockport in the early spring of 1821, bringing his family on the fol- 
lowing year. He was one of the earliest settlers of the place, coming when it was 
almost a wilderness, and with his uncles, Jared and Darius Comstock, and their as- 
sociate, Seymour Scovell, owning at one time nearly all that portion of the village ly- 
ing east of the Transit and upon the Mountain Ridge. He was one of the land pro- 
prietors, who in 1821 met and gave the village its name. Mr. Hathaway was the 
first to employ a surveyor to lay out his lands in village lots, Mr. Jesse P. Haines 
drawing up the map in 1821. That same year saw the erection of the first stores of 
the place, three in number. In one of these Otis Hathaway was interested; one of the 
Comstocks and himself putting up a frame building in which the post-office was loca- 
ted from 1821 to 1829; it was burned in the big fire of 1854. The followieg incident 
as well as being amusing will tend to show the energy and determination of some of 
those early settlers. About the time the village was started in 1821, there was a lit- 
tle contest as to where the court house and other county buildings should be located, 
Lewiston and Lockport being the most prominent rivals. Lewiston claimed the 
buildings as being the largest and oldest village in the county, and the courts hav- 
ing always been held there, they did not like to give them up. Lockport asserted 
the right as being nearer the geographical center and from the location of the canals 
and locks, as likely to be the business and commercial center. The Lewistonians 
had the advantage of possessing a newspaper by which they could send out their 
side of the question all over the county. Hearing the printer was not very well sup- 
ported, some of the citizens met and appointed a committee consisting of Dr. Isaac 
Smith and Otis Hathaway to go to Lewiston and purchase the paper, press and 
printer. They left one afternoon with two lumber wagons, reaching Lewiston just 
after dark. They found the printer, bought the press and engaged the printer to 
go back with them. The press must have been a small affair, for they packed it, 
the printer, his family and hou.sehold goods into the two wagons and were back in 



86 

Lockport before morning of the next day. That noon saw a paper out on their side 
with fiery convincing articles and blazing with exclamation points. They sent some 
copies over to Lewiston that night, which was the first intimation some of the inhab- 
itants had that they were minus a paper. Among other buildings which Otis Hath- 
away built, were the first mill and the American Hotel. The mill was erected in 
1824, the material being taken from the surroundings forests. It was completed in 
twent3'-two days. The occasion was made one of great celebration, as before that 
time the farmers were obliged to go to Niagara Falls or Rochester to have their 
wheat and corn ground. The American was built some time later. He began and 
nearly completed it, but owing to financial disasters was obliged to leave it for others 
to finish. His first home was a log cabin a little east of the Gulf. After that he 
lived in a frame dwelling, where the old Union School now stands. In the year 
1886 he built the stone house on the corner of Charles and Chestnut streets, which 
was his home during the remainder of his life. It is still in the possession of his 
granddaughter, Mrs. Sellick, and is one of the oldest houses in the city, the walls be- 
ing of unusual thickness. Mr. Hathaway died September 23, 1847. 

Works, Samuel, was born December 4, 1781, in Westmoreland, New Hampshire. 
He came to Rochester in 1816, removing from there to Lockport in 1831. During 
his residence in Rochester he was among its most enterprising and useful citizens, 
and was called to many places of trust in the growing community, and for Lockport 
he did what he had already done for her more ambitious neighbor. Every move- 
ment that had for its object the improvement and advancement of this localitj% re- 
ceived the aid of his time, money and wise counsel. Mr. Works held a number of 
official positions. He was elected to the New Hampshire Legislature in 1810. After 
becoming a resident of Lockport he was elected to the New York State Senate in 
1837, serving eight years, 1837-45. This election was the commencement of one of 
the most remarkable political careers in the history of the State. He was a leading 
Whig, being at one time connected with the Weed and Seward faction of the party, 
and on severing relations with them he became the leader of the Silver Gray or Fill- 
more wing of the party. It was through his great political influence that Henry 
Clay was nominated for president in 1844. He visited personally more than half 
of the States and was in correspondence with Mr. Clay's friends in every section 
of the country. He was a warm personal friend of Thurlow Weed, until estranged 
from him owing to political differences, and of Millard Fillmore, De Witt Clinton 
and Governor Hunt. It is said of the latter that he never took an important politi- 
cal step in his long career without first consulting Samuel Works. In later years 
Mr. Works was a friend of Rutherford B. Hayes, He was twice married, his second 
wife being a daughter of Otis Hathaway, an early settler of Lockport. Mr. Works 
died January 2, 1868. 

Thorn, David, was born December 30, 1814, in Scotland. He was graduated from 
the University at Aberdeen and followed the profession of a civil engineer. He 
came to the United States when nineteen years of age, bringing letters of introduc- 
tion to prominent men of Canaudaigua. He became a citizen of Lockport soon 
after he was employed as a civil engineer at the time of the first enlargement of 
the canal and locks. He was also one of the engineers at work on the Welland 



87 

Canal, when that was constructed. Mr. Thorn was a young man of bright prospects, 
but died at the early age of thirty-one years, October 11, 1845. 

Hagen. Charles, was born in Harburg, Hanover, February 28, 1839, a son of Con- 
rad and Johanna Hagen, and came to America in 1861. November 5, of that year, 
he enlisted in Co. D, 100th N. Y. Vols., Colonel Payne's company. He was company 
clerk and also chief clerk at General Terry's headquarters, and served three years 
and three months, participating in the battles of Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair 
Oaks, Seven days retreat, Bottom's Bridge, the advance on Charleston. S. C, Peters- 
burg, and many other noted battles. He also had the distinction of setting fire to 
the only ship the rebels had to carry supplies between Charleston and Fort Wagner, 
a steamer known as the Monigault. He received a bullet wound on May 7, 1864, and 
was at once taken prisoner by the rebels, but escaped to his own lines when both 
armies were firing. Mr. Hagen is a member of Scott Post No. 129, and has been 
senior vice-commander, and is at present chaplain of the post. He has been register 
of vital statistics and notary public. Democratic county committeeman of his town, 
and has been town clerk for upwards of twenty-two years. He has married twice ; his 
first wife was Mrs. Cook, and his present wife, Louise Moritz. Mr. Hagen's mother 
mother lived to be 101 years old and died in 1894. In December, 1868, he went to 
Germany, England, Scotland and Ireland on a visit, staying there eight months. 

Hogan, James, was born in Lewiston, N. Y. , August 9, 1857, a son of the late 
Thomas Hogan. The family removed to Bloomington, 111 , when James was four 
years old, at which place his father died in 1863. He attended the public and par- 
ochial .schools at Niagara Falls, whither his mother had removed in 1863, and when 
eighteen years old left school and began his business career. While going to school, 
when eight years old, he lost both of his legs by the railroad cars. In 1889 he was 
elected collector for the village of Suspension Bridge and held that office for two 
years; in 1893 he was elected supervisor of the Fourth ward of the city of Niagara 
Falls, and is still an incumbent of that office. 

Haynes, Edward P., was born at Brookfield, Mass., July 4, 1831, and is a son of 
Reuben Haynes, long established in Brookfield as a silver plater and now deceased. 
Edward P. Haynes attended the public schools at Greenwich, Mass., whither his 
parents had removed in 1835, and at the age of seventeen he entered the Monson 
Academy (Monson, Mass.), where he remained for three years. He then began 
life as a farmer, which calling he pursued until 1886, when he removed to Niagara 
Falls, N. Y., where he established himself in the rciail coal trade in which he is still 
successfully engaged. He is an extensive property owner and a member of 
Niagara Frontier Lodge No. 132, F. & A. M. of Niagara Falls. In October, 1857, he 
married Eliza O. Fay of Barre, Mass., and they have two children, Ella L. and Hattie 
E., living, and one son died, age eighteen years. 

Hotchkiss, James H., was born in the town of Wilson, Niagara county, July 25, 
1834, a son of A. E. and Electa Hotchkiss. His parents came to Niagara county in 
an early day. locating in Wilson, where they remained until 1838 and then removed 
to Jackson county, Mich., and remained there until 1853, when they removed to 
Illinois, where he died in 1858. Mrs. Hotchkiss came to Newfane in 1860 and died 
in 1873. They had nine children: Abram, born in 1830, resides in Porter; Noah, 



88 

born in 1832, died in 1887; James H., ; Edwin, born in 1836; Rose, born in 1838, died 
in 1863; C. S., born in 1840; Henry, born in 1842, died in 1878; Alexander, born in 
1844, died in infancy, and one half brother and sister. James H. Hotchkiss was 
educated in the common schools and engaged as fireman on the railroad. August 22, 
1862, he enlisted at Rochester, in the 19th N. Y. Light Artillery and was wounded 
in front of Petersburg in the forehead and removed to the hospital where he re- 
mained until April 1, 1865, when he was discharged and returned home. He mar- 
ried Frances Michaels of Aurora, 111., February 28, 1856, and they had six children, 
four of whom are living: Isabelle, born June 28, 1861; Electa, born December 25, 
1867; Clara, born May 21, 1869; Matilda, born June 23, 1871, died September 5, 1882; 
James, born August 3, 1875, and Edwin, born January 8, 1878, died February 18, 1882. 
Mr. Hotchkiss is a member of Jacob Braucker Post, No. 547, G. A. R. at Newfane, 
of which he is sergeant Mr. Hotchkiss is a retired farmer, has a fine home and is a 
cordial and unassuming gentleman and has a warm place in the hearts of his com- 
rades and neighbors. 

Hartmann, Frederick K., was born in Saxony, Germany, January 30, 1847, asonof 
the late George Hartmann. He was educated in the schools of Waterloo county, 
Canada, whither his parents had immigrated in 1853, and at fourteen years of age 
he learned the carpenter's trade, which he has made his life's business. In 1880 he 
came to Niagara Falls and established himself in business as a contractor and 
builder and has remained ever since, successful and popular. He is a member of 
the Board of Select Knights, Electric City Lodge No. 20, and has been married and 
has SIX children. 

Jayne, A. W. , M. D., was born in Danville, Va., July 7, 1846. He was educated 
at Charlotteville, Va. , and Madison University, from which he was graduated in 
1869. He received his medical education in New York city and graduated from the 
New York Homeopathic Medical College in 1873, and from the College of Physicians 
and Surgeons in 1875. After practicing in Syracuse, N. Y. , for six years, here- 
moved to Norfolk, Va., thence to Buffalo, where he practiced four years and came 
to North Tonawanda in 1888. Dr. Jayne was health officer of North Tonawanda 
for six years, was coroner of Niagara county in 1894 and town poor physician in 
1895. He is a prominent member of the Select Knights and is medical examiner for 
both the Tonawanda lodges. He was formerly major of Capt. M. Mauer's dra- 
goons. Dr. Jayne first married Flora M. Bassett, by whom he had one son, Almon 
A., now a student in Brown University. His second wife was Rebecca M. Marshall, 
of Todmorden, Eng., and they have two sons, Luther and Arthur. 

Johnson, Wallace C, was born in Gi'anville, Mass., and is a son of James John- 
son, owner and operator of a large wood working mill at that town. Mr. Johnson 
attended the public schools and later took a course in Williams College, after which 
he entered the Massachusetts Polytechnic Institute, from which he was graduated 
in 1884. For two years he was in the employ of the Holyoke Water-power Company 
at Holyoke, Mass., and in 1886 came to Niagara Falls, where he accepted the posi- 
tion of chief engineer of the Niagara Falls Hydraulic Power and Manufacturing 
Company, which position he still retains; he has had entire charge of the design and 
construction of the works of this company which have been built during the past ten 



89 

years and has also had charge of much hydraulic work here and elsewhere. He is 
a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, a charter member and 
officer of the Engineers' Society of Western New York. Mr. Johnson is a man of 
liberal education and kindly disposition and is highly respected by all who know 
him. 

Jones, Joseph H.. was born at Buffalo, N. Y. , November 30, 1841, a son of David 
Jones, a butcher of North Wales, who died on his farm on Grand and Buckhorn Isl- 
ands, N. Y., in 1881. Joseph H. Jones was educated in the Buffalo and Grand Isl- 
and public schools and at sixteen years of age joined his father on the farm (which 
he had purchased in 1847, upon retiring from the milling business), and tilled the 
soil until 1861, when he enlisted in April of that year in the 21st Infantry, N. Y. 
Vols., and served with that regiment in many brilliant campaigns, being mustered 
out of the service of the U. S. army in May, 1863. He at once returned to Buffalo, 
where he acted as recruiting officer for the 12th N. Y. Cavalry and went to the front 
with that regiment, serving until the close of the war in 1865. For several months 
he operated in the oil regions of Pennsylvania and later removed to the northwest, 
where he was engaged in lumbering (in Michigan and Wisconsin) until 1869, when 
he returned to the farm on Buckhorn Island, N. Y., and carried on a general farm- 
ing V)usiness until 1889. In the spring of 1890 he sold the farm and removed to La 
Salle, where he has ever since been engaged in the flour, feed and mattress business 
and has been eminently successful in all his operations. July 10, 1860, he married 
Emogene L. Kent of Grand Island. Mr. Jones has been a member of the Board of 
Health of Niagara county for two years, and is a member of the Niagara County 
Democratic Committee. He is a man of sterling worth and a highly respected citi- 
zen of the town of Niagara. Owing to poor health caused b}' hard military services 
during the Rebellion he has about retired from work and business. 

Jones, Walter, was born at Sweden, Oxford county. Me., January 15, 1851, a son 
of the late Simeon H. Jones. He attended the public schools of his native town 
until fifteen years of age, when his parents removed to Fryeburg, Me., where he en- 
tered the Fryeburg Academy and remained until 1870. In that year he began 
studying civil engineering in the office of Garbutt & Wood, of Boston, Mass., with 
whom he remained for five years. In 1877 he removed to Niagara Falls, and in 
company with Stephen M. Allen organized the Niagara Wood Paper Company, of 
which company he was made president and general manager and retained that posi- 
tion until 1892. At this date he resumed his business as civil engineer and was in 
the same year appointed assistant city engineer of Niagara Falls, acting in that 
capacity for two years. In 1894 he formed a partnership with A. H. Porter, as Por- 
ter S: Jones, and has since enjoyed a large and lucrative business. He is past mas- 
ter of Niagara Frontier Lodge No. 132, F. & A. M., past high priest of Niagara 
Chapter No. 200, R. A. M., and eminent commander of Niagara Commandery No. 
64, K. T., and is at present district deputy grand master of the Twenty-fourth Ma- 
sonic District, State of New York. August 15, 1875, he married Lucy C. Walker of 
Lovell, Me. 

King, I. J. Forbes, was born at Clockville, Madison county, N. Y., September 24, 
1861, and is a son of Daniel H. King, who was for twenty-five years a hotel proprie- 



90 

tor in the village of Clockville. Mr. King acquired a limited education from the 
public schools of Sanborn, Niagara county, where he worked at farming until he 
was thirteen years old, when he entered the Sanborn station of the New York Cen- 
tral Railroad Company, to study telegraphy. He perfected himself in all depart- 
ments of railroad service, including freight, passenger, express and Western Union 
telegraphy. At the age of sixteen he was found competent to manage the business 
of the railroad company's office at Sanborn and frequently did so in the absence of 
the agent. In 1878 he came to Niagara Falls and entered the employ of the New 
York Central Railroad Company as night operator in the telegraph office, where 
after six months he was promoted to the position of day operator and of assistant 
manager of the Western Union Telegraph Company and New York Central Rail- 
road ticket office. Later he became assistant manager of the Edison Telephone 
Company and was the first operator to speak over the telephone between Niagara 
Falls and Buffalo. In 1887 he formed a partnership with F. C. Belden in the busi- 
ness of real estate and ticket brokerage, resigning his position with the New York 
Central Railroad Company. Since January 23, 1896, when the partnership was dis- 
solved, he has continued alone in the real estate and ticket brokerage business. He 
is a notary public and a member of the American Ticket Brokers' Association. Mr. 
King is a self-made man, highly respected by all who know him and a business man 
of the strictest integrity. 

Knox, George W., was born at Knoxboro, N. Y., April 23, 1867, a son of Orville 
M. Knox, a prominent farmer and hop dealer of that section. He attended the 
public schools of his native town and at the age of twelve years entered the High 
School at Oneida, N. Y., whither his parents had removed, and was graduated 
therefrom in 1886. He entered Colgate University, Hamilton, N. Y., in 1886 with 
the class of 1890, and left in 1888 to enter the office of Jenkms & Devereux at Oneida, 
where he read law until 1891, when he was admitted to the bar of the State of New 
York at Binghamton. In 1892 he removed to Niagara Falls, where he has since en- 
joyed the uninterrupted and successful practice of his profession. 

Kelley, James A., vice-president and foreman, or manager, at the mill for the last 
ten years, of the Newfane Basket Company, was born in Maine, February 16, 1849, 
a son of Jacob and May Kelley. His father was born in Maine and his mother in 
Massachusetts. They lived in Lowell for a short time after marriage, after which 
they came to Lockport, where he engaged in lumbering with his brother, remaining 
there for a period of three years, when they dissolved partnership, his brother going 
to Philadelphia and engaging in the sash, door and blind business, when he moved 
to Newfane and engaged in running a saw mill with Vincent, which they conducted 
for a few years, when he gave up milling and engaged in fruit growing until his 
death in 1893. His wife (mother of James A.) died in 1895. There were five chil- 
dren in this family: James A., Abbie F., now Mrs. Goodrich, resides on the home- 
stead ; George and Ella (deceased), and Willis, who resides in Ransomville. James 
A. Kelley married Mary, daughter of George Ketchum, who resides in Newfane. 
Mrs. Ketchum died in 1896. Mrs. Kelley is a member of the M. E. church at New- 
fane and is an interested worker in church matters. Mr. Kelley is mterested in 
fruit growing and has an orchard of sixteen acres, all in a flourishing condition. 



91 

Knapp, Franklin L., M. D., was born in Phelps, N. Y., September 22, 1817. His 
father. Rev. Liscomb Knapp, was a native of Vermont, and moved to Monroe county, 
N. Y., where he married Lucinda, daughter of James Gay, and in 1836 came to the 
town of Royalton. Franklin L. Knapp was educaced in the common schools and 
Royalton Academy; in 1844 he entered the Geneva Medical College, from which he 
was graduated in 1845 and began practice at Geneva. In 1847 he came to Gasport, 
where he has practiced five years; in 1866 he married Phoebe M. Brownell, and they 
have one daughter, Mary E. Dr. Knapp was one of the pioneer physicians of 
homeopathy and his early years were filled with struggles and battles to introduce 
what he believed to be the true system of medicine. 

Kirapel Solomon, was born at Bentinck, Ontario. Canada, December 16, 1858, a son 
of the late Henry Kimpel. He was educated in the public schools of Bentinck and 
removed to Mildmay, Ont., in 1876, where he was apprenticed to Eidt & Noecker, 
merchant millers, for three years. In 1879 he removed to Stratford, Ont., and at 
once entered the mills of Poehlman & Redcliffe. In 1880 he removed to St. Louis, 
Mo., entering the mill furnishing house of Todds & Stanley for four months, then 
removed to Milwaukee, Wis., and remained for two and a half years at the milling 
business. In 1883 he removed to Niagara Falls, N. Y., and at once entered the flour 
mills of Schoellkopf & Mathews, Later he was emploj^ed in the Central Milling 
Co.'s flour mills, and in 1890 was made superintendent of the Cataract Milling Co.'s 
mills and retained that position until 1895, at which time he was appointed to his 
present position of superintendent of the Schoellkopf & Mathews flour mills. 

La Blond, Frank, was born at St Heliers. Jersey, England, May 24, 1847, and is a 
son of Emmanuel Theophilus Le Blond (deceased). Mr. Le Blond attended the pub- 
lic schools at St. Heliers, and at the age of fourteen was apprenticed to a plumber 
for five years. lu 1868 he removed to London, Eng., where he was engaged at his 
trade for two years; in 1870 he immigrated to America, settled in Niagara Falls, Ont., 
where he entered the employ of Thomas Barnett, at the Museum. From 1873 to 
1878 he was in charge of the water works of the Great Western Railroad Company 
(now the Grand Trunk), at the Horse-shoe Falls, Canada. In 1878 he opened the 
Cliff Hotel at Niagara Falls, Ont., which he operated successfully for six years, 
when he formed a partnership with Richard F. Carter, and built the steamer Maid 
of the Mist, which began running in June, 1885. He is at present manager of the 
Maid of the Mist Steamboat Company. He is also actively engaged in many enter- 
prises, as president or managing director, is an extensive land owner and a highly 
respected citizen. His residence since 1888 has been in Niagara Falls, N. Y. 

L}'on, H. L. T., one of the enterprising members of the Buffalo Steam Pump Co., 
is a resident of Buffalo and native of Pennsylvania. He was educated at Peekskill, 
De Veaux College and the L^niversity of Buffalo, and before embarking in business 
had achieved a high reputation as an amateur athlete, particularly in aquatics. He 
is a stockholder in the Buffalo Steam Pump Co. and contributes his time and ability 
as a draughtsman to the furtherance of the enterprise. Mr. Lyon is a scion of a 
representative American family, his grandfather H. L. Taylor, having been one of 
the great successful oil operators and dealers of his day. His mother was Kate Tay- 
lor; his father, W. W. Lyon, died in 1877. Mr. Lyon is an energetic and talented 



92 

young business man, whose energies are a valuable acquisition to the Buffalo Steam 
Pump Co. and to North Tonawanda. He is a member of the Psi Omega fraternity 
in the University of Buffalo, the Kappa Delta Pi of Peekskill and is also a Mason. 

Lindsay, Hon. James P., was born in Londonderry, Ohio, May 24 1856, and is of 
Scotch-Irish descent. When quite young he removed with his father's family to 
Illinois, thence to Iowa, finally settling near Indianola, where he continued to reside 
until admitted to the bar. His parents were Samuel B. and Maria (Bratton) Lindsay, 
both natives of Ohio. His father was a member of the Ohio Legislature, and served 
in the war of the Rebellion as second lieutenant of Co. A, 48th la. Inf. James P. 
was educated at Simpson, (la.), and Monmouth (111.) Colleges and Chicago Uni- 
versity, from which last he graduated in the class of 1880. He was admitted to the 
bar at Des Moines, Iowa, in 1881, and shortly thereafter located in the practice of 
law at Lincoln, Neb. In 1883 he located at Beaver City, Neb., where he was county 
attorney until 1886, when he was elected to the State Senate, and re-elected in 1888, 
serving four years. His majority on re-election was the largest of any member of 
either branch of the Legislature that year, being nearly 4,000. In 1891 President 
Harrison appointed him register of the U. S. land office at McCook, his district em- 
bracing nearly half of the State south of the Platte River. In 1894 he came to North Ton- 
awanda and entered into a partnership with Hon. Henry E. Warner. Upon the organ- 
ization of North Tonawanda as a city he was tendered the appointment as city judge, 
which office, however, he declined. Mr. Lindsay is a member of the Workmen, 
Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias. In 1883 he was married at Indianola, la., to 
Lizzie M. Campbell, and thay have three children living: Erma, Cecile and Walter. 

Lienz, Jacob, was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, a son of Daniel and Margaret 
Leinz, both of whom died in Germany. He came to America about forty years ago 
and settled in Amherst, Erie county, N. Y., where he remained two years and then 
came to the town of Newfane, and worked one year by the month and one year b}?^ 
the day, after which he rented a farm, on which he remained sixteen years, and 
which he afterwards bought for $4,500. He then bought the farm he now owns, 
paying $8,000 for it and has so managed it that he has paid for it and has fine build- 
ings and one of the best improved farms in his town. He married Christina Klein, 
and they had eight children, five of whom are living: Daniel, the eldest is married 
and has one daughter; Mary married Fred Mayer and has two sons and resides in 
Buffalo; Tennie, Emma and John, the three youngest, reside with their parents. 
Mr. and Mrs. Leinz are faithful members of the German Lutheran church. He is a 
prosperous and enterprising farmer and a gentleman. 

Lum, Silas, Somerset, one of the oldest settlers and pioneers of Niagara county, 
was born in Otsego county in 1814, and came with his parents to Somerset in 1819, 
settling on the farm he now owns. He endured all the hardships incident to pioneer 
life, the country at that time being the home of the Indians and wild beasts, and 
with the exception of now and then an occasional clearing and pioneer cabin, as wild 
as nature made it. His father went to Chautauqua county, where he settled on a 
farm, erected a cabin, cleared the farm and then sold his improvements. He died 
in 1843 and his mother in 1876, at the ripe old age of ninety-three years. Mr. Lum 
has two brothers living, one, Chauncy, living in Lyndon, and one, James, living near 



93 

Kalamazoo, Mich. His only sister, Lucy, died in 1860. Mr. Lum never married and 
is now enjoying the fruits of honest labor well rewarded. He is a member of the 
Niagara County Pioneers' Picnic Association. 

Leggett, John H., was born at Lewiston, N. Y., December21, 1808, and is a .son of 
John C. Leggett, a farmer of that place. Mr. Leggett was educated in the public 
schools of his native town and De Veaux College, from which he was gradu- 
ated in 1889, when he began reading law with Hon. P. F. King, of Lockport. In 
1893 he was admitted to the bar of New York State and at once formed a partner- 
ship with the Hon. P. F. King in the practice of law at Niagara Falls. In 1896 
F. J. Brown became a member of the firm and they now have a large and successful 
practice under the firm name of King, Leggett & Brown. Mr. Leggett is also attor- 
ney for the Niagara County Board of Supervisors. November 9, 1892, he married 
Emily M. Taylor, of Toronto, Can., and they have one daughter, Jennie M., born on 
February 14, 1890. 

Devereaux, Patrick, a prosperous farmer of Hartland, was born in County Wex- 
ford, Ireland, in 1831, a son of Margaret and John Devereaux. His father died in 
Ireland. He and his mother immigrated to America in 1852, landing at Savannah, 
Ga., whence they came to New York State, settling first in Utica, thence to Lock- 
port, where he engaged in farming. In the spring of 1807 he came to Hartland and 
purchased the farm he now owns, which he cleared and improved. In July, 1878, he 
married Bridget Kinney, daughter of Thomas and Anne Kinney, also natives of Ire- 
land and who immigrated to Lockport in 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Devereaux have six 
children: Margaret A., born in June, 1880; Georgiana, born in March, 1882; John, 
born in September, 1883; Mary, born in January, 1885; Thomas, born in December, 
1887, and Kittie, born in July, 1890. They are all at home, and are a refined and 
courteous family. They are members of the Catholic church at Hartland. Mr. 
Devereaux is a practical farmer, and is proud of the fact that he owes no man a 
dollar. 

Devereaux, John E., was born at New Haven, Conn., May 8, 1852, and is a son 
of Edward Devereaux, a well known landscape gardener, now deceased. Mr. 
Devereaux had little chance for study, as his father moved continually in the prac- 
tice of his profession, until 1804, when they settled at Geneva, where he attended 
the public schools of that place three terms. In 1806 he removed with his parents to 
Clifton Springs, where his father died, and Mr. Devereaux entered the employ of the 
Clifton Springs Sanitarium, remaining until 1872, when he went to Poughkeepsie to 
attend for one session Eastman's Business College. In 1878 he removed to Niagara 
Falls, where he at once entered the employ of the Cataract House, and where he 
since has remained, excepting during the years 1879-80-81, when he was elected 
town clerk at Clifton Springs, N. Y., one year appointed; also was clerk of the Board 
of Education, returning again to the Cataract House, where he has risen through all 
possible grades to his present position as manager, which post he has held for the 
past eight years. Mr. Devereaux has been interested in little or no other business 
aside from his hotel work for the past quarter of a century, with the exception of the 
last three years, during which time he has been engaged (mostly during the winter 
months) in the real estate business. In 1892 he was appointed a member of the 



94 

Board of Public Works and during the presidential campaign of 1896 he was chair- 
man of the City Democratic Committee of Niagara Falls. 

Delmage, Henry J., was born in County Limerick, Ireland, October 13, 1842, a son 
of the late Adam Delmage. In 1849 Adam Delmage removed with his family to 
Hamilton, Ontario, Can. , where Henry attended the public schools and at the age of 
thirteen began the active life which he still leads. In 1862 he helped build the first 
wing of the present Niagara University and later entered the hotel business, which 
he has followed ever since. In 1874 he bought his present hotel and has operated it 
successfully for twenty-three years as the Ontario House, Niagara Falls. In 1883 
Mr. Delmage was appointed assessor of the village of Suspension Bridge to fill a 
vacancy, and in 1884 was elected assessor of the town of Niagara. He was re-elected 
to that office in 1887 and again in 1890; in 1894 he was elected city assessor and was 
re-elected in 1897. He also filled the office of treasurer of the village of Suspension 
Bridge in the years 1881-82-86 and 1891. May 23, 1867, he married Bridget Lena- 
han and they have ten children. Mrs. Delmage died November 19, 1884. They had 
one child, Eddie P., who was killed by being run over by a wagon, Augu-st 21, 1888. 
Mr. Delmage is a member of the C. M. B. A. and A. O. H. of Niagara Falls. 

Donahue, Michael, was born near Limerick, County Clare, south of Ireland, Octo- 
ber 15, 1843, and in 1862, when nineteen years old, came to America in company 
with his mother to join his three brothers, James, Martin and John, and two sisters, 
Hanora and Bridget, who had previously settled at Niagara Falls. Shortly after his 
arrival here he was engaged by the New York Central Railroad Company as watch- 
man in their extensive lumber yards and station, and later (1872) was promoted to 
special railroad police under the same company. In 1881 he was placed in charge of 
the station at Niagara Falls as station master and yard master; in 1896 he was re- 
lieved of yard duty and holds the office of station master, which position he now 
occupies, a trusted and respected officer. 

Dix, P. T. , a farmer and fruit grower of Newfane, was born in Whitecreek, Wash- 
ington county, N. Y., in 1821, a son of Ozias and Phoebe (Tillinghast) .Dix. Ozias 
Dix was born in Vermont in 1794, and came to New York State in his younger days, 
settling in Niagara county in June, 1834, where he died in 1874; Mrs. Dix died in 
1872. P. T. Dix married Maria Antoinette McKee of Newfane, December 18, 1861, 
and they had seven children, five of whom are living, two died in infancy Louah 
Marian, now Mrs. Frank M. Bradley of Somerset; Winifred, now Mrs. Dr. G. B. 
Arnold of Downington, Pa. ; Cornelia, resides at home, but is now in Florida ; 
Minella, at home, and Burt Tillinghast. Mr. Dix was town superintendent of pub- 
lic .schools and justice of the peace eight years and deputy collector of customs at 
Olcott under Buchanan. He is a Good Templar and a Prohibitionist. He has ten 
acres of peach orchard, twenty-Hve acres of apples and four of pears. 

Dowding, John, was born in England, in 1847. He came with his parents, 
Thomas and Mary Dowding, to America in 1850, locating first in Ontario county, 
where they remained some time and his father worked on the Erie Canal, after 
which he engaged in farming, renting for a time and after getting a fair start 
bought a farm in Newfane, on which he lived until his death in 1883. His wife did 
her share toward paying for the home and when her husband died she lived with 



95 

her son John, who took care of her until her death in 1893. John Doweling was 
first married to Densie E. Corvvin in 1872, and they had two daughters: Matie E., 
born in September, 1873, and married Burton Bixler of Newfane; S. Libbie, born in 
September, 1874, married Joseph R. Flagler of Newfane. Mrs. Dowding died Jan- 
uary 1, 1878, and in 1879 Mr. Dowding married Rettie C. Barber, and they had 
three children : A son who died in infancy; Addie F., born October 19, 1881; and 
Clara B., born December 4, 1883. Mrs Dowding died December 25, 1894, and Mr. 
Dowding and two daughters have since been alone, the daughters keeping house 
and attending school. In the spring of 1887 Mr. Dowding was elected commissioner 
of highways in the town of Newfane, overcoming a good majority of the opposite 
party. He is an industrious and successful farmer. 

De Graff, James H.. was born in the town of De Witt, Onondaga county, N. Y., 
June 21, 1834, and attended school in the Kinne district in Orville, same county. He 
came to Buffalo in 1851, where he was employed by Ball & Barton, contractors, then 
engaged in building the government breakwater and dredging the Erie basin, till 
the spring of 1852, when he entered the employ of Barton & Richardson, who had 
contracted to build several miles of the roadbed of the Great Western Railroad in 
Canada across an extensive marsh between Chatham and Windsor; this engage- 
ment continued until the completion of the road, when he returned to Buffalo to 
the old firm in 1853. In the fall of 1854 he again engaged with Barton & Richard- 
son, who had the contract to enlarge the Erie Canal through Tonawanda. This en- 
gagement continued to the fall of 1857, when he went to Virginia in the employ of 
Barton, Cartwright & Co. in the construction of the Chesapeake and Albemarle 
Canal between Carrituck Sound and the Elizabeth River near Norfolk, Va. In the 
spring of 1859 he returned to Tonawanda and was married to Miss Mary Simson, 
daughter of the late John Simson, who came to Erie county in 1811 and died at his 
old home in 1893. In 1860 Mr. De Graff was engaged by a part of his old employers 
and had charge in the development and deepening of the Kanawha River for steam- 
boat navigation above and below Charleston, W. Va. He relates many narrow 
escapes they had in getting a part of their dredges, dump boats and steamers past 
the Confederate forts at Charleston and Red House Shoals during the Rebellion, 
and escaping to the Ohio River in June, 1861, when General McClellan was expect- 
ed up the river to capture Charleston. In 1863 he formed a partnership with his 
father-in-law, John Simson, and engaged in lumbering in Northern Michigan, and 
in the purchase of pine lands and getting out long timber which was made up into 
large rafts and towed by powerful tugs to either Port Huron, Detroit, Toledo, Buf- 
falo or Tonawanda. In 1876 he became a member of the banking firm of Evans, 
Schwinger & Co., with a capital of $25,000, which was merged into the State Bank 
in 1883, with a capital stock of §100,000, which still exists, and of which Mr. De 
Graff has been president since its organization. He is al.so president of the Tona- 
wanda Gas Light Company, was a charter member of the Buffalo Loan and Deposit 
Company and has been its vice-president since it was organized. He was elected 
supervisor of the town of Tonawanda in 1876, 1878 and 1879. In 1884 he built his 
home on the corner of Gaundry street and Payne's avenue. North Tonawanda, re- 
moving from Tonawanda, Erie county, to the north side — Niagara county — where 
he now resides. Mr. De Graff has three living children: Louis A., who is married 



96 

and lives at Albion; Lydia M., who married Charles Weston and lives on the op- 
posite corner from her father; and Legrand S., who lives at home, acting as man- 
ager for A. Weston & Son, wholesale lumber dealers in town. Mr. De Graff's fore- 
fathers — both paternal and maternal — came from Amsterdam, Holland, with the 
first colony that settled at Schenectady about the middle of the sixteenth century. 
His mother, Evan Van Eps, was born m Schenectady, N. Y., June 7, 1802, and 
married in 1823. In the summer of 1825 they came by boat on the Erie Canal, as it 
was then just finished for traffic, and settled at Orville, in the town of De Witt, On- 
ondaga county, and in which town his mother still lives with her daughter on Man- 
Itus street, East Syracuse, in her ninetj'-sixth j^ear; she retains her mental faculties 
remarkably well for her advanced age. On June 7, last, at the celebration of the 
ninety-fifth anniversary of her birth, five generations were represented. She read 
a passage of Scripture from the old Bible, without glas.ses, and was handed a copy 
of the Buffalo Express in which she read a portion of an article, saying that the 
print was i-ather fine, and asked for her " specs," as she called her spectacles. On 
that occasion she related many scenes of the ups and downs of her past life and her 
school-girl days, and afterward sang in a low tone several verses of hymns she had 
learned when as a girl she sang in the choir of the old Dutch Reformed church, of 
which she was a member in her maiden days. 

Devlin, Samuel J., was born at Niagara Falls, N. Y., September 10, 1869. He at- 
tended the public schools at Niagara Falls, and early in life became interested 
in manufacturing. In 1895 he became identified with the Kelly & McBean Co., 
novelty manufacturers, as its secretary and treasurer, of which position he is still 
an incumbent. Mr. Devlin is a stockholder in, and director of the Kelly & McBean 
Co. and is a member of numerous Masonic and other organizations. September 18, 
1895, he married Mary Barker of Niagara Falls. 

Dick, George, was born at Tonawanda, N. Y. . March 1, 1841, a son of the late 
Jacob Dick. He was educated in the public schools of La Salle, whither his mother 
(now Mrs. Catherine Matthias) had removed. He left school at the age of eighteen 
and worked on the home farm at La vSalle until he was twenty-four years of age, 
when he purchased a farm of eighty-three acres and engaged m fruit growing and 
general farming until 1864; at this date he enlisted in the U. S. Army in Co. C, 2d 
N. Y. Regiment of Mounted Rifles. He went to the front with that regiment, serv- 
ing in several brilliant campaigns and was in at the surrender of General Lee at 
Appomattox Court House ; in August, 1865, he was mustered out of the service and 
at once returned to La Salle to his farm and to fruit growing, which he has followed 
ever since successfully. In November following his return from the war he was 
married to Susan A. Wattengel of La Salle, and they have reared a family of seven 
children, three sons and four daughters. Mr. Dick is an industrious and thrifty 
farmer and well deserves the high esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens. 

Diver, John M., was born in Cleveland, Ohio, April 15, 1859, a son of John Diver. 
He was educated in the public schools of his native town, and when sixteen years 
of age learned the lumber business at Cleveland and has followed that calling ever 
since. In 1895 he removed from Cleveland to Niagara Falls and established his 
present business, building a large mill where he employs forty hands the year round. 



97 

Mr. Diver is a thrifty, enterprising man and well deserves the success that has at- 
tended his efforts. In 1879 he was married to Ellen J. Bieder and they have three 
children. Mr. Diver is a member of Brooklyn Lodge No. 454, F. & A. M. of Cleve- 
land, Ohio, Webb Chapter No. 14, Royal Arch Masons, and of Oriental Comman- 
dery No. 12, Knights Templar, of that city. 

Elton, Theron S., was born in Canandaigua, Ontario county, N. Y., March 9, 
1831, a .son of James and Charlotte (Noble) Elton; James, a native of Vermont, and 
Charlotte, a native of Connecticut. The maternal and paternal grandfathers both 
served in the war of 1812. James Elton was a farmer in Canandaigua, and in 1840 
settled in Wilson, where he engaged in farming and died in Rochester in 1883. 
Theron S. Elton was reared on a farm and educated in Yates Academy; in 1853 he 
married Lucinda Sweat, and they had one daughter, Frances M. Mrs. Elton died 
in 1874, and he married again, Myra, daughter of Charles Ford of Michigan, and 
she died in 1884, and in 1885 he married Mrs. Sarah Burton of Wilson. Mr. Elton 
remamed on the farm for sixteen years and then went on the lakes for eleven years, 
afterwards learned the ship carpenter's trade, which business he followed eight 
years. In 1860 he settled in Cambria and has since followed farming and wagon 
making. In politics he is a Republican, having served as justice of the peace twenty 
years, and was re-elected in 1896 for another term of four years. Mr. and Mrs. Elton 
have reared two adopted daughters, Lola M., wife of James Barnes, a farmer of 
Cambria, and Lottie L. , wife of Benjamin Hardison, a farmer of Cambria. 

Emerson, Joseph, was born in Dunville, Canada, January 31, 1868, a son of John 
and Leah Emerson. His father came from England to Canada, when a boj' and his 
mother is a native of Pennsylvania; they were married in Canada, where they have 
since resided. Joseph Emerson received his education in Dunville, after which he 
came to Buffalo and worked in a sanitarium in that place for three years. He then 
came to Newfane and bought a half interest in the Newfane Knitting Mills, with his 
brother-in-law, Fred Anderson, and continued the partnership for nearly three 
years (the mill was formerly the old Von Ostrand Woolen Mills, and one of the old- 
est landmarks in Niagara county), when they formed a stock company known as the 
Lockport Felt Co., January 26, 1891, composed of the following gentlemen: Fred 
Anderson, Joseph Emer-son, James Jackson, jr., J. Carl Jackson, A. S. Beverly, Au- 
gustus H. Ivins and Charles T. Raymond. This company continued for about three 
years, when Mr. Anderson retired, and the Jacksons are also out of the company 
and J. H. Eilus has been taken in. They now manufacture felting for paper and 
pulp mills and sell their goods over eight or nine States, Mr. Emerson being the 
traveling representative of the firm. October 22, 1891, Mr. Emerson married Chris- 
sie Mae Lettis of Albion, and they have one child, Harold L., born May 29, 1895. 
Mr. Emerson is a member of Ontario Lodge, Wilson, No. 376, F. & A. M. 

Edwaids, William C. , was born in London, England, January 16, 1851, a son of 
the late Richard H. Edwards. He was educated in the public schools of Buffalo, N. 
Y., whence his parents had removed in 1851, and when fifteen )'ears of age began 
learning the hardware business, which he followed for eleven years. In 1877 he en- 
tered the employ of the New York Central Railroad Company as a freight brakeman 
and worked up to the position of passenger conductor, in which capacity he served 



98 

until 1888, when he entered the insurance business in which he is still actively and 
successfully engaged. February 11, 1883, he married Carrie A. Widener of Holly, 
N. Y., and they have one child, Albertina G. Mr. Edwards is a member of Niagara 
Frontier Lodge No. 785, F. & A. M., of Niagara Chapter No. 200, R. A. M., and is 
one of the charter members of Niagara Commandery No. 64, K. T. He is also a 
member of Ismailia Shrine of Buffalo, A. A. O. N. M. S. He has been a member of 
Excelsior Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, of Niagara Falls since 1889, and has 
been secretary of the Fire Department since 1893 and treasurer since 1892. 

Enright, John P., son of Michael and Eliza (McDermott) Enright, was born in 
Buffalo, N. Y., January 18, 1863, but removed with his parents to Lockport when 
three years of age. He attended the Union school of Lockport and afterward took 
a course at the Canisius College at Buffalo. His first business experience was as a 
clerk in his father's grocery, where he remained for about nine years when he en- 
gaged in the brewing of ale and porter, in which he has since been engaged. Aside 
from the ale and porter brewery in Lockport, he has a very large brewery at Roch- 
ester, and the name of the Enright Brewery Co. of Rochester is famous through the 
State. Mr. Enright was married in April, 1892, to Mary T. Enright and they have 
one daughter, Frances C. Mr. Enright is a young man but is rapidly making his 
mark in the community and is respected by all who know him. 

Foote, John, M. D. — Among the leading representatives of the profession we find 
Dr. John Foote who has been in practice for nearly fifty years, and for thirty-two 
years a pi'actitioner of Lockport. He was born in the town of Greenwich, Washing- 
ton county, N. Y. , May 22, 1828. His parents removed to Niagara county in 1832, 
where he attended the public schools. In 1848 he began the study of medicine in the 
office of Dr. Peter P. Murphy of Royalton, and the following year entered the Buffalo 
University, medical department, and was graduated from that institution in 1851. 
He then began the practice of his profession at Pekin, Niagara county, where he re- 
mained until 1865, when he removed to Lockport and has since been engaged in the 
practice of his chosen profession. Dr. Foote is a member of the Niagara County 
Medical Society, of which he has been treasurer for twenty years; he also served on 
the Board of Medical Examiners for a number of years. By slow degrees he has 
built up his present large and growing practice, and has a right to feel proud of his 
honorable and successful career. 

Foster, James M., was born in the town of Yates, Orleans county, N. Y., Novem- 
ber 20, 1830, a son of James and Willina (Thomas) Foster. He was reared on a farm 
and educated in the common schools and Genesee Wesleyan Seminary. In 1851 he 
married Permelia B. Cady and they have four children: Frank L., Emma J., A. 
Clark, and James R. Mrs. Foster died and in 1863 he married Mary A. Woolson, 
and they have three children : C. Burt, May E. and William E. In 1866 he removed 
to Porter and bought 105 acres of land and has since added one hundred acres, and 
now follows general farming, stock raising and fruit growing. Mr. Foster is an ar- 
dent Republican and has been justice of the peace for eight years, supervisor one 
year and justice of sessions for one year. He is a member and present master of 
Ransomville Lodge No. 551, F. & A. M. , and is also a Scottish Rite Mason and a 
member of the lodge at Lockport. 



99 

Flagler, Charles W., was born on the Flagler homestead, October 9, 1839, which 
was bought by his father, Sj'lvester Flagler, in 1829, he coming from Washington 
county, and through life was identified as a farmer. He married Abigail, daughter 
of Benjamin Remington, both families being of Revolutionary stock. He served 
his town as assessor for nearly twenty years and ever advanced the best interests 
of educational and rehgious institutions. He died in 1856 in his fifty-third year. 
Charles W. Flagler was educated in Lockport. In 1863 he enlisted in Co. C, 2d 
N. Y. Mounted Rifles, serving in the Army of the Potomac, and received an honor- 
able discharge August 10, 1865, with rank of captain. He then returned to Niagara 
county and in 1864 married Harriet E., daughter of Augustus Button, and they 
have two children, George E. and Marion. Mr. Flagler has served his town as 
assessor for twenty-one years and has ever advanced the best interests of the town 
and aided any enterprise intended to benefit his townspeople. 

Forsyth, E. Holden, was born at Warren's Corners, December 28, 1829. His 
father, Edmund Forsyth, was born in Genesee county, July 15, 1803, and came to 
Warren's Corners with his parents, John and Mary (Ganson) Forsyth, in the spring 
of 1805. John Forsyth died in 1812, and his widow married Ezra Warren, after 
whom Warren's Corners were named. Edmund Forsyth was educated in the com- 
mon schools and through life was identified as a farmer, serving as road commis- 
sioner, town clerk, and took an active interest in educational and religious institu- 
tions, and ever advanced the best interests of the town and townspeople. Of him 
it can well be said " an honest man is the noblest work of God." He died in 1877 in 
his seventy-fifth year. E. Holden Forsyth was educated at Warren's Corners and 
Wilson, and has always been a farmer. In 1852 he married Harriet, daughter of 
Jacob Lafler, and they have three children: Arthur E., Mrs. Thomas Hoag and Mrs. 
Albert E. Taylor. Mr. Forsyth is one of the conservative men of his town, serving 
as road commissioner three years and trustee and steward of the M. E. church. He 
is recognized as a man of sterling integrity, who has ever received and merited the 
respect of his associates. 

Forsyth, Luther, was born at Warren's Corners, December 14, 1825. His father, 
Edmund Forsyth, was a native of Genesee county and came to Warren's Corners in 
1805 with his parents, John and Mary (Ganson) Forsyth, who purchased a farm of 
the Holland Land Company. He died in 1812. Edmund Forsyth was identified 
through life as a farmer, and married Harriet, daughter of William Pardy. He 
was a public spirited man and took the lead in public affairs, takmg an active inter- 
est in school and church works. He died November 16, 1877, in his seventy-fifth 
year. Luther Forsyth was educated in the common schools and has followed farm- 
ing all his life. In 1849 he married Sarah, daughter of Demars Perry, and they 
have one daughter, Mrs. Jessie See. Mr. Forsyth is one of the representative men 
of his town, serving as justice for eighteen years, and is recognized as a man of con- 
servative character, who has ever advanced the best interests of town and towns- 
people. 

Ferrin, Charles J. — This prominent grain and coal dealer is a son of Rennis and 
Jane E. (Fox) Ferrin, and was born at Port Gibson, Ontario county N. Y., July 28, 
1833. He was educated in the public schools, the Palmyra Union School and the 



lOO 

Walworth Academy, having graduated from the latter in 1848. His first business 
experience was with his father in the grain and forwarding business, where he re- 
mained until 1852, when he went to Detroit, Mich., taking charge of the freight 
department of Walter Chester. In 1870 he removed to Batavia and was engaged in 
the grain business at that place until 1883, when he removed to Lockport, where he 
has since conducted a large and prosperous grain and produce business. April 8, 
1856, he man-ied Frances Butler, and they had five children, three of whom are now 
living, and two sons (twins) are associated with him in business. 

Foote, Reuben C, jr., was born at Royalton, N. Y., November 6, 1834, a son of 
Reuben C. and Electa (Taylor) Foote, and grandson of Lemuel and Lucy Foote. 
Reuben C. Foote, father of the subject, was born at Salem, N. Y., December 11, 
1811 ; he was educated at Salem Academy, taught school two years, and at the age 
of twenty-two became a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church and was for 
thirty years actively engaged in the service. In 1883 he retired from active service 
and has since resided on the farm in Pendleton which he purchased during his min- 
istry. He has 108 acres in Pendleton and 120 acres in Hartland. He has been a 
very successful man, always having good charges, such as Henrietta, Dundee, Parma 
and several terms at Royalton, giving liberally to the church and accumulating a 
good competency ; he refused the presiding eldership and also the stewardship of the 
Lima College. Reuben C. Foote, jr., was educated at Lima and has always been a 
farmer. He worked the homestead until 1872, when he came on to his present farm 
of 107 acres and carries on general farming; he has also been quite largely engaged 
shippmg milk to Buffalo. March 5, 1855, he married Louisa A. , daughter of Anthony 
Ames of Pendleton, and they had two children: Burt A., traveling salesman, and 
Minnie E., wife of Henry M. Treichler, farmer of Wheatfield. Mrs. Foote died 
January 5, 1890. Mr. Foote has always been a Republican and has been justice of 
the peace several years. 

Folger, Charles E., has been connected with the United Indurated Fibre Company 
of Lockport since 1886, beginning in the capacity of bookkeeper, and has been suc- 
cessively advanced from time to time until he now holds the responsible position of 
assistant treasurer. He was born December 18, 1860, at Hartland, N. Y., and re- 
ceived his education from the Union School of Lockport. He is a son of Charles A. 
and Louisa (Baker) Folger, who came to this county from New England in 1855. Mr. 
Folger is a member of Empire Knights of Relief, the Royal Arcanum and the Lock- 
port Wheelmen. He married, February 8, 1893, Miss Georgie Torrance Lattin, a 
granddaughter of Capt. Asher Torrance, who came to Niagara county about 1832, 
and was a prominent citizen of Lockport in its early days, being postmaster for sev- 
eral terms. 

Gruhler, Joseph C, was born at Buffalo, N. Y., April 24, 1850, and is a son of 
Bernhard Gruhler, who was for years well known as a cooper, and later as a hotel 
proprietor in that city. Mr. Gruhler was educated in the public schools at Buffalo 
and at the age of fifteen entered the employ of J. B. Mayer, jeweler, where he 
learned the trade. From 1869 to 1881 he worked at the cooper's trade in Pennsyl- 
vania, Dunkirk and Niagara Falls, N. Y. , and then established his present hotel and 
restaurant business. He has been a director of the Niagara Permanent Loan and 



lOI 

Savings Association since its organization, and is past grand in the I. O. O. F., and 
record keeper of Cascade Tent 127, K. O. T. M., and member of the Board of Educa- 
tion of the city of Niagara Falls since it has a charter as a city. 

Gooding, Stephen F. — For more than sixty years Mr. Gooding has been estab- 
lished in his profession. His first engagement in engineering work was on the sur- 
vey of the Buffalo and Niagara Falls and the Lockport and Niagara Falls Railroad ; 
he next assisted on the survey of a railroad from Toledo to Sanduskj' city, and dur- 
ing the same year of a railroad running from Palmira, Mich., to Jackson, and later 
was employed on the Erie Canal between Buffalo and Rochester. In 1838 and 1840 
he was engaged on the construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal; from 1840 to 
1862 he was engaged in the engineering of the enlargement of the Erie Canal in the 
vicinity of Lockport, including the construction of the combined locks at that place ; 
in 1862 was elected village engineer, which position he held until in 1867 he made 
for the United States government, under charge of Colonel Blunt, U. S. A , surveys 
and estimate for a ship canal from Niagara River at Tonawanda to Lake Ontario at 
Olcott. In 1868 he removed to Long Island and was engineer in the construction of 
different railroads in that region. In 1876 he returned to Lockport and has since 
been engaged in surveying and civil engineering. In 1891 he made the surveys and 
estimates for a canal to utilize the power of Niagara River on a head and fall of over 
200 feet at Lockport. It will thus be seen that Mr. Gooding is a civil engineer of 
rare attainments and ability and one whose services are in request in works where 
high order of skill is indispensable. He is a son of John and Mary A. (French) 
Gooding, and was born in the town of Henrietta, Monroe county, N. Y., October 31, 
1817. He has been a Republican since the organization of that party and his first 
vote was with the Liberty party. He is a member of the East Avenue Congrega- 
tional church and was present at the first Sunday school ever held in the city of 
Lockport. His father was born in Bristol, N. Y., in 1795 and died in 1840; bis 
mother was born in the town of Alfred, Mass., in 1797 and died in 1873. 

Gold, William J., a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Calaway) Gold, was born in 
Pittstown, Rensselaer county, N. Y., September 2, 1849. His first employment was 
in a cooper shop at Waterford, N. Y. In 1876 he removed to Lockport and entered 
the rtour mill of Saxton & Thompson, having charge of the flour packing department, 
and continued with this firm for a period of five years. He then embarked in the 
grocery business on his own account, which business he has since conducted. In 
May, 1892, he was appointed assessor by Mayor Darrison for one term of two years, 
which position he has held up to the present time. August 31, 1872, he married Mary 
A. Jones of Cohoes, N. Y. 

Gombert, William, Wheatfield, was born in Germany in 1847, and came to America 
in 1854 with his uncle. In 1861 he came to Lockport where he learned the carpen- 
ter's trade and followed it for five years there, when he came to North Tonawanda 
in 1869. He built the mill now conducted by J. S. Thompson and was a partner in 
the business for many years. After some changes the firm became Gombert & 
Thompson in 1887 and so remained until 1892, when Mr. Gombert sold out and went 
into the coal business. He also conducts the business of the Erie Coal Dock. Mr. 
Gombert enlisted in the 26th N. Y. Frontier Cavalry in 1865 and served four months. 



102 

He is a member of the Board of Public Works in the city of North Tonawanda and 
was alderman for four years and president of the village one year. While chairman 
of the street commissioners he built the bridge over the State ditch on Oliver street 
and procured the fire engine for the village, and served twelve years in the fire de- 
partment. Mr. Gombert married Caroline Werth, and their children are : Henry, 
Edward, Christian, George, Harmen, Walter, Elizabeth, Minnie and Esther. 

Grigg, Henry, was born in Somerset county, England, June 6, 183B, a son of the 
late Joshua Grigg, a well known miller. Henry Grigg was educated in England, 
and at an early age was apprenticed to a miller and served at that business until 
1855, when he immigrated with his parents to America, settling in Skaneateles, N. 
Y., where he engaged in milling until 1861, then moving to Rochester, was for eight 
years in the employ of the Rochester Milling Company. In 1869 he removed to 
Lockport, where he was made superintendent of the Saxton & Thompson Flour Mills 
and remained there until 1885, at which time he accepted the position tendered him, 
and which he still retains, as superintendent of the Central Milling Company's Mills 
at Niagara Falls, and became a resident of that place. He was married in Ma}^ 1856, 
to Elizabeth Ann French of Skaneateles, N. Y. , and they have four children, three 
sons and one daughter. 

Hannan, Thomas, was born in Ireland, November 10, 1843, and was a son of James 
Hannan, a farmer, now deceased. Mr. Hannan was educated in Ireland and at the 
age of twenty came to America and settled in Niagara Falls, N. Y. , where he started 
in the grocery and provision business ; in 1873 he established himself in that line, which 
he has sviccessfuUy carried on ever since. April 22, 1875, he married Ann Canavan 
of Niagara Falls, and they have five children. 

Hoyer, J. B., M. D., was born at the Rapids, April 5, 1859. His father, Benjamin 
Hoyer, came with his parents to Middleport about 1830, taking up their land from the 
Holland Land Company. Benjamin Hoyer married Melinda, daughter of Henry 
Dysinger, and was identified as a farmer. He was greatly interested in church 
affairs and died in 1891. Dr. Hoyer was educated in Medina and Yates Academy, 
graduating from the medical department of the Buffalo University in 1881 and im- 
mediately began practice in Middleport. In 1882 he married Flora, daughter of Ira 
C. Baker, and the have two daughters, Jean and Hazel. Dr. Hoyer is one of the 
progressive men of his town, serving as a member of the Board of Education and 
Regents Examiner Middleport Union School. 

Arnold, John B , was born in the town of Lima, Livingston county, N. Y., May 
11, 1848. He was educated in the public schools of his native town and the Genesee 
Wesleyan Seminary. In 1865 he removed to Lockport and was employed in the 
Niagara Flour Mills for three years, when he purchased an interest in the Lockport 
City Flour Mills and continued in that business as a member of the firm of Gibson, 
Arnold & Little and later of the firm of Arnold & Little, until 1890. In 1892 he be- 
came connected with the United Indurated Fiber Company and is now filling the 
position of paymaster. He was married in October, 1878, to Eugenia F. Adriance 
of Lockport, N. Y. Mr. Arnold has always taken a deep interest in public af- 
fairs and in 1884 was elected county treasurer of Niagara county; he also served on 




JAMES ARMITAGE. 



103 

the Board of Education for two terms. He is a man of business ability and is 
respected by all who know him. 

Armitage, Herschell & Co.— The manufacturing establishment of Armitage, Her- 
schell & Co. had its inception in 1872, when James Armitage, George C. Herschell, 
Allan Herschell and G. A. Gillies starterl a machine shop in North Tonawanda. In 
1873 Mr. Gillies retired and the other three have since conducted the enterprise, 
which has grown to large proportions under their able management. In 1890 the 
firm became a stock company and was incorporated with James Armitage president, 
and George C. Herschell, secretary and treasurer. They mannufacture steam en- 
gines and boilers, electric elevators and dynamos, merry-go-rounds, swings, feed 
cutters and other machines and ship their goods all over the world; their plant 
covers three acres of ground and they built a fine new office in 1894; they employ 
from 150 to 200 men. James Armitage was born in England, March 9, 1842, and 
came to America in 1864. He learned his trade of machinist in the old country and 
followed it in Buffalo and Williamsville, until he became a member of the firm of 
Armitage, Herschell & Co. in 1872. March 14, 1870, he married Kate Murray of 
Buffalo, and they have four children living: Mrs. Clarence Hoover, James Armitage, 
jr., Elizabeth and Anna. They are all members of the Methodist Episcopal church, 
of which Mr. Armitage has been a steward for many years. Mr. Armitage is a 
Royal Arch Mason, and is universally esteemed for his sterling integrity and honor, 
as well as for his well known business ability. 

Atwater, James, was born in Conesville, Schoharie county, N. Y. , August 29, 
1821. He attended the district schools of his native town, the Livingston Academy, 
and was graduated from the State Normal School at Albany in 1844. After gradua- 
tion he engaged in teaching for several years; he was for seventeen years superin- 
tendent and teacher of mathematics in the Union School of Lockport. He then en- 
gaged in the insurance business in Lockport, where he has steadily pursued his 
chosen vocation ever since. Skillful, conscientious and successful in business, he is 
besides a popular citizen. He was a member of the Board of Education for a num- 
ber of years and was supervisor of the Third ward for sixteen years. Mr. Atwater 
has always taken an active part in politics and was elected mayor of the city of 
Lockport in 1894. He is in all respects a worthy gentleman of high personal and 
business character, and deserves the prosperity he enjoys. 

Acheson, Edward G., was born at Washington, Pa., March 9, 1856, a son of Will- 
iam Acheson, an iron worker and manufacturer of that place, now deceased. Mr. 
Acheson was educated at Bellefonte Academy, at Bellefonte, Pa., and at the age of 
seventeen began studying civil engineering in the employ of the Bradford & Olean 
Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. ; in 1876 he became ticket agent for that companv at 
Parker's Landing, Pa., in the Allegheny Valley. Later he entered the service of 
the Standard Oil Co. as measurer of capacity of the oil tank cars and remained with 
that company until 1879. He was continually experimenting in electricity and 
chemistry, and the year 1880 found him in the laboratory of the electrical king, 
Thomas A. Edison. In 1881-82 and 1883, he journeyed through Europe, introduc- 
ing for Mr. Edison the incandescent electric light, establishing the first electric 
light station in Europe at Milan, Italy, and upon returning to America he devoted 



104 

himself for two years to experimental work. In 1886 he became chief electrician for 
the Standard Underground Cable Co. of Pittsburg, with which company he re- 
mained until 1890, when he organized the Monongahela Electric Light Company 
and was chosen its president. During his years of experimenting in chemistry 
and electricity, Mr. Acheson had discovered a method of manufacturing a crystal- 
line compound of carbon and silicon nearly equal to the diamond in hardness and 
to which he gave the name of carborundum. The manufacture of this substance 
was first undertaken by the Monongahela Electric Light Co., under the personal 
supervision of Mr. Acheson. It proved a success and he at once took out letters 
patent, and since that time two large plants have been erected, one at Monongahela, 
Pa., and the other at Niagara Falls, N. Y., where carborundum is manufactured in 
large quantities. In the summer of 1897 Mr. Acheson will begin the building of a 
large plant for the manufacture of carborundum for foreign trade on the Rhine 
River in Germany. Mr. Acheson, the inventor of carborundum and the presidentof the 
Carborundum Company, has had more success than Jules Verne's hero, for though 
he has not invented a way of making diamonds, yet carborundum is closely related 
to diamonds, not only in the materials of which it is composed, but in many of its 
physical qualities, such as hardness and beaut}- of appearance. In the autumn of 
1884 Mr. Acheson married Margaret Maher of Brooklyn, N. Y. , and they have four 
sons and three daughters. 

Belden, Francis C, was born at Cleveland, Ohio, April 20, 1849, a son of Selahand 
Martha Putnam Belden. He was educated in the public schools of Illinois and under 
private tutors. At sixteen years of age he took up telegraphy at Chenoa, 111. Since 
that time he has served with several leading railroads, rising from telegraph opera- 
tor to the position of chief operator and train dispatcher, which position he occupied 
from 1869 to 1875 with the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad Company 
at Syracuse, N. Y., and from 1875 to 1887 at Niagara Falls, with the same company, 
and was for years manager of the Western Union Telegraph Company and Bell 
Telephone Company at Niagara Falls. In 1887 Mr. Belden engaged in the real 
estate business, which he has followed ever since with great success; he was from 
1888 to 1896 a member of the firm of Belden & King, real estate and ticket brokers 
of Niagara Falls, but is now operating alone. He is a member of Niagara Frontier 
Lodge No. 132, F. & A. M., of Niagara Chapter No. 200, R. A. M., and Niagara 
Commandery No. 64, K. T. ; also of the A. O. U. W., and is also a Noble of the 
Mystic Shrine of Ismailia Temple at Buflfalo. Mr. Belden has been quite prominent 
in business and political circles, having served as alderman of the Second ward and 
member and secretary of the Niagara County Republican General Committee. In 
December, 1869, Mr. Belden married J. Maude Wright of Duanesburg, N. Y., and 
they have one child, a son. 

Binkley, Uriah, was born in Lancaster county, Pa., November 10, 1822, a son of 
Christian Binkley, a prosperous farmer who removed with his family to Niagara 
county, N. Y. , in 1831, where he died in 1862. Uriah Binkley was educated in the 
public schools of Niagara county, and when seventeen years old left home to learn 
the carpenter's trade at Clarence Centre, N. Y. , which he followed for eight years. 
In 1852 he returned to Niagara county, N. Y. , and purchased a farm at Lewiston', 
where he remained until 1858, and then removed to the old homestead farm of his 



I05 

wife at La Salle, which he sold in 1893. In 1882 he bought his present farm and in 
1891 erected a splendid residence and buildings, and upon the sale of the homestead 
moved into his new home, where he has since remained, carrying on a general farm- 
ing business. March 24, 1853, he married Barbara Zeiger of La Salle, and they 
have reared a family of ten children, eight sons and two daughters. Mr. Binkley is 
a thrifty and prosperous farmer and enjoys the good will and respect of all who 
know him. He has been liighwa)- overseer of Niagara township for the past thirty 
years and has declined appointment to many other offices. 

Bowles, Dr. George Charles, son of John and Sarah E. Bowles, was born in Lon- 
don, Eng. , March 2, 1868. At the age of four years he removed with his parents to 
London, Ont., and shortly after to Detroit, Mich., where his parents now reside. 
After receiving his education in the public schools of Detroit he entered a business 
house of that city where he remained until 1888, when he removed to Philadelphia 
and began the study of dentistry, graduating from the Pennsylvania College of Den- 
tal Surgery in 1891. He followed the practice of his profession for four years in 
Schenevus, Otsego county, N. Y., and in 1895 removed to Niagara Falls, where he 
now enjoys a successful and steadily increasing practice. Augu.st 15, 1891, Dr. 
Bowles was married to Miss Lillian Agnes Hopkins of Detroit, Mich. They have 
two children, a sou, George C, and a daughter, Florence Edith Bowles. 

Barnum, Mrs. Elizabeth. — David L. Barnum was born in Brighton, Monroe county, 
N. Y., July 30, 1825, a son of Richard and Electa (Lloyd) Barnum. Richard Barnum 
was born m Danbury, Conn., in 1789, and came to Rochester, N. Y, when only 
three houses were there, and bought land where the Powers Block now stands. He 
settled in Penfield in 1812, thence to Brighton, where he lived until his death in 
1863 ; his wife died m 1862. David L. Barnum was reared on the farm and educated 
in the common schools; the homestead where he was born is now called the Barnum 
Terrace, being one of the suburbs of Rochester, N. Y. He learned the cooper's 
trade and spent six years in Racine as a tight barrel carpenter. June 16, 1851, he 
married Elizabeth Dj^gert, born in Herkimer county, January 27, 1831, and de- 
scended from one of the old pioneer families. Her grandfather, George Dj'gert, 
was killed by the Indians in the French and Indian war. Mr. and Mrs. Barnum had 
eight children, only two are now living: Carrie E., Delia S., Cora A., George R., 
Nellie J., David C. (deceased), and John E. and Charles O. now living. In 1851 he 
removed to Monroe county, where he remained six years on a farm, and in 1857 
moved to Oil Springs, Can., where he was a successful oil producer for some years. 
In 1863 he came to Wilson, where he lived until his death, which occurred January 
30, 1894. He bought a foundry in Wilson village, which his widow now carries on 
He was a Democrat, and a member of the Village Board and Board of Education 
and a member of the Presbyterian church, and always took a lively interest in the 
welfare of the village and filled important positions. His maternal grandfather, 
David Lloyd, was killed in the war of 1812 and buried at Lewiston, N. Y. This 
family is related to the late P. T. Barnum, who was the greate.st of showmen. Charles 
O. Barnum, oldest son living, is a resident of Buffalo; John E. is a traveling sales- 
man for a New York firm and David C. (deceased) was a prominent attorney in 
Rochester and had many friends in Monroe and Niagara counties. 



io6 

Brong, Daniel E., was born in the to\vi;of Scipio, Seneca county, Ohio, June 9, 
1857. He attended the district schools of his native town and was graduated from 
the Northern Ohio Normal School in the class of 1877; he at this date entered the 
University of Michigan and was graduated from the law department m 1880, re- 
ceiving the degree of B. C. L. and was admitted to the bar of Michigan the same 
year. He then removed to Lockport, N. Y., and entered the law office of E. M. 
Ashley, where he remained for one year and was admitted to practice in New York 
State. He at this date formed a copartnership with his preceptor, Mr. E. M. Ashley, 
which continued until he became assistant district attorney; afterthree years he was 
made district attorney, in which capacity he acted for three years. Mr. Brong has 
always taken an active part in municipal affairs and has been city attorney, counsel to 
the Board of Supervisors and held several minor offices, all of which he has filled with 
much credit. He is a son of Paul and Mary A. (Stahler) Brong, who were residents 
of Niagara county until 1835, when they removed to Ohio. Mr. Brong has been en- 
gaged in many important criminal, as well as civil cases, and has always been very 
successful. 

Bendinger, Louis. — The prominence attained by Mr. Bendinger since he has been 
a resident of Lockport is such as to warrant some mention in these pages. He is a 
native of Germany and immigrated to America April G, 1870, settling in New York 
city, where he remained for two years. In 1872 he removed to Lockport and engaged 
in the marble business in company with John Bendinger, under the firm name of J. 
& L. Bendinger, which copartnership continued until 1893, when Louis Bendinger 
became sole proprietor of the extensive works and has since conducted the business 
alone. A magnificent line of fine monuments and headstones from novel and original 
designs are constantly kept in stock and challenge the visitor's admiration. Mr. 
Bendinger is a thorough going business man and has the happy faculty of retaining 
and constantly adding to his circle of friends. 

Buckley, James, was born in Essex county, N. Y., October 3, 1833, and came to 
Lewiston when a small boy, where he has resided ever since, with the exception of 
one year. He has been a farmer all his life and bought the farm some fifteen years 
ago where he now resides, and has since been sole proprietor. In connection with 
general farming he is one of the large fruit growers of the town, having twenty-two 
acres of fruit trees. Mr. Buckley is one of the successful farmers of Niagara county, 
and is highly esteemed socially. 

Bissell, Mina C. — Simeon T. Clark, M. D., was one of Lockport's leading physi- 
cians and surgeons up to the time of his death. He was born in the town of Canton, 
October 10, 1836, a son of Rev. Nathan S. and Laura S. (Swift) Clark, and dates his 
ancestry to John Clark, one of the Pilgrim Fathers. In 1858 Dr. Clark began the 
study of medicine at the Castleton Medical College of Vermont, finishing his pro- 
fessional studies, however, at the Berkshire Medical College, from which he was 
graduated November 20, 1860. He began the practice of his profession at West 
Dennis, Mass., where he remained until 1861, when he removed to Lockport, where 
he resided and continued his practice until his death. November 28, 1857, he mar- 
ried Ruth J., daughter of Ezra J. Mendallof Marion, Mass., and a son and daughter 
have been born to them ; Mina C. , wife of Angus C. Bissell, and Nathan M. 



107 

Blackley, William J., has been engaged in the contracting and building business 
in the late village, now citj' of Lockport since 1860 and conducted the largest busi- 
ness of the kind in the city. Among the many prominent structures that have been 
built by him may be mentioned the Niagara county court house, jail and sheniT's 
residence, the Hodge Opera House and Gargling Oil building (both rebuilt by him 
after the fire), Williams, McRae, and Blackley business blocks, the Chester, Griggs 
Bros. & Ellis, Thompson and Central Milling Go's, mills (the latter at Niagara Falls 
and the largest in the county), J. K. Wells's flour mill at Medina, Lockport Paper 
Go's , Traders' Paper Go's., and Niagara Paper Go's, mills, the Union and the Wal- 
nut Street school buildings. He has also built and sold more houses here than any 
other person, and has been the means of removing a greater number of old land- 
marks and replacing them with new and attractive buildings than any other resident 
of the city. He is a native of England, coming to this country with his parents in 
the '50's, and settling in Lockport, where he has since pursued his chosen vocation. 

Bachelder, Ozro, was born in Genesee county, September 20, 1823, a son of Hil- 
yard and Nancy (Styles) Bachelder, natives of Massachusetts. The grandfather, 
Timothy Bachelder, was in the war of the Revolution. Ozro Bachelder was reared 
on a farm and educated in the common schools and Wilson Collegiate Institute. 
He is a mason by trade and followed it for a number of years, and in 1859 bought 
the farm he now lives on of twenty acres, which is all laid out in fruit: peaches, 
apples, grapes and pears. December 6, 1852, he married, Margaret Crawford, and 
they had two daughters, Grace N. and Marion E., wife of James Delbridge of Ba- 
tavia, N. Y., and they have two children, Frank O. and Grace N. Mr. Bachelder 
enlisted in 1863 in Co. E, 2d N. Y. Mounted Rifles and served until the close of the 
war. He was a charter member of Peter A. Porter Post No. 125, G. A. R. 

Batten, George W., a son of Joseph and Anna (Hawkins) Batten, was born in 
Lockport, N. Y., February 22, 1856. His father was the first Democratic sheriff 
ever elected in Niagara county. His mother was born in England and immigrated 
to this country in 1837. Mr. Batten is a very popular citizen, having been deputy 
sheriff for three years, under sheriff for three years and elected sheriff for a term of 
three years. He served five years as the chairman of the Democratic County Com- 
mittee and is now a member of the State Committee from this Congressional dis- 
trict. He is now engaged in the insurance business and represents some of the 
soundest and most reliable companies. He is a member of the Exempt Firemen's 
Association. Masons and a director in the Niagara Protective Association. Mr. 
Batten is personally a very popular, public-spirited gentleman and a good citizen. 

Benedict, Henry L., was born in Royalton, August 18, 1834. His father, George 
R. Benedict, was a native of St. Albans, and came to Genesee county in 1820, where 
they remained for a few years and in 1824 settled in South Royalton, where he was 
identified through life as a farmer. He married Laurinda, daughter of Elias Saf- 
ford. George R. Benedict was thoroughh- identified with the growth of the town, 
taking an active interest in all educational and religious institutions He served as 
assessor for twenty years and died in 1872, in his seventieth year. Henry L. Benedict 
was educated in the common schools and has always been a farmer. He has always 
advanced the principles of temperance and has always been ready and willing to aid 
any enterprise intended to benefit the town and townspeople. 



io8 

Braas, Charles F., was born at Woodward's Hollow, Erie county, N. Y., May 24. 
1863, a son of Michael Braas. He was educated in the Erie county public schools 
and left school at the age of sixteen years to learn the carpenter trade with his 
father at Boston, N. Y. April 5, 1886, he removed to Niagara Falls, where he plied 
his trade until 1888, at which time he formed a partnership with his brother, Nicholas 
L. Braas, and under the firm name of Braas Brothers, they have successfully car- 
ried on the business of general contractors ever since. They have contracted for 
and built many large structures in the city of Niagara Falls and the surrounding 
country and were very popular in the business community. Mr. Braas was married 
in October, 1888, to Margaret O'Brien, who died in 1892; February 12, 1895, he mar- 
ried Annie Rieger of Niagara Falls. He is a member of the C.M.B.A. and C.B. L. 
of Niagara Falls. 

Barr, Robert, was born in the North of Ireland, January 5, 1850, a son of George 
Barr, now retired. In 1852 George Barr immigrated with his family to America, 
leaving Robert to complete his education in his native country. The family settled 
at Buffalo, N. Y., where Robert at the age of thirteen years joined them and re- 
mained until 1864, when he removed to Niagara Falls and spent two years in learn- 
ing the tobacconist's trade. In 1866 he enlisted in the 2d Infantry, U. S. Army, and 
was sent to Louisville, Ky., where he was stationed for three years. At the expira- 
tion of his enlistment he returned to Niagara Falls, and to the tobacconist's trade, 
which he followed until 1882, at which time he was appointed gate tender of the 
new Suspension Bridge and held that office for three years. He then, in 1885, en- 
listed with the 42d Separate Co., N. G. N. Y., as armorer, and still retains that posi- 
tion. In 1871 Mr. Barr married Rachael Goodman, who died in 1879, leaving two 
children, and in 1880 he married Mary Watts of Niagara Falls and they have one 
child. Mr. Barr is a member of the Odd Fellows and other organizations and is 
justly popular among all classes. 

Braas, Nicholas D., was born in the town of Concord, Erie county, N.Y., Novembers, 
1865, a son of Michael Braas. He attended the public schools until 1883, when he began 
learning the trade of carpenter with his father at Boston, N. Y., which he has made 
his life business. November 22, 1886, he removed to Niagara Falls, and continued 
working at his trade for two years, at which time he formed a partnership with his 
brother, Charles F. Braas, imder the firm name of Braas Brothers, and they have 
executed many large contracts for buildings in Niagara county. September 15, 
1896, Mr. Braas married Mary E. Mahoney. Mr. Braas is a member of the C. M. B. 
A. of Niagara Falls, and is highly respected by all who know him. 

Cary, Eugene, was born at Dunkirk, N. Y. , November 21, 1857, and is a son of 
Richard L. Cary, a merchant of that place. Eugene Cary attended the public 
schools at Dunkirk, and later took a course at Cornell University, from which he was 
graduated in 1878. lu the fall of the same year he entered the office of County 
Judge T. P. Grosvenor, at Dunkirk, where he read law until 1881, at which time he 
was appointed superintendent of public schools at Bedford, Iowa, and retained that 
position until June, 1884. He then returned to Buffalo, N. Y., and was admitted to 
the bar of the State of New York ; since that time he has been in continuous practice 
in Dunkirk, Forestville and Niagara Falls, removing to the latter city in October, 



109 

1885, where he -formed a partnership with H. C. Tucker, which was dissolved in 1887. 
In 1893 he formed a partnership with William C. Wallace, practicing law under the 
firm name of Gary & Wallace, and has a large and rapidly growing practice. Mr. 
Gary is a member of the Board of Education at Niagara Falls, a director of the 
Power Gity Bank and is a prominent Republican politician. July 5, 1882, he married 
Mary M. Waud of Buffalo, and they have two children, Richard L. and Anna. 

Gocker, William, a well respected citizen and saw manufacturer of Lockport, was 
born in Sheffield, England, November 29, 1834, a son of Samuel and Mary (Gregory) 
Cocker. His father was a saw manufacturer and learned his trade in that city famed 
for its many cutlery manufactories. He came to this country in 1851, locating in 
Rochester, where he died in 1876. William Cocker came with his parents to this 
country and located in Rochester, where he learned the sawmaker's trade with Mr. 
Joseph Flint of that city and remained with him six years. In 1857 he removed to 
Lockport and engaged in the manufacture of saws on a small scale. By hard work, 
industry and strict economy, he has built iip a large and prosperous business and 
owns and operates a large factory at Nos. 89-91 Market street, 40 by 133 feet, three 
floors and basement, and a full force of skilled men are regularly emploj^ed. He was 
married in March, 1855, to Priscilla Stokes of Rochester, who died in 1873; to them 
were born two daughters: Mrs. Anna Schank of Lockport and Mrs. Arthur Kelly of 
Rochester. Mr. Cocker has always been identified with the Republican party and 
takes an active interest in the promotion of his party principles. He is a man of 
high Masonic standing and a member of the Episcopal church. 

Corwin & Hubble, General Merchandise. — This firm is composed of G. P. Corwin 
and G. E. Hubble. C. P. Corwin was born in Porter, N. Y., May 12, 1863, a son of 
Charles B. and M. A. (Cory) Corwin. He was reared on a farm and educated at 
Wilson Union Schools and was graduated in 1889 from Rochester Business Univer- 
sity. He was a clerk for W. H. H. Ransom & Son for ten years and then engaged 
in mercantile business with Edward H. Taggart and after three years formed a 
partnership with E. H. Hubble, the firm being Corwin & Hubble. Mr. Corwin is a 
Republican and has been notary for one year. November 16, 1893, he married Annie 
E. Pratt. G. E. Hubble was born in Canada, October 17, 1869, a son of Erastus and 
Clara (Barnum) Hubble, natives of Canada. Erastus Hubble died in 1871, and in 
1874, his wife and son came to Ransomville, leaving one brother in Canada, O. A. 
Hubble. May 15, 1896, G. E. Hul)ble married Ida M. Tower of Ransomville, N. Y. 

Carroll, Daniel C, a son of Michael and Bridget (Hussee) Carroll, was born in 
Lockport, Niagara county, N. Y., October 27, 1853. His parents were natives of 
Ireland and immigrated to this country in 1848. Daniel C. Carroll has always resided 
in the city of his birth and was employed in various capacities until 1875, when he 
was appointed first clerk in the canal collector's office. In 1876 he accepted a posi- 
tion as one of the recording clerks in the county clerk's office. Col. George L. Moote 
being at that time clerk of the county. He also served Amos W. R. Henning, as 
special deputy and assistant abstract clerk, remaining in that office until December 
12, 1880, when he was elected justice of the peace. In November, 1886, he was 
elected county clerk on the Democratic ticket, and in 1889 was re-elected to the same 
office. December 15, 1886, he married Clara J. Trankle, and they have two children, 
Clara and Howard Leslie. 



I 10 

Campbell, Emmett, was born in the town of Cambria, Niagara county, N. Y., Au- 
gust 10, 1852, a son of Jeremiah and Emily (Parker) Campbell. His father died in 
October, 1883, and his mother in April of the same year. His grandfather, WiUiam 
Campbell, was a native of Vermont, but the progenitors of the family were Scotch. 
Emmett Campbell has pursued the occupation of farming all his life, and has re- 
sided on his present farm of 258 acres for thirty-one years. In 1874 he married Kitty 
Townsend, and their children are May, Edith E., Gertrude S., Kittie and Erwin T. 
May Campbell married Walter Moss and they carry on the Campbell farm, which is 
devoted to general farming and considerable fruit growing. 

Crosier, W. D., was born in the town of Cambria, N. Y., March 29, 1850, a son of 
Luther W. and Mary E. (Playter) Crosier. Luther W. Crosier was born in Cam- 
bria, December 27, 1822, and was a farmer until 1873, when he retired and now 
lives in the village of Pekin, and has served as assessor for six or seven years. Mr. 
Crosier's grandfather, William Crosier, came from Massachusetts to Cambria and 
was one of the pioneer families of that town ; he settled the new land now owned 
by William H. Crosier, in 1819. W. D. Crosier was educated at the Lockport Union 
School and has followed farming on the homestead farm of sixty acres, making a 
specialty of dairying and garden fruit. In 1876 he married Addie E., daughter of 
Chauncey and Phebe A. (Leech) Whitney, natives of Ontario county. Mr. and 
Mrs. Crosier are the parents of three children: Luther L., Alice M. and Bertha E. 
In politics Mr. Crosier is a Republican and has been collector and seven years town 
clerk. He is a member of Lodge 41, A. O. U. W., and of the Methodist Episcopal 
church at Pekin. 

Cramer, J. A., was born in Tonawanda, N. Y., a son of John A. and Caroline 
(Klein) Cramer, natives of Germany. J. A Cramer was educated in the schools of 
Tonawanda and Buffalo; he began his business career as bookkeeper for Dr. Wende 
and inspector for the Board of Health. During this time he also sold bicycles, and 
in 1894 embarked in the bicycle business for himself, of which he has made a pro- 
nounced success; he carries machines of all prices to suit all kinds of customers and 
the most durable makes. His own reliability and high standing as a business man 
makes his stand headquarters for bicycles in this part of the State. In the $100 
machines be carries the Barnes, Spalding, Trinity and Wolf American ; in the $75 
machines, the Envoy and Fleetwing; the Electric City at $60 and a wheel at $37.50; 
besides the Cramer at $50, made especially for him ; he also carries all kinds of juven- 
ile wheels; a full line of sundries and everything to build a bicycle. 

Collins. Peter, one of the enterprising farmers of Newfane, was born in Munster, 
County Clare, Ireland, a son of Andrew and Susan Collins, both of whom died in 
Ireland. He came to America in 1856 and located in Orleans county, N. Y. , where 
he remained several years, when he came to Niagara county and bought a farm of 
eighty seven acres in the town of Newfane, where he has since resided. He mar- 
ried Ellen Fox, who was also born in County Clare, Ireland, and came to America 
with her parents, who located in Lockport, where they died. To Mr. and Mrs. Col- 
lins were born eight children, three of whom are living: Martin, the oldest, mar- 
ried Mary Maholland and resides in Lockport; Thomas and Sarah are at home. In 
1894 Mrs. Collins and two daughters, Ellen and Mary, died. Andrew died in 1890, 



Ill 

Daniel P., 1891, and Stephen T., 1893. All are members of the Catholic church in 
Newfane, which has a membership of about 200. Mr. Collins is a pleasant and 
sociable gentleman. 

Chapman, Harrison S., president of the Field Force Pump Co., and a prominent 
citizen of Lockport, was born September 18, 1849, a son of Leander F. and Hannah 
(Kirkpatrick) Chapman, who were descended from old English stock and settled in 
America at a very early date. H. S. Chapman received his education in the public 
schools and the Friendship Academy in Allegan}^ county, N. Y., from which he was 
graduated in the class of 1865. His first employment was as a brakeman on the 
Erie Railroad, but was soon promoted to the position of conductor and served in 
that capacity for five j^ears, at which time he was again promoted to passenger con- 
ductor and continued as such until 1891. In 1882, however, he became connected 
with the Field Force Pump Co., and since 1891 has given his entire attention to the 
company's extensive affairs. He has alwaj^s taken an active part in public affairs 
and was twice elected a member of the Board of Education, and is serving the 
second year as president of that body. He is associated with many societies, among 
which are the Masons in all its branches, and the Order of Railway Conductors. 
June 8, 1871, he married Florence J. Hendershott of Hornellsville, N. Y. 

Carey, M. E., was born in Ireland, December 24, 1856, and immigrated to America 
in 1862. His father, Daniel Carey, immigrated to America in 1860 and settled in 
the town of Somerset, where he has always been identified as a farmer. M. E. 
Carey was educated in the common schools, and in 1882 purchased the grocery 
business in which he is still engaged. In 1882 he married Elizabeth, daughter of 
Dennis Cary. Mr. Cary is one of the conservative business men of his town, serv- 
ing as trustee and was elected president of the village in 1897. 

Croy, Peter R., was born at Kirkwall, Scotland, June 17, 1867, a son of the late 
William Croy. He attended the public schools at Ottawa, Canada, whither his par- 
ents had removed in 1873, and at the age of thirteen entered the drug store of Will- 
iam A. Lloyd, at Ottawa and remained there one year, when he took a course in 
the Ottawa Collegiate Institute, from which he was graduated in 1883 and at once 
returned to the drug store of Mr. Lloyd, where he continued for three years. In 
1885 he removed to Buffalo, N. Y., and was employed for four years in the drug 
stores of Stoddart Bros., and Harries Bros. In 1890 Mr. Croy removed to Niagara 
Falls and established his present store where he has ever since enjoyed a large and 
growing business. May 3, 1890, he married Imogene McPherson, a daughter of 
Donald McPherson of Le Roy, N. Y. Mr. Croy is a member of the Niagara Council 
No. 1,397, Royal Arcanum, and of Court Evershed No. 638, Independent Order 
Foresters of Niagara Falls, and of Niagara Lodge No. 342, B. P. O. E. 

Cassidy, Michael E., was born at Wilson, Niagara county, N. Y., July 12, 1854, 
a son of Michael Cassidy. He attended the public schools at Porter, whither his 
parents had removed in 1857, and at seventeen years of age he left school and com- 
menced his business career. In 1871 he removed to Niagara Falls, where he was 
employed in various capacities and for a number of years among the leading hotels. 
In 1880 he entered the employ of the Miller & Brundage Coach Co. where he has 
remained ever since, being appointed to his present position of foreman in 1892. 



I 12 

In 1890 Mr. Cassidy married Margaret Cawley, who died in 1893, leaving five chil- 
dren, three of whom survive. Mr. Cassidy is a member of the C. M. B. A. 

Clark, Thomas E., was born at Niagara Falls, N. Y., April 12, 1829, a son of 
Henry W. Clark (deceased). He was educated in the public schools of his native 
town and in the Gene.see Wesleyan Seminary, at Lima, N. Y. At the age of sixteen 
years, he entered the office of the Buffalo & Niagara Falls Railroad Co. (now N. Y. 
C. R. R. Co.) at Niagara Falls, as a clerk and was later an engineer and conductor. 
He remained with that company until 1878, when he practically retired from active 
life; from 1847 to 1850, Mr. Clark lived in Boston, Mass., where he served his ap- 
prenticeship at the machinist's trade. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. ; has 
served as a trustee of the village of Niagara Falls, and as general village superin- 
tendent and was for one year a member of the Board of Health. In 1859 he married 
Mary P. Bairsto of Lewiston, N. Y., and they have one child, a daughter. 

Damon, Ephraim, was born at Chesterfield, Mass., December 16, 1830, a son of the 
late Salmar Damon. He was educated in the public schools of his native place and 
removed with his parents to Bridgewater, Mass., at the age of twelve. He there 
went to work on his uncle's farm and continued until 1852, when he removed to Ni- 
agara Falls, N. Y., and entered the employ of the New York Central Railroad Com- 
pany, with which company he has served continuously for forty-five years, being now 
one of the oldest engineers in the service of that road and has been running as an 
engineer since 1854. Mr. Damon is a member of the Brotherhood of Railroad En- 
gineers and has been for a great many years. In 185(5 he married Sarah E. Robin- 
son of Niagnra Falls and they have had five children, three of whom survive; Mrs. 
Damon is a daughter of the late Capt. Joel Robinson, prominent in thehistory of the 
Niagara River, and who became famous by piloting the Maid of the Mist through 
the Whirlpool rapids. 

Day, Emerson, was born near Potsdam, St. Lawrence county, N. Y., July 18, 1830. 
His father, Asa Day, was a native of Vermont and came to Niagara county in 1832, 
settling in Lockport, where he was identified as a farmer. Emerson Day was ed- 
ucated in the town of Lockport and in 1881 came to Gasport, where he now resides. 
In 1853 he married Caroline, daughter of John R. Lounsberry (born April 4, 1835, 
and died January 16, 1896), and they have two children: Wilber S., and Mrs. Delia 
E. Manchester. Mr. Emerson is one of the conservative men of the town and has 
served as highway commissioner and takes an intelligeut interest in school and 
church matters. 

Dunkleberger, Solomon B., was born in Perry county. Pa., March 1, 1820. His 
father, Benjamin Dunkleberger, was also born in Pennsylvania, the family coming 
from Wuilemberg, Germany, in 1776. Benjamin Dunkleberger married Elizabeth, 
daughter of John Harmony. He came to the town of Royalton in 1838, where he 
was a farmer; he was a wagon maker by trade. He died in 1857. Solomon B. 
Dunkleberger was educated in the common schools and in 1852 married Frances, 
daughter of Michael Brown, and they have one son, Harvey. Mr. Dunkleberger is 
one of the representative farmers of his town ; starting in life empty handed, he has 
achieved a success by the untiring industry of his character and to-day is one of 
Niagara county's leading farmers. He has served his town as poormaster for twelve 



i'3 

years and takes an intelligent interest in educational and religious institutions and 
has ever been recognized as a man of sterling integrity whose word is as good as his 
bond. He first bought a farm in 1843, and after keeping it four years he sold it, 
and of the money he received for it he gave §1,000 to his younger brother William 
and $700 to his father. He also clothed and paid the schooling of his brother Will- 
iam. After this he bought the farm on which he now lives and kept adding to it 
until he now has 110 acres of land. 

Wilcox, Thomas J., was born at Cambridge, N. Y., December 31, 1864, a son of 
the late Garrett W. Wilcox, banker. He attended the Rochester Academy and 
Rochester Business University, and when twenty years of age entered the insur- 
ance office of E. N. Hill at Brockport, N. Y. , where he learned the business and 
continued there for two years. Later he opened an insurance office in Brockport, 
but in 1892 sold out and removed to Niagara Falls, where he has since remained in 
the same business successfully representing twenty-two fire, life and accident in- 
surance companies. He is secretary and ti'easurer of the Niagara Land Invest- 
ment Company, secretary and treasurer of the Falls View Land Company, and 
is interested in the Hygeia Ice Company. He is a prominent member of Niagara 
Frontier Lodge No. 624, F. & A. M., of Niagara Council No. 1,397, Royal Arcanum, 
of Niagara Chapter No. 342, B. P. O. E., and Niagara Chapter, 1. O. O. F. He i.s 
also district manager of the Cosmopolitan Building and Loan Association of Syra- 
cuse, N. Y. , and is an extensive property owner. March 1, 1897, Mr. Wilcox in- 
corporated and became president of the T. J. Wilcox Insurance Company, under 
whose control his insurance business has since been operated. 

Tower, George P., was born in Porter, N. Y., May 19, 1836, a son of Peter and 
Olive (Baldwin) Tower. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common 
schools and Wilson Academy; he is a farmer and fruit grower, having 231 acres 
and sixty acres of fruit. He was married in 1860 to Elizabeth Peet of Lewiston, 
and they had six children: Fred P., Sarah E., Cyrus Peet, Jennie Lind, Porter B. 
and Peter V. (twins). Mrs. Tower died in 1879 and in 1882 he married Mandama 
Woolson, widow of Orlando Holden, who died in Sherman, Texas, in 1880. Mr. 
Tower is a Republican in politics and has been deputy collector at Youngstown. He 
is a member of the A. O. LT. W. Mr. Tower's father, Peter Tower, assisted in 
building the first grist mill at Niagara Falls and the first bridge across to Goat 
Island. Morgan wrote the secrets of Masonry while boarding with Mr. Tower in 
the house Luke Tower now re.sides in. He kept store in the house where his son 
Peter now lives for thirty-one years. He was poormaster for a number of years and 
highway commissioner, and was very kind to the poor; he also speculated con- 
siderably in land. For years he made all the coffins in this section of the country. 
The first town meeting was held at his house and the first school house outside of 
the village was on his land. 

Folger, P. W. , was born in Pendleton, Niagara county, N. Y., April 13, 1835, a 
son of Daniel Folger, jr. (born in Vermont, December 5, 1806), and Mary P. An- 
drus(born in Vermont, July 26, 1810). The grandfather of the subject came to Pen- 
dleton in a very early day, where he died in 1856; he erected the first barn built on 
the Holland Land Company's land. Daniel Folger, jr., cut the first tree in the town 



114 

of Pendleton ; he died October 4, 1871, and his wife on March 6. 1879. P. W. Folger 
was reared on a farm and educated in Wilson Collegiate Institute. He is a farmer 
and owns 200 acres of land and has 2,000 fruit trees. November 16, 1859, he married 
Eliza A., daughter of George F. and Sarah A. Griffin, and they have one son, 
Zerenbe C, born December 25, 1869, who is a farmer and resides at home. Mr. Fol- 
ger is a RepubHcan. His wife died June 25, 1895. 

Mackenna, Franklin J., was born at Niagara Falls, N. Y., May 16, 1870, and is the 
youngest son of Joseph Mackenna, a prosperous furniture dealer and undertaker of 
that city. Mr. Mackenna attended the public schools at Niagara Falls until 1884, 
when he entered Niagara University at Lewiston, N. Y. , and in 1886 he gave up his 
schooling and entered the office of Eugene Carey, where he read law for three years. 
He was admitted to the bar of the State of New York in 1892, and at once entered 
into the successful practice of his profession at Niagara Falls, with the firm of Ely & 
Dudley, where he continued until 1893, when he withdrew from the office of said firm 
and has successfully practiced alone since that time. Mr. Mackenna is the embodi- 
ment of energy and self-reliance and honored by all who know him. May 20, 1892, 
he married Katherine Sullivan of Niagara Falls, and they have two daughters, Ger- 
trude M. and Kathleen B. 

Pettit, George, was born in Galloway, Saratoga county, N. Y. , February 6, 1825, 
a son of Thomas and Martha Pettit. Thomas Pettit was born in Claverack, Colum- 
bia county, and Martha, his wife, was born in Greenfield, Saratoga county. They 
lived and died in Saratoga count}', where he was an extensive farmer and miller; 
they had ten sons and five daughters. He died February 3, 1826, and his widow 
March 9, 1843. George Pettit was reared on a farm and educated in the common 
schools and Wilson Collegiate Institute, He came to Wilson when a young man of 
seventeen years and worked on a farm for a short time, when he purchased himself 
a farm and now owns 180 acres in Wilson, where he now resides. He was engaged 
in the mercantile business for four years and was engaged as commercial traveler, 
selling to wholesale trade for twenty years. In politics he has been a Republican 
since 1856 and was postmaster under Fillmore. He is a member of Ontario Lodge 
No. 376, F. & A. M., and Chapter No. 511, R. M. R. ; also several of the minor lodges. 
February 6, 1850, he married Anna L. Pease, daughter of Enoch Pease (see biograph- 
phy of A. Douglas Pease), and they had two children: Grace I., a graduate of St. 
Joseph's Academy and married E. H. Moote, a cabinet maker in Pullman Car Works, 
who died November 17, 1894; and Lizzie M., wife of Ira Brown. Mr. Moote was a 
son of George L. and grandson of Jacob Moote, who came from Germany to Porter 
in an early day, where he lived and died. George L. Moote married Zermah Wil- 
son, daughter of Luther, son of Reuben Wilson, the man from whom the village of 
Wilson was named. Mr. Pettit's grandfather, Seth Pettit, was born in New York 
city and was an only child of his father, whose home was in New York city. He 
married and went to sea and was never heard of. His son, born and named Seth, 
was the starting of this branch of the Pettit family and was the father of fourteen 
children, most of whom had large families. 

Pettit, John, was born in Fulton county, N. Y., September 15, 1818, a son of Sam- 
uel and Elizabeth (Oliver) Pettit. His father died in Fulton county and his mother 



JI5 

came to Wilson with her family, where she (lie:l. John Pettit was reared on a farm 
and educated in the common schools. He was fourteen years old when he came to 
Wilson, where he has since lived; he is a farmer and owns 110 acres of land. He 
has made his own wa}^ in the world and is one of the well-to-domen of Wilson. He 
married Elizabeth L., daughter of Oilman Gushing, an early settler of Wilson, and 
they have three children, Levi G., Mary E. and Helen E. Mr. Pettit was first a 
Democrat in politics, but is now a Republican ; he is a member of the Baptist church 
and has been trustee for several years. 

Griswold, Jesse (deceased), was born in North Killingworth, Conn., February 4. 
1788. His father was Zenas Griswold, a Revolutionary soldier, and his mother was 
Sarah Lane. When Jesse was of age he came to the far west on foot and was employed 
by Joseph Ellicott the agent of the Holland Land Co. When the war of 1812 broke 
out he went into the army and was known as "Col. Ellicott's little drummer." He 
was taken j^risoner at the battle of Oueenston Heights and paroled. Jesse Griswold 
married Sarah Turner, daughter of Thomas Turner, of Batavia, Januury 22, 1817. 
came to Niagara county and settled upon the farm which is still owned by his family. 
Col. Ellicott, congratulating the bride, said to her that she had won the greatest 
prize in Genesee county, an honest man. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Griswold; Sarah P., married Isaac V. Wakeman, died Februarys, 1861; Lucy T., 
married James A. Wakeman, died May 11, 1879; Adeliza, still living upon the home 
farm; Emeline died June 23, 1858; Chauncey L., still living in the town of Lock- 
port; and Mary who died July 17, 1860. Mr. Griswold was a public-spirited man 
interested in the development of his town and ever ready to aid any enterprise for 
the public good. As a Whig and later as a staunch Republican Mr. Griswold, 
although almost blind during the last twenty j-ears of his life, was intensely inter- 
ested in national affairs and kept well posted upon all matters of importance during 
those eventful years. He died November 26, 1869, mourned by all who know him, 

Lee, Albert H., was born in the town of Lockport, May 16, 1843, a son of Edmund 
and Alice Lee. His father was born in England, July 12, 1797, and was married in 
England and had six children. They came to America in 1833, locating first in 
Lockport, and in 1834 bought the farm known as the Salt Works Farm, east of 
Wright's Corners, and in 1864 came on to the farm now owned by the subject, where 
he died in 1870. Albert H. Lee was married February 15, 1871, to Anna Jones of 
Lockport, and they have three children: Albert Edmund, born in October, 1873; 
Grace Anna, born in February-, 1875, and William H., born in December, 1876. Mr. 
Lee was elected justice of the peace of his town in 1894, and is now serving as such, 
and has been assessor three years. 

Lawrence, Spencer J., was born at Le Roy, Genesee county, N. Y., October 11, 
1864, and is a son of James Lawrence, a farmer of that place, now deceased. Mr. 
Lawrence attended the Le Roy Academic Institute. In 1885 he began to read law 
in the office of William C. Watson, at Batavia, and after three years was admitted 
to the New York State bar, practicing law at Batavia until 1890, when he removed 
to Niagara Falls, and formed a partnership with Charles E. Cromley, under the firm 
name of Cromley & Lawrence. They practiced until December, 1895, when they 
dissolved and he formed a partnersphip with George M. Tuttle, which partnership 



ii6 

still exists. Mr. Lawrence is a man of broad mind and liberal education and is a 
successful lawyer. 

Young, Charles, was born in the town of Niagara, Niagara county, N. Y., Novem- 
ber 24, 1825, a son of Samuel and Barbara (Kamera) Young, natives of Lancaster 
county, Pa. She was born February 15, 1780. Samuel Young and wife came to 
Niagara county June 1, 1810, with a covered wagon, where they settled in the wilder- 
ness and built them a home, and were very successful financially. He owned about 
350 acres of land, which is still in the family. He died December 3, 1870, aged 
eighty-three years. They were married in 1809. When they moved here this fine 
country was a dense wilderness inhabited by wild beasts. A little opening here and 
there showed the progress of some near settlers. They endured all the privations 
incident to pioneer life, m a new country, rendered doubly distressing by the war of 
1812. When the invaders spread desolation along the frontier they were driven 
three times from their home by the British and Indians, going as far as Geneseo, 
where they remained until peace was restored. They then returned home to Niagara 
and finding it unharmed, again sought its shelter and pursued their calling, far from 
the busy haunts of older settled countries. Here in the midst of sickness and pov- 
ertv the subjects of this brief sketch proved themselves to be persevering and suc- 
cessful. When the family became discouraged and desirous of returning to their 
native State, she cheerfully persuaded them to toil on, as she firmly trusted that the 
God who had brought them thus far, would enable them to enjoy the blessings of a 
home and temporal prosperity. Her Heavenly Father was pleased to prolong her 
existence until all her anticipations were realized. They raised to maturity' tw ) sons 
and a daughter, having buried three infants. Their grandchildren numbered thir- 
teen. Mrs. Young departed from earth February 7, 1856, at the age of seventy-five 
years, eleven months and twenty-two days, having lived with her husband forty- 
seven years. The remaining son, Charles Young, was reared on the farm and has 
always followed farming, carrying on now a farm of 245 acres. He married M. 
Susannah Hittel, daughter of Peter and Mary Hittel. Mr. Hittel was a native of 
Lehigh county. Pa., and came to Niagara county m 1828, engaging in farming. He 
was a miller by trade and ran a mill in connection with his farming. He died May 
6 1843, and his widow August 8, 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Young have two chil- 
dren: Charles T. Young, born September 28, 1848, a farmer on the homestead; and 
E. Amanda, wife of S. S. Hopkins of Lewiston, a farmer. 

Halsey, Stephen H., was born in Genesee county, N. Y., May 23, 1828, a son of 
Rev. Herman and Sophia (Woolworth) Halsey. Mrs. Halsey was a sister of Judge 
Woolworth of Syi"acuse, and Samuel Woolworth, principal of the Homer Academy, 
and afterwards secretary of the Regents. Rev. Herman Halsey came to Cambria 
Center in 1830, and in 1842 came to Wilson, where he owned about 300 acres of wild 
land taken from the Holland Land Company. He w^as a graduate of Williams Col- 
lege, Massachusetts, in 1811, and Andover Theological Semmary. He died in March, 
1891, and his wife in October, 1876. Stephen H. Halsey was reared in the village 
and country, and at the age of fourteen came on to the farm he now owns. April 30, 
1851, he married Harriet Streeter, and they have four children: Sophia, Mammie J., 
William G. and Victoria. 



117 

Boyd, James H., was born in Syracuse, N. Y., October 11, 1844, a sou of Robert 
and Catherine (Colleys) Boyd. His father died in CaHfornia, October 13, 1850, and 
is buried in the Odd Fellows' ground at Sacramento, being the first Odd Fellow 
buried there. He had command of a company of Patriots in McKenzie's Rebellion 
of 1837 in Canada. James H. Boyd removed to Niagara Falls when six years of 
age with his parents, and that was his home until he came to Lewiston in 1889. He 
is a veteran of the war of the Rebellion, having enlisted in 1861 in Co. I, 28th N. Y. 
Vols., and served four months, when he re-enlisted in Co. C, 56th Regiment, and 
served three years and eleven months. He was first sergeant in this company dur- 
ing the war and was honorably discharged June 25, 1865. He was with the Army 
of the Potomac, and participated in twenty-seven engagements, including the Siege 
of Charleston. In 1809 Mr. Boyd married Nancy Bellinger, and they have four chil- 
dren: Mary, Kate. Wallace and Ida. Mr. Boyd is a printer by trade and worked for 
some time with William Pool at Niagara Falls; he was also baggageman on the New 
York Central Railroad for seventeen years. He is a genial and enterprising man 
and is widely known and highly esteemed. 

Swain, Hon. George M., was born in the village of Totness, Devonshire, England, 
in 1821, and came with his parents to America in 1831, settling in Auburn. In the 
spring of 1843 Mr. Swain came to Somerset, Niagara county, where he has since re- 
sided, with the exception of three years in Orleans county. Mr. Swain was married 
in 1849 to Eliza Patch, and they had two sons: Charles, who resides in Somerset, 
and George M. (deceased), who was a physician, and died in 1882 from injuries re- 
ceived from being thrown out of his buggy while on his way to visit a patient. Mr. 
Swain was supervisor of his town during the late war, and was elected to the As- 
sembly of New York in the fall of 1871, serving in 1872 and 1873. Since he gave up 
politics, he has returned to farming and is engaged in raising grain, stock and fruit. 
His father was engaged in whale fishing and for many years did a lucrative busi- 
ness. His sailing place was from London, and he was at St. Helena when Napoleon 
was transported there to banishment. He died at Auburn, N. Y., in 1869, at the age 
of ninety-four. 

Brigham John, was born in England, March 5, 1841, and came to America in 1866, 
settling in Somerset. January 4, 1872, he married Harriet Williams, and they have 
one son, Herbert, born October 26, 1872, who is now engaged on the farm. Mr. 
Brigham has four brothers in America and one in England, and two sisters, one in 
America and one in England. 

Sanford, Hervey, was born at Center Brook, Conn., October 29, 1838, a son of 
Hervey C. and Florella (Nott) Sanford, natives of Connecticut, and who moved to 
Orleans county, N. Y.. in 1857, where the father died in 1868, aged sixty-eight years ; 
the mother moved to Wilson, living with her son. Hervey, at whose house she died 
in 1890, aged ninety years. Hervey was reared on a farm, educated in the common 
schools and the then famous Hill's Academy at Essex, Conn. His first business ex- 
perience was in a wholesale dry goods house in Philadelphia, and after eleven years 
with it, and as department foreman in the great iron and construction house of Mor- 
ris, Tasker & Morris, he spent a short time in Orleans county, where he was mar- 
ried. He located in Wilson in 1866, just at the close of the war, where he opened 



ii8 

a lumber yard, and spending four years in that and the coal business, he then en- 
gaged in the insurance, loan and real estate agency which he continues and in which 
he has been very successful, having manipulated some quite large real estate deals. 
In politics he has always been a Republican, casting his first presidential vote 
for Abraham Lincoln. He has been president of the village of Wilson some ten 
terms; is president of the Wilson Creamery Co., president of the Wilson Town Hall 
Association, and several years chairman of the Board of Education of Wilson Union 
Free School District, No. 1. Mr. Sanford is an elder in the Presbyterian church, a 
Mason of high degrees and has filled many important offices in the order, and is now 
district deputy grand master for the Thirty seventh Masonic district of New York 
(just appointed). December 28, 1863, he married Nellie (Remmelee) Kuck, who died 
in Wilson, April 16, 1876, and October 6, 1880, he married Francis Alida Dox, a 
daughter of E. V. W. Dox, esq., one of the oldest residents of Wilson. 

Hathaway, A. J., was born in Steuben county, but has resided in North Tona- 
wanda smce May, 1876. He was first connected in business in this place with Mc- 
Graw & Co. for six years, and was then in the forwarding business for a time, until 
he became connected with the New York Lumber and Wood-working Co. and sub- 
sequently with the Tonawanda Lumber Co. Since 1889 he has given his attention 
to real estate and is also interested in the Tonawanda Electric Road. Mr. Hatha- 
way was first married to Ophelia Bennett, who died leaving two daughters, Martha 
and Kate; his second wife was Miss Kate S. Smith, daughter of Hon. H. P. Smith, 
and they have four children: A. J. Hathaway, jr., H. P.. Christiana and Georgiana 
W. In 1854 Mr. Hathaway enlisted in Co. A, 50th N. Y. Vols., and served until the 
close of the war, seeing service at City Point and in the operations around Peters- 
burg, Va. Mr. Hathaway united with the First Methodist Episcopal church of 
North Tonawanda in 1876, and since 1896 has been a member of the Noi'th Presby- 
terian church and is an elder in that society. 

Huntington, David, Somerset, was born in Batavia, Genesee county, November 
16, 1834, and is a son of Joshua and Rebecca Huntington, both natives of New 
York, and who came to Somerset in 1835, settling on a farm, where he was identified 
with the clearing of the country. Mr. Huntington was married in 1875 to Rosetta 
Kellogg, daughter of Noah Wood. He has been constable for four years and served 
to the entire satisfaction of the people. 

Bangham, Gaston J., was born in Somerset, March 25, 1827, is a son of Joseph G. 
and Nancy Bangham, both of whom died when he was four years old, and who 
came from Seneca county, N. Y., to this town. Mr. Bangham has one brothei-, 
who is unmarried and lives with him; he was born in 1838. Gaston J. Bangham 
was married to Hortense C. Millard of Lockport, December 12, 1849, daughter of 
Oliver L. Millard (who was first cousin of President Fillmore) and Deborah (Seeley) 
Millard, both from Washington county, N. Y. Her father came to Lockport in 1816, 
helped to build a section of the Erie Canal and was superintendent for several sea-- 
sons. They were married in 1813 and had six children, only two of whom are living. 
Mr. and Mrs. Bangham had four children, two of whom are living: Charles M., born 
August 4, 1851, died when eight months old; Ida Climana, born May 14, 1853, mar- 
ried to Allan A. Huntington, February 12, 1879, died March 30, 1886; David B. 



119 

Bangham, born February 22, 1856, married Mary A. King I'ebruary 18, 1890, have 
one child, Gladys Hortense, lives in Lyndonville, Orleans county, N. Y. ; Oliver M. 
Bangham, born June 30, 1858, married Lizzie G. Peacock, have one child, Lillian 
Mae, lives in Tonawanda, N. Y. Mr. Bangham has followed farming as an occupa- 
tion and taken great interest in the development of the country. Mrs. Bangham is 
the owner of a very interesting relic in the form of a trunk in which the first Ma- 
sonic charter given to the State of N. Y. was brought from England. It is in shape 
like the trunks of to-day, five by three inches wide and three inches deep, is covered 
with cloth and a heavy brown paper over that, is bound in steel with steel handle 
on top of lid, and lock. She also has a chest that her grandmother Seeley had, and 
when Burgoyne invaded the country she filled it with clothing and fled to Fort 
Ticonderoga upon his approach, driving an ox team and carrying four children. 

Stockwell, Ralph, was born in Adams, Jefferson county, N. Y., July 11, 1819, a .son 
of Stephen and Lucy (Bishop) Stockwell. Stephen Stockwell came with his family 
to West Somerset in 1824 and moved to East Wilson in 1834, where he died January 
18, 1890, aged ninety-nine years; his wife died about 1833. Ralph Stockwell was 
reared on a farm and educated in the common schools, but has gained most of his 
education by applying himself to reading and observation. He is a carpenter by 
trade, but carries on farming, having a farm of 103 acres. He married Jane E. 
Streeter, and they have six children: Dr. James K. Stockwell of Oswego; Herbert 
R., of Wilson, a dealer in agricultural implements; Homer, superintendent of Glen- 
wood Cemetery of Lockport; Carrie E., wife of Walter E. Wetmore; Frank E., of 
Rockford, 111,, and Bert G., assistant district attorney. Mr. Stockwell assist- 
ed in organizing the Republican party in the town of Wilson. He was super- 
visor and school commissioner, being first elected in 1862. He was assessor one 
term, justice of the peace eight years, and was custom house officer under Flagler for 
eight years. 

Williamson, Richard, jr. — This efficient and successful managcrof the Lockport Ice 
Company, was born in Ontario, Canada, April 16, 1870. His education was obtained 
from the parochial school and from the Catholic Model School, from which he was 
graduated before obtaining his majority. In order to thoroughly equip himself for 
the business life he intended to pursue, he took a full course from the Canadian 
Business College. His first business experience was in the wood and coal trade and 
after two years of successful operations sold out and engaged in railroading, in the 
capacity of locomotive fireman, which he followed for a period of three years. In 
1892 he removed to Lockport and assumed the management of the Lockport Ice 
Company, which under his successful oversight has grown to be one of the leading 
industries of the city. Mr. Williamson was married May 9, 1894, to Anna T. Lillis 
of Niagara Falls, and they have two children, Cecelia Marie, two years of age, and 
Richard George, one year of age. 

Weitzman, Joseph, is a son of Erasmus and Barbara Weitzman, and was born in 
Wittenburg, Germany, November 30, 1822. He was educated in his native county, 
spent his early life on a farm there, and in 1854 came to America and settled at Sus- 
pension Bridge, Niagara county, where he has since resided. He is one of the lead- 
ing substantial farmers, and has always been highly respected. He first worked for 



I20 

two years on the old Porter farm. In 1857 he married Katharine Rieger, and for 
eighteen years thereafter leased the farm on shares. Meantime he invested his 
savings in some I'eal estate. In 1871 his wife died, and in 1872 he removed with his 
family of seven children to the Childs farm of 112 acres on the Lockport road, 
which he bought in 1869, and lived there until 1890, when he sold eighty-five acres of 
it and retired from farm life, moving to his present home on Ontario avenue, near 
Sugar street. This property he had bought of the Porter estate about thirty years 
ago. Mr. Weitzman has always been a Democrat, but has never held office, pre- 
ferring instead to give his whole time to agriculture, in which he has been successful. 

Wolf, James F., was born in Cambria, April 24, 1875, a son of Bryan and Mary 
(Shehan) Wolf, natives of Ireland, he born February 14, 1824, at New Ca.stle, West 
county. Limerick, and she born May 14, 1843, in County Limerick. Dennis Shehan 
and family immigrated to Cambria in 1859, where he followed farming; he died July 
4, 1888, and his vpidow in August, 1895. By this union there were ten children : 
Thomas, Mary, Margaret, Michael, Johannah, Annie, James, Ellen, Catherine and 
Dennis. By a previous marriage to Margaret, daughter of John and Bridget (Gearry) 
Howe, natives of Ireland, Mr. Wolf was father of seven children: Bridget, John, 
William, Patrick, Bernard, Edward and Richard. Mrs. Wolf died April 14, 1861, 
and Mr, Wolf married Miss Shehan, July 13, 1862. The parents of Bryan were 
Michael and Margaret (McMahon) Wolf, natives of Ireland, he of Limerick and she 
of County Kerry. Michael Wolf was educated by his father, Patrick Wolf, who was 
a graduate of Maynouth College, Ireland, graduating at the age of twenty-four and 
teaching until forty-two years of age. He died in 1784, and his widow in 1801. 
Michael Wolf was a farmer, but a man of great busincoS qualities, being executor of 
many estates and known as Capt. Wolf. Politically he was against the Union and 
was an eminent man; he died March 16, 1848, and Mrs. Wolf died December 19, 
1869. The parents of Patrick were Morris and Ellen (Costello) Wolf, farmers of 
County Limerick, Ireland. The parents of Margaret were Bryan and and Ellen 
(Moore) McMahon, who died in County Kerry, Ireland, he in 1816 aged 102 and she 
in 1791. Bryan Wolf was educated at All Hallows College near Dublin; during his 
school days he spent two years, from fourteen to sixteen years of age, on the Ordi- 
nance Survey of Ireland, under McKenzie, colonel of Sappers. After finishing his 
schooling, his father through his dislike of the British Government, would not con- 
sent to his again entering the service, although young Wolf was an expert surveyor 
and mathematician. He was then for a number of years engaged in farming and 
mercantile business. In March, 1855, he came to Cambria and in June his family 
arrived; since then he has resided in Cambria and has reared his large family, by 
hard work and made many friends. Politically Mr. Wolf was an eminent man and 
now an independent Democrat. The family have from the first adhered to the Cath- 
olic faith. 

Little, J. W. & Son. — Joseph W. Little, the senior member of this firm, was born, 
in the village of Lockport, N. Y., March 12, 1842. and has been a resident of this city 
(late village) during his whole life. His early education was obtained in the Union 
school, although not a graduate. In his early boyhood he learned the cooper's trade 
with his father. At the age of nineteen years he enlisted in the 28th Regiment, N. 
Y. S. v., Co. A, Captain E. W. Cook. This was in April, 1861, and served two 



121 

years, receiving his honorable discharge in Lockport, the place of enlistment, in June, 
18(53. He then returned to his trade as a cooper, and as a manufacturer of barrels, 
running a shop for several years, finally purchasing the stave and heading plant in 
1890, which, under the firm name of J. W. Little & Son— his son, Alfred M. being 
associated with him — is still operated by them ; it is located between Vanburen street 
and the Erie Canal in East Lockport, a branch of the N. Y. C. & H. R. R. running 
on the north side thereof. The plant is one of the largest of the kind in Western New 
York. The mechanical equipment embraces all of the very latest improved machin- 
ery for the manufacturers of staves and heading, giving employment to from forty 
to fifty men and boys. In connection with this factory is a large cooperage, giving 
employment to about forty men the greater part of the year; the products consist of 
flour and fruit barrels and staves and heading, which find a ready market in this and 
adjoining States. The firm of J. W. Little & Son are among Lockport's most enter- 
prising citizens and are respected by all who know them. This plant was originally 
established by the late Lyman A. Spalding about ISoO, afterwards passing into the 
hands of William Norman, who was succeeded by Fursman & Dumville, and about 
1866 was incorporated as the Niagara Stave Co. In 18'JO the subject of this sketch 
purchased the plant, soon after admitting his son into copartnership. They have 
had a successful career, and bid fair to continue as one of the great manufacturing 
concerns of Lockport. 

Kenyon, Edgar E., Somerset, one of the enterprising j^oung farmers of Somerset, 
was born in Galesburg, Kalamazoo county, Mich., July 17, 1858, and is a son of Jon- 
athan and Melissa (Thayer) Kenyon. He came with his parents to Somerset when 
seven years of age, where he attended school and at Yates Academy, Orleans county, 
after which he assisted his father on the farm until he went to work for himself. No- 
vember 16, 1881, he married Miss Abbey, daughter of Alvin and Ester (Humphrey) 
Abbey, and they have five children : Roy Alvin, born January 6, 1885 ; E. Abbey, born 
May 13, 1886; Howard E., born September 5, 1887; Carleton S., born May 26, 1892, 
and Guy, born April 5, 1894. Mr. Kenyon has been school trustee for a number of 
years. He is a prosperous farmer, devoting his attention to fruit growing and grain 
raising. 

Sawyer, Fred Curtis, was born in the town of Somerset, October 29, 1875, and is a 
son of William and Sarah Sawyer. Mr. Sawyer attended school at Wilson, Lockport 
and Rochester, where he took a regular course in the university. December 9, 1896, 
he married Grace A. Sherwood, daughter of John Sherwood, who was born Decem- 
ber 14, 1870. 

Adams, Samuel, was born in Gorham, Ontario county, N. Y., in the year 1795. He 
was connected with a prominent family of that place. The first member that set- 
tled at W^arren's Corners was Mrs. David Carlton, who came with her husband in 
1813. Subsequently nine of the family were residents at, or near, the Corners. Mr. 
Adams while young enlisted in the United States Regular Army asfifer. Soon after 
the war of 1813 he came to Warren's Corners and lived with his brother-in-law, Tim- 
othy Freeman. In 1823 he married Miss Eliza Freeman, daughter of Alexander 
Freeman of the town of Lockport. They settled on the farm now owned and occu- 
pied by Henry Pickels, east of the Painted Post Hotel, soon after their marriage. 
I' 



I 22 

His wife died early in life, leaving him with six children: Alexander F., Sheboygan, 
Wis. ; Polly Staats, South Wilson, N. Y. ; John, Portland, Mich. ; Alpheus, Spencer, 
Iowa; Samuel, Cambria, N. Y. ; Clark, Portland, Mich. Samuel is an honored citi- 
zen and successful farmer of East Wilson, N. Y. Clark spent his youthful days in 
Niagara county. Soon after his marriage to Pamelia Robins he moved to Michigan, 
and there made it his home until his death, which occurred May 26, 1896. Their 
father survived his wife many years. He died about the j^ear 1852. 

Peterson, Walter V., was born in Cambria, N. Y., June 7, 1857, a son of Nathan 
B. and Sarah E. (Andrews) Peterson. He was born in Canada, and she in Cambria, 
Niagara county. The grandparents, John and Hannah (Kilborn) Peterson, came 
from Vermont to Orleans county, thence to London, Canada, where they lived seven 
years, then back to Cambria in 1830, where he died February 22, 1882, and his wife 
in 1850. Nathan B. Peterson was a lifelong farmer on the farm now occupied by 
Walter V. and died in 1882. The maternal grandparents, Appleton and Aseneth 
Andrews, came from the East, he from Massachusetts and she from Connecticut, 
and settled in Cambria in 1817. He was a carpenter by trade, w^orking in Wheat- 
field and Lockport, and in 1834 purchased a farm and followed farming until his 
death in 1867; his widow died in 1884. Walter V. Peterson was educated at the 
Lockport Union School, and in 1883 married Susie D., daughter of W. H. H. Ran- 
som of Ransomville, N. Y. They have four children: Nellie M., Florence E., Janet 
M. and Marion E. Mr. Peterson is a Republican and has been elected by his i)arty 
three terms of two years each as supervisor of Cambria. 

Finnell, John H , was born at Niagara Falls, N. Y., August 18, 1858, a son of 
Michael Finnell. He was educated in the public schools at Niagara Falls and later 
took a course in the Niagara Falls Business College. At the age of fifteen he began 
learning the trade of carpenter and builder, which he has made his life business. In 
1890 he undertook his first large contract and has since that time been continuously 
and successfullv engaged in the business of contracting and building, and is also 
agent for Niagara county for the Stewart Iron Works of Cincinnati, Ohio, handling 
their improved iron fencings. He is a director of the Buffalo National Savings and 
Loan Association and was assistant chief of the Niagara Falls Fire Department in 
1892, and has been a member of the C. M. B. A. since 1881. He is also a member 
of the New York Mutual Life Association, served eight years in the N. Y. S. N. G. 
and is at present a member of the Veteran Association. March 7, 1877, he married 
Mary Penders, who died January 11, 1881, leaving two sons and a daughter. Feb- 
ruary 5, 1894, Mr. Finnell married Mary C. Macnamee of Cleveland, Ohio. 

Healand, John, was born in the town of Concord, Erie county, March 27, 1842, 
and is a son of John and Jane C. Healand. His father was born in Lincolnshire, 
Eng., and came to America just after marriage in 1838, locating in Orleans county, 
and later moved to Hartland, Niagara county, where he died in 1880. They had 
four children: Frances, now Mrs. Van Ness, Maria (Mrs. T. Sherifi'), died June 16, 
1890, John and Joseph. John Healand attended school at Ridgway and finished at 
County Line. He enlisted in Co. A, 8th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, December 10, 1863, 
for three years, when he was transferred to Co. K, 10th N. Y. Vols., and was dis- 
charged June 30, 1865, at Bailey's Cross Roads, Va. His regiment was engaged in 



123 

the battles of Spotsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, in front of Petersburg June 
16, 18 and 22d, Malvern Hill. Deep Bottom, Weldon Railroad, Reams Station, first 
and second Hatchers Run and Appomattox. In 1865 he married Harriet S. Bron- 
son. daughter of Josiah W. and Sally Maria (Barlow) Bronson, both deceased. Mr. 
and Mrs. Bronson have these children: William R. Bronson, Jane Brightman, Ange- 
line Gaumer, Harriet and Caroline Andrews. Mr. Healand has been town commit- 
teeman, highway commissioner, member of Excise Board, and is now commander 
of C. L. Keels Post No. Md, G. A. R. On March 8, 1878, he moved on the farm 
where he now lives. 

Perrigo. George William, was born in Hulburton, Orleans county, N. Y., Septem- 
ber 12, 1840, and came to Wilson with his parents in March, 1855. His parents, 
William and Elizabeth H. (Pratt) Perrigo, were both born in Murray, Orleans county, 
whence they came to Wilson, his father to engage in the foundry business. In 
1865 the business was sold to Barnum, Wilson & Co. His father then engaged in 
the grocery business and later sold that to John Monk, and is now residing in Alle- 
gan, Mich., engaged with two of his sons as manufacturing chemists; he is now 
eighty-one years old and enjoying good health. Elizabeth H Perrigo, the mother, 
died in August, 1894, aged seventy-four years. George W. Perrigo was educated at 
Wilson Collegiate Institute. After completing his education he went into business 
with his father in the foundry until they sold out; he then engaged in the insurance 
business for a number of years. When the evaporating of fruits was begun as an 
industry he started his first evaporator in the fall of 1880, and has run one or more every 
year since, and is now the only one engaged in the business who commenced when 
that industry was in its infancy in this town. In 1891 he engaged in the hardware 
business, and now occupies a building 20 by 70 feet, two stories high. Mr. Perrigo 
is a Republican in politics and has never failed of casting his ballot for the nominees 
of his party at every general election. He is a member of Ontario Lodge No. 376, 
F. & A. M. April 26, 1864, he married Mary E. Davis of Wilson, N. Y., and they 
had six children: Sarah A., Elizabeth A., William (i., Walter L. (deceased), Henry 
L. and Mabel A. Mrs. Perrigo was the daughter of Nathaniel and Sarah (Holmes) 
Davis. Nathaniel Davis came to Wilson with his parents, Ebenezer and Mary 
(Payne) Davis, about 1820. In 1829 he married Sarah Holmes, daughter of Daniel 
and Sally (Taylor) Holmes; they lived on a farm just .south of the village of WiLson 
most of their married life, and reared a family of nine children ; two sons died 
in the war of the Rebellion. Mrs. Sarah (Holmes) Davis died at the Davis home- 
stead in October, 1864, and Mr. Davis died in April, 1883; they were both mem- 
bers of the Presbyterian church of Wilson. 

Burtch, Lewis, was born in Newfane, Niagara county, N. Y., October 13, 1S16, a 
son of Martin and Hannah (Wisner) Burtch. The grandfather, David Wisner, came 
from Seneca county to Newfane about 1810, and made a home in the wilderness, 
where he lived until his death. Martin Burtch died in 1822, and Mrs. Burtch mar- 
ried Levi Stratton; Mr. Stratton died in 1838 and his widow remamed on the farm 
until her death in 1876, at the age of eighty-eight years. Lewis Burtch was reared 
on the farm, and took charge of the home farm for eight years, when he came to 
Cambria in 1851 and purchased 210 acres of land, where he has since carried on 
general farming and stock raising. In 1840 he married Lovisa Curtis. Mr. and 



124 

Mrs. Burtch have had uo children of their own, but they adopted two children, 
Lovisa Crandall, who married J. Bryant, and Lucy L., who resides at home. Mrs. 
Burtch's father, James Curtis, came to Newfane m 1802 and followed farming; he 
was a miller by trade and ran a mill at Claverack, Columbia county, in conjunction 
with his farming. 

Markle, Charles N., was born in Wilson, January 28, 1860, a son of John G. and 
Caroline (Wuste) Markle, natives of Germany. John G. Markle was born in Ger- 
many, Decembers, 1821, and immigrated to America in 1854, settling in Orange 
county, N. Y., and in 1856 came to Wilson, where he followed his trade, that of wagon- 
maker, until 1895, when he retired. October 1, 1849, he married Caroline Wuste, 
and they had three children: John G., of the United States Army, aged forty-six; 
Denie A., teacher in the Torrington (Conn.) High School, and Charles N. (as above). 
Mr. Markle is a Republican and has been trustee and treasurer of the village of 
Wilson eleven years, trustee of schools six years, eight years trustee of Greenwood 
Cemetery, and overseer of the poor four years. He was instrumental in collecting 
most of the money for the new Methodist Episcopal church, and was class leader and 
steward for over twenty-five years. Mrs. Markle was born in January, 1821. 
Charles N. was educated in Wilson, and began his business life as a clerk in Buffalo, 
from there he went to Lockport, and in April, 1881, moved to Wilson, where he en- 
gaged in business in which he has been very successful, now having the largest store 
of general merchandise in town. In politics he is a Republican, and has held the 
office of town clerk for ten years; he held the office of overseer of the poor for two 
years, was trustee and clerk of the village for nine years, has been clerk and trustee 
of the Board of Education for six years, and a member of the Presbyterian Society 
and trustee of the church. He is now secretary and treasurer and one of the di- 
rectors in the Wilson Creamery, and trustee and worshipful master of Ontario Lodge 
No. 376, F. & A. M., a member of Twelve Mile Tent, K. O. T. M., member of the 
American Fraternal Insurance Organization, and also a member of the village 
Board of Health. April 29, 1885, he married Carrie M. Darling of Lockport, daugh- 
ter of Horace S. Darling of Newfane, and they have one daughter, Grace D., born 
February 8, 1886. Mr. Markle is financial agent for the American Express Com- 
pany, and is a young business man of great popularity and future promise. 

Harrington, jr., Frank B., was born at Lockport, N. Y., January 29, 1855, a son of 
the late Frank B. Harrington. He was educated in the union schools of his native 
town and at fifteen years of age engaged with a Lockport grocer and remained eight 
years. In 1873 he removed to Niagara Falls and later bought out the grocery busi- 
ness of J. Brookfield and carried on that business successfully until 1894, when he 
he was appointed to his present position as superintendent of Station A of the 
Niagara Falls post oflfice. In 1881 he was married to Emma M. Schomburg, and 
they have four children. Mr. Harrington is a member of Niagara Lodge No. 81, 
I. O. O. F., and enjoys the high esteem of his fellow townsmen. 

Colpoys, Henry L. , was born in the village of Suspension Bridge, February 10, 
1864, and is a son of William Colpoys, for many years a railroad employee. Mr. 
Colpoys was educated in the public schools, and at the age of thirteen went to work 
at the Western Hotel at Suspension Bridge, where he remained for four years, when 



125 

he was offered and accepted a position £S baggageman with the West Shore Railway 
at that place. After two years' service with the West Shore Railway he became 
identified with the old Erie Express at Buffalo. N. Y.. which went out of existence a 
year later (1884), at which time he returned to Niagara Falls and entered the employ 
of the Erie Railway Company as clerk in the freight department. After six years' 
service he was promoted to the chief clerkship by E. R. Allen, then agent; upon the 
removal of Mr. Allen as agent at Wellsville, he was promoted agent of the freight 
department, which position he still occupies. 

Miller, Isaac, was born in Waterloo, N. Y., February 9, 1825, and with his parents, 
Henry and Elizabeth Miller, moved to the town of Greece, Monroe county, in 1827. 
In 1854 Mr. Miller came to Niagara county, settling in Lockport, and for thirty years 
was engaged in the dry goods business, and later in the manufacturing of cotton 
batting, being one of the pioneers in that business, from which he retired in 1896. 
In 1851 he married Nancy L.. daughter of John Van De Venter. They had one son, 
Rolland E. Mr. Miller always took an active interest in all educational and religious 
institutions and ever advanced the best interests of his town and townspeople. Mrs. 
Miller died December 31. 1896. Exactly six months after, June 29, 1897, Mr. Miller 
followed his beloved wife to the silentland. The following is from an obituary notice 
published in a local newspaper: " So deep and abiding was the affection existing be- 
tween these two that when one was removed, life could not be taken up again by the 
other. Mr. Miller leaves one brother, Henry Miller of North Greece, N. Y., and one 
son. Dr. Rolland Elwell Miller, who now, with his wife and child, reside in Lock- 
port. Among his many friends, both in the First Presbyterian church, in the Ma- 
sonic fraternity to which he belonged, and in his immediate neighborhood, Mr. Mil- 
ler will be profoundly mourned. Always kind and courteous, thoughtful and con- 
siderate, he possessed the virtues which touch most densely the human heart, and 
are longest remembered and reverenced." 

Earl, Herman S. , was born in Rutland county, Vt. , June 16, 1842, a son of Homer 
and Betsey Earl, natives of Vermont. His father was born August 3, 1800, and 
mother December 25, 1800; they were married in August, 1823, and had eight chil- 
dren, six of whom are living: Oscar H., Mary A., Everett, Wilbur T., W. C. Earl, 
M. D. ; Fostina and Hiram are dead. Mr. Earl's parents came from Vermont with 
team and wagon, locating on the farm now owned by Mr Earl. They cleared the 
land and underwent all the trials and hardships incident to pioneer life. He was jus- 
tice of the peace and merchant in Vermont for years and was an assessor in New- 
fane; he died January 12, 1866, and his widow August 27, 1890. Herman S. Earl 
married Sarah A. Keyes March 5, 1873, and they had one .son who died when seven 
months old. Mrs. Earl died in 1873 and he married Effie A. Bunday, a daughter of 
M. C. Pierce, who lives with his daughter and is in his ninety first year. Mr. Earl is 
a successful farmer and fruit grower and is a steadfast, honest and industrious gen- 
tleman. The last bear of Niagara county was killed on his farm forty years ago. 

Hodge, William H., M. D., was born at Cambria, N. Y., May 27, 1865, a son of 
James Hodge, a prosperous farmer of that town, now deceased. Young Hodge 
was educated at the Lockport Union School, and later in the University of New 
York. In 1886 he began the study of medicine with his brother, Dr. John W. 



126 

Hodge, at Niagara Falls, and later entered the Medical Department of the Uni- 
versity of the City of New York. From New York he went to Chicago, where he 
graduated from the Chicago Homoeopathic Medical College in 1889; the following 
year he was appointed assistant surgeon in the University of Michigan at Ann 
Arbor. In 1893 he returned to Niagara Falls, where he is now at the head of the 
medical profession. Dr. Hodge was married February 17, 1893, to Miss Marion A. 
Morley, the accomplished daughter of Rev. B. Morley of Sandusky, Ohio, and a 
relative of the famous English statesman, John Morley. Mrs. Hodge died at Ni- 
agara Falls January 17, 1896; the memory of this lovely and noble woman will 
ever be cherished by all who were so fortunate as to know her. Dr. Hodge, though 
voung in years, is a man of wide experience and a skillful surgeon. He is sur- 
geon for the Cataract Construction Co. and many other large corporations; is pres- 
ident of the Western New York Homoeopathic Medical Society, a member of the 
New York State Homoeopathic Medical Society and of the American Institute of 
Homoeopathy. 

Upson, William H. — This enterprising business man of Lockport was born in 
Canisteo, Steuben county, N. Y., July 33, 1850. He has been connected with the 
Erie Railroad Company for the past thirty-one years, having filled numerous posi- 
tions of trust, and is at this time freight and passenger agent at Lockport for this 
company. He is also interested in other enterprises, owning and operating the 
largest coal industry in the city; his coal pocket trestle is the largest in Western 
New York outside of Buffalo and Rochester. He is president of the Empire Knights 
of Relief, a fraternal insurance order with head ofiRce in the D. S. Morgan Build- 
ing at Buffalo, treasurer and director in the Lockport Savings and Loan Associa- 
tion, and one of Lockport' s substantial and public spirited citizens. He has always 
been a Republican in politics and was elected supervisor three consecutive terms 
from his ward. He was married October 28, 1875, to Nella M. Ayrault of Nunda, 
Livingston county, N. Y. Although a comparatively young man, he has the respect 
and confidence of his fellow townsmen, and has before him apparently many years 
in which to develop the prosperous career he has started upon. 

Brookins, Samuel W., was born in Pennsj^lvania, August 15, 1818, a son of Eras- 
tus and Annie (Wood) Brookins; he born in Rutland, Yt., in 1784, and she in Hali- 
fax, in 1785. Samuel Brookins was reared on a farm and educated in the common 
schools. He is a farmer and has a farm of eighty-two acres, and in 1885 built a fine 
residence. He was married in 1846 to Barbara Curtis, who died soon after, and in 
1856 he married Jennette Brown, born in Porter, and a daughter of John and Mary 
A. Brown, who came to Porter quite early. Mr. and Mrs. Brookins had three 
children: Elmer E., born August 38, 1861, and educated at Buffalo in Bryant & Strat- 
ton's Business College, a farmer in Porter and was supervisor of the town for two 
years; was married February 13, 1897, to Miss A. Eudora Hill, daughter of Mr. and 
Mrs. William Hill of Porter. Lament W. was killed at the age of seven ; and Burt 
H., born March 4, 1870, educated in the common schools of Buffalo and in Clark & 
Perrin's Business College. He was married in 1896 to Alberta Calvert, and they 
have one daughter, Ruth M. In politics Mr. Brookins is a Republican, and the fam- 
ily attend and are members of the Presbyterian church at Youngstown. 



12/ 

Pringle, George W., was born at Norwood, St. Lawrence county, N. Y., Decem- 
ber 31, 1868, a son of Ralph Pringle, a farmer of that place. Mr. Pringle was edu- 
cated in the public schools at Norwood, and at the age of nineteen took a course in 
the Louisville (Ky.) College of Dentistry, from which he was graduated in 1892. He 
then removed to Niagara Falls, where he entered into the successful practice of his 
profession in the same year, 1893. 

Pearce, Robert, was born in Devonshire, England, May 23, 183o, and came to the 
United States July 10, 1853, settling in Middleport, where he learned his trade of 
harness manufacturer of Richard [de. In 1856 he established his present business 
of harness making, bicycles and sporting goods. In 1854 he married Anna, daugh- 
ter of James Podger, and they have two sons, James and Everett. Mr. Pearce takes 
an active intere.st in all public matters and has served four years as trustee of the 
town. 

Briggs, Warren C, was born at Mapleton, Niagara county, N. Y., August 20, 
1873. He received his education at the Lockport Union School and Lockport Busi- 
ness University. His father, Wesley C. Briggs, was born at Carlton, Orleans 
county, N. Y., August 30, 1842, and was educated at the Lockport Union School and 
Bryant & Stratton's Business College of Buffalo. On March 21, 1868, he was united 
in marriage to Mi.ss Esther Cornell of Ransomville. Mrs. Briggs was educated at 
Wilson Academy and the Lockport Union School, and previous to her marriage 
taught in the public schools of Niagara county for several years. The greater part 
of Mr. Briggs's life was spent on the farm at Mapleton, where after a short illness he 
died October 9, 1892. Since his death his son has carried on the affairs of the home- 
stead farm in a most exemplary and business like manner and has given consider- 
able attention to the care of fine stock and honses. The parents of Wesley C. Briggs 
were Ira and Philena (Travis) Briggs. Ira Briggs was born in Greene county, N. Y., 
October 5, 1812, and his wife (whose father was a Quaker) was born in Scottsville, 
Monroe county, N. Y., Augusts, 1820. After their marriage, which occurred De- 
cember 26, 1838, they settled in Genesee county. A few years later they came to 
Niagara county. He purchased a large tract of land on Tonawanda Creek and after 
living there a few years settled on the old homestead place, where the subject of 
this sketch now resides. In the year 1871 Mr. Briggs retired from active business 
life and purchased a home in the city of Lockport, where he resided until his death, 
which occurred October 4, 1893. The father of Esther Cornell Briggs was William 
Cornell, who was born in Caledonia, N. Y., July 21, 1818, When a child he came 
with his parents to Niagara county. October 23, 1840, he married Hannah E. Gunn 
of Henrietta, N. Y. After her death, which occurred July 19, 1847, he married Anna 
V. Gunn, who died January 13, 1882. Mr. Cornell died May 11, 1883. at his home at 
Porter Center. 

Blum, Jacob, was born in Pendleton March 31, 1859, a son of Jacob and Elizabeth 
(Gerhart) Blum. Jacob Blum, sr., was born in Bavaria, and came to America in 
1847, when fourteen years of age, with his parents, Frank and Catharine Blum. He 
was apprenticed to the carpenter trade, but later on successfully entered the educa- 
tional field and for fifteen years taught in German and English in the Catholic school 
in Pendleton. He was an active Democrat and was collector and assessor for fifteen 



128 

years; he died June 22, 1896, aged sixty-three years. The parents of Elizabeth 
Blum, John and Elizabeth Gerhart, came from Bavaria in 1834 and settled on a farm 
in Pendleton. . John Gerhart was a mason by trade and worked in Lockport, build- 
ing the old Thornton and Chester Mills and later in Batavia, removing to Wisconsin 
in 1856, where he worked at his trade until eighty-four years old; he died at the age 
of eighty-eight and his wife at the age of eighty-four. Jacob Blum, the subject, was 
educated in the parish school at Pendleton and in 1881 engaged in the grocery busi- 
ness at Pendleton. He is a Democrat, and as such was. in 1883, elected town clerk 
and held the office eleven years in succession. He was defeated in 1895, but in 1897 
was again elected for a term of two years. He has also been for nine years secre- 
tary of the Niagara and Erie County Farmers' Protective Association. He is a mem- 
ber of Swormville Branch No. 67, CM. B. A. 

Koetsch, Ernest A., was born in Newark, N. Y., August 5, 1867, a son of Godfrey 
and Katherine Koetsch, natives of Germany. He learned the trade of watchmaker 
and jeweler at Newark and Lyons, finishing up in the Horological Institute of 
Watchmakers at Chicago. He then spent a year in Lockport and was five years 
with Mundie & McCoy of North Tonawanda. April 25, 1896, he entered into part- 
nership with William C. Fowler, forming the jewelry firm of Koetsch & Fowler, one 
of the leading firms of the county. Mr. Koetsch is a member of the Foresters, of 
Electric Lodge L O. O. F., and served five years in the 25th Separate Company; he 
is also a member of the Methodist church and of the Y. M. C A. 

Rabb, Peter J., was born in Eggertsville, Erie county, April 4, 1841. His father, 
Adam Rabb, was born in Germany and came to the United States in 1836, settling 
in Erie county, where he remained until 1853, when he moved to Pekin and after- 
wards to Cambria. In 1865 he moved to town of Lockport and died December 22, 
1894. Peter J. Rabb was educated in the common schools and in 1861 enlisted in 
the 28d N. Y. Vol. Artillery, under Capt. Ransom, and took part in the battles of 
Newbern, Whitehall. Kiuston and many others, receiving an honorable discharge 
July 14, 1865. He then returned to Niagara county and in 1869 married Harriet, 
daughter of John Singer, and they have three daughters, Laura E., Dora M , and 
Ida L. Mr. Rabb is one of the representative farmers of his town, serving as town 
collector and takes an intelligent interest in educational and religious mstitutions. 

Morris, Augustus, a son of Francis C. and Anna P. (Schoonmaker) Morris, was 
born in the town of Porter, Niagara county, N. Y., October 12, 1865. He attended 
the public schools and took a preparatory course in the Lockport Union School, 
after which he entered the law office of Hon. David Millar as a student, and was 
admitted to the bar at Rochester in 1893. He immediately began the practice of 
his profession, in which he continued alone for a year, when he formed a copartner- 
ship with Charles Hickey which copartnership continued until January 1, 1896, at 
which time Mr. Hickey was elevated to the bench as county judge and surrogate of 
Niagara county, and the copartnership dissolved by operation of law, after which 
the firm of Morris & Smith was formed, which copartnership still continues. Mr. 
Morris was married June 26, 1895, to Mary E., daughter of Rev. and Mrs. W. L. 
Warner, of Sanborn, N. Y. 

Pears(ra, Albert A., was born in the town of Royalton, December 12, 1860. His 



129 

father, Henry Pearson, a native of England, with his brothers, William and Robert, 
settled in Niagara county, where their descendants now reside. Henry Pearson 
married Elizabeth J., daughter of Thomas Dale. Albert Pearson was educated in 
the common schools and in 1890 married Emrna C. Silsby, and they have three sons, 
Albert H., George E. and John E. Mrs. Pearson died in 1895. 

Pletcher, Franklin, was born at Niagara Falls, September 25, 1849, and is a son of 
Daniel Pletcher, a pioneer farmer of that place. Mr. Pletcher was educated in the 
public schools at Niagara Falls, and at the Lockport Union School; in 1869 he left 
school and went to work'on his father's farm. In 1881 he removed to the village of 
Suspension Bridge, where he became an inspector of customs at the Custom House, 
and continued in that capacity until 1886, when he established his present business, 
that of flour, feed and grain. October 2, 1879, he married Martha E. Witmer, daugh- 
ter of Joseph and Catharine Witmer, of the town of Niagara, and they have one 
daughter, Edith M. 

Humbert, William S., was born at Brooklyn, N. Y., December 13, 1861, and is a 
son of William P. Humbert, who was for years a Wall street broker; he is now re- 
tired and living in Buffalo. Mr. Humbert was educated in the Flushing (L. I.) In- 
stitute, and at the age of seventeen entered Columbia College, New York city, tak- 
ing and completing the course in Mining Engineering. He was graduated in ISMS', 
and at once entered the employ of the City of New York, being employed on the 
Croton Aqueduct, where he remained until 1891 (as Assistant Engineer), at that time 
removing to Niagara Falls to accept the position of Division Engineer, in charge of 
construction, in the emplo)' of the Niagara Falls Power Co. He continued in that 
position until 1893, when he entered business as a wholesale and retail dealer in 
Contractors' and Builders' Supplies, which business he still continues to successfully 
operate. December 28, 1887, he married Blanche A., daughter of Rev. David Ken- 
nedy, S. T. D., of Stanstead, Province of Quebec, Can. Mr. and Mrs. Humbert 
have one son, William K. 

Wilson, Frank E., was born at Lockport, N. Y. , June 23, 1863, a son of Richard 
Wilson, a millwright and machinist, now deceased. Frank E. Wilson was educated 
in the public schools of his native town, and at the age of eighteen removed toOber- 
lin, Ohio, where he learned telegraphy. Later he entered the employ of the New 
York Central Railroad Company at Sanborn, N. Y., as telegraph operator, and re- 
mained there for five years, when he was transferred to La Salle, as station agent 
for the same company. In 1892 he resigned his position and established himself in 
business at La Salle and has continued there ever since. On October 16, 1893, he 
was appointed postmaster at that place and is still an incumbent of that office. Sep- 
tember 29, 1886, he married Esther G. Riegle of Sanborn, N. Y., and they have 
five children. Mr. Wilson is a trusted oflRcer and highly respected citizen. 

Scovell, Oliver P., son of Josiah and Anna Saxe Scovell, was born at Orwell, Ad- 
dison county, Vt., March 24, 1820, removed with his parents in October, 1836, to 
Cambria, Niagara county. He was educated at Castleton Seminary, Vermont, and 
Lewiston Seminary. On arriving at age he spent the years 1841 and 1842 in cleanng 
up a new farm in the woods of Eaton county, Mich. In 1843 and 1844 he was in a 
store and post-office at Yates Center, Orleans county, N. Y. In the spring of 1845 



I30 

he went to New York city as agent of the old Clinton Line of boats on the Erie Canal, 
where he remained for six years. In 1851 he went to Boston as freight and ticket 
agent of the Fitchburg, Cheshire, Rutland and Burlington, and Ogdensburg Rail- 
roads, and Crawford & Chamberlin's line of propellers on the lakes, with office at 
100 State street, for two years. The summer of 1853 he acted as traveling agent for 
the Albany & Rutland Railroad, while building at Lewiston preparatory to house- 
keeping that fall. In 1846 he was married at Lewiston to Elizabeth E. Shepard, 
only daughter of Leonard and Nancy A. Shepard. She died in 1854, and in 1855 he 
was married to Elizabeth E., oldest daughter of Philo and Eliza Jewett of Middle- 
bury, Addison county, Vt. In 1860 he was elected to the Legislature, and in April, 
1861, voted for the first men and money from this State in the war of the Rebellion. 
He was enrolling officer for Lewiston and deputy provost marshal for the county 
during the drafts, going to Elmira twice a week with enlisted and drafted men. He 
was deputy collector of customs at Lewiston under Franklin Spalding and again under 
Hon. T. E. Ellsworth; president of Lewiston village at different times; director and 
vice-president of the Lake Ontario Shore (now R. W. & O.) Railroad Co. ; railroad 
commissioner of Lewiston for the issuing of bonds of said town in aid of the con- 
struction of the above load; for twenty-five years chairman of the School Board of 
Lewiston village ; for forty-three years an elder, treasurer and clerk of session of the 
Presbyterian church of Lewiston, and for many years has been and now is a notary 
public, insurance agent and general conveyancer. He has two sons, Philo Jewett 
and Josiah Boardman — Jewett, a professor of music, and Josiah an attorney at law. 

Bradley, Daniel, was born in Canada, August 22, 1819, a son of William and De- 
bora (Trip) Bradley, both born in Onondaga county, N. Y., and went to Canada in 
an early day, where he died in 1861, and his widow in 1870. Daniel Bradley was 
reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He is a farmer and butcher 
and came to Wilson in 1850 and bought a farm ; he has owned a number of farms in 
Porter and at present has 165 acres where he resides. In 1840 he married Almena 
Winter of Canada, and they had seven children: Smith, one of the leading farmers 
of Porter; Truman H., of Sterling, Can. ; Mathew D., a farmer of Porter; Wesley 
J. ; Fannie Chipman of Texas; Willie W., M. D., of South Dakota, and Lewis H., 
of Memphis, Mich. His wife died in 1874, and in 1875 he married Mrs. Clarissa 
Hubble of Canada. 

Dudley, Frank Alonzo, is descended from John Dudley (1), who settled in Guil- 
ford, Conn., in 1673. The line from John (1) is Ebenezer (2), Nathaniel (3), Phineas 
(4), a soldier from Connecticut in the Revolution, who was born in Guilford, and 
married Ruth Dowd, who had two brothers who were killed in the war for Independ- 
ence; Phineas (5), who was born in Killingworth, Conn., and married Elizabeth 
Graves, a great-granddaughter of Governor Webster of Connecticut; and John A. 
(6). A number of Mr. Dudley's ancestors .served in the Colonial and Revolutionary 
wars, and many of them won distinction in civil life. John A. Dudley, father of 
Frank A., was born in Guilford Conn., May 4, 1829, came to Western New York when 
a young man, and on December 20, 1854, married Henrietta, daughter of Ithureal 
and Candace (Gaskill) Wright, who was born in Lockport, N. Y., December 20, 1832. 
He first settled on a farm in Wilson, Niagara county, where Frank A. was born Jan- 
uary 30, 1864, being the third of five children. Soon afterward the family moved to 



131 

Wisconsin and settled at Whitewater, where Mr. Dudley still lives, and where his 
wife died January 16, 1887. He spent his active life as a farmer and real estate 
dealer. Frank A. Dudley was educated at the Wisconsin State Normal School in 
Whitewater, and when eighteen returned East, locating in Lockport, where he read 
law with Hon. Joshua Gaskill. He was admitted to the bar in 1886, and in 1887 
settled permanently in Niagara Falls, where, in 1888, he formed a copartnership 
with Hon. W. Caryl Ely, under the firm name of Ely & Dudley, which still contin- 
ues as Ely, Dudley & Cohn. Mr. Dudley rapidly rose to a front rank at the bar, and 
for several years has enjoyed an extensive law business. He is an able lawyer, a 
man of great energy and perseverance, and has been eminently successful. He is a 
stockholder and an officer in a number of important business and commercial enter- 
prises of Niagara Falls, including the Electric City Bank, of which he is vice- 
president; he was early connected with the power development at Niagara, and was 
one of the incorporators and organizers of the Buffalo and Niagara Falls Electric 
Railway. In politics he is an active and prominent Republican, and in 1895 and 1896 
was elected to the Assembly, where he introduced and championed several bills 
which became laws. He introduced and had made the law giving the Niagara Falls 
Hydraulic Manufacturing Company the permanent right to use from the waters of 
Niagara River sufficient to develop 100,000 horse power; he also introduced and 
secured the passage of the graduated inheritance tax bill, designed to equalize the 
burden of taxation throughout the State. This bill is what is known as the "Dud- 
ley tax bill," and was vetoed by (Jovernor Black. He is a Knight Templar Mason, 
holding membership in Niagara Frontier Lodge, No. 133, F. & A. M., a member of 
the order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and is also a member of the Sons of the 
American Revolution. December 17, 1890, he married Etta, daughter of Wes- 
ley Payne and Harriet Ann (Sackett) Brown, of Niagara Falls. Mrs. Dudley is 
a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution through three great-grand- 
fathers, Elijah Gilbert, Stephen Pain, and Rufus Butts. 

Campbell, Nathan, was born in the town of Cambria, March 28, 1845. His father, 
William Campbell, was also born in Cambria in 1818, where his father, Joshua Camp- 
bell, settled in 1816, the family being among the prominent people of that town. 
William Campbell married Alida, daughter of Thorret Rose; they moved to the 
town of Royalton in 1852, where he died in 1859. Nathan Campbell was educated 
in the common schools and in 1870 married Sarah, daughter of Henry Ernest. Mr. 
Campbell has served as highway commissioner and collector and was appointed town 
agent of the Erie and Niagara County Farmers' Insurance Association and is recog- 
nized as a man of sterling integrity, whose judgment is sought and respected by all 
who know him. 

Moore, Allen N., M. D., is of Canadian birth and has been a resident of Niagara 
county since 1878. He was educated in the public schools and was graduated from 
the medical department of the Michigan University in 1878. He at this date re- 
moved to Rapids, Niagara county, N. Y. , and began the practice of his profession. 
In 1893 he removed to Lockport and resumed his practice, where he has since resided. 
Dr. Moore is a member of the New York State Medical Association and a member of 
the Ma.sonic order in all its branches. In October, 18S1, he married Jennie Dever- 
eaux of Canada. 



132 

Wakeman, Edward A., was born in Lockport July 4, 1810. His father, Sillamon 
Wakeman, came to Lockport from Seneca county, N. Y., in 1809, purchasing a tract 
of Woodland from the Holland Land Company. He began clearing away the forests 
and with his wife, Susanna W. Wakeman, were among the pioneers of Niagara 
county. He died in 1818. Edward A. Wakeman attended the first school established 
in Lockport in 1818. After his twelfth year he worked on the farm. In 1834 he 
married Cynthia Howe, who died in 1834, and after her death he married Eliza- 
beth B. Jones. Mr. Wakeman is one of the conservative men of Lockport, where 
he has spent his life of eighty seven years, engaging in many business enterprises 
and filling various positions of honor and trust, and has ever reeeived and merited 
the respect of his associates. 

Mesler, Capt. Charles V., who served with distinction in the late Civil war and is 
now one of the leading business men of Gasport and a prominent and influential citi- 
zen of Niagara county, is a son of AVjsalom and Sallie M. (Wyman) Mesler, and was 
born in the town of Barrie, Orleans county, N, Y., October 12, 1836. His great- 
grandfather, Abraham Mesler, was a native of Holland and settled first on Manhat- 
tan Island and later removed to Morris county, N. J., where he died. He married 
Miss Covert, by whom he had a large family, one of whom was Bergen Mesler 
(grandfather), who was born on Staten Island January 4, 1759, moved with his father 
to New Jersey, and in 1832 returned to New York, locating in Seneca count}-. In 
the following year he removed to the town of Hartland, Niagara county, where he 
died July 15, 1824. He was a farmer and carpenter, an old-line Whig in politics and 
a member of the Baptist church; he was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, serving 
directly under General Washington, and also served for a time in the war of 1812. 
He married Mary Cooper, by whom he had thirteen children, ten sons and three 
daughters. Absalom Mesler (father) was born in the town of Chester, Morris county, 
N. J., October 8, 1812, snd came to Niagara county with his parents. He moved to 
the then village of Lockport in 1825, and entered the employ of Eli Bruce, then 
deputy sheriff and afterward elected sheriff, being the second man to occupy that 
office after the formation of Niagara county. In the spring of 1826 Mr. Mesler re- 
moved to the town of Cambria, where he engaged in farming for two years and then 
went to St. Catherine's, Can., and from there came to where the Catholic College 
now stands, between Lewiston and Niagara Falls. He lived at a number of other 
places during the next seventeen years, after which he resided near Royalton Center 
for twenty years. In 1868 he removed to Gasport, where he is still living at an ad- 
vanced age. Here, in partnership with his son, Charles V., he engaged in the com 
mission business, handling all kinds of produce and agricultural machinery. In 1887 
Mr. Mesler practically retired from business and his son, Merrill A., assumed control 
and has since successfully conducted the enterprise. Mr. Mesler is a Republican in 
politics and married Sallie M., daughter of Samuel Wyman, August 22, 1833, by 
whom he had a family of eight children; Candis R., married Nelson Thompson (de- 
ceased); Charles V. (the subject) ; William M., married Lizzie Miller, resides in Michi- 
gan; Augusta, married Oliver J. Brun.son, a farmer in Hartland; Samuel, married 
Helen Babcock, a commission merchant at Gasport; Sarah, married John Jenkins of 
Middlcport (deceased), and Merrill, married and in business at Gasport. Capt. 
Charles V. Mesler was educated principally by his own efforts; he improved every 



n3 

opportunity that came within his reach and applied himself diligently to such books 
as he could procure. He attended Leoni College in Michigan for two terms, and at 
Adrian College three terms, but at the breaking out of the Civil war laid down his 
books and enlisted, April 19, 1861 as a private in Co. K, 1st Michigan Infantry, for 
three months. While in camp at Sooter's Hill, Va. , in the latter part of June, 1861, 
he was attacked by typhoid pneumonia and sent first to the City Infirmary at Wash- 
ington, and from there to the General Hospital at Annapolis, Md. After regaining 
liis health be joined his company, but was soon poisoned bj'^ eating cake bought of a 
female huckster, and only saved b}' the prompt and energetic efforts of the surgeon 
in charge. He was mustered out at Ft. Wayne, Detroit, Mich., August 7, 1861, but 
immcdiatelj' returned to Niagara county and re-enlisted at Lockport in Co. B, 105th 
N. V. Inf. At Front Royal, Va. , he again suffered from typhoid pneumonia and was 
placed in the General Hospital at Alexandria, and as soon as able he reported to 
headquarters for duty. In the second battle of Bull Run, August -50, 1861. he was 
wounded by a ball in the ankle and was also injured at South Mountain and at Get- 
tysburg; later he was again wounded in front of Petersburg, but in a few days joined 
his company and on the Weldon Railroad was taken prisoner and sent to Danville, 
where he remained in captivity for six mouths, during that time being prostrated 
with rheumatism. He was appointed orderly .sergeant of his company February 10, 
1862, and commissioned second lieutenant September 30, following; he was promoted 
to be first lieutenant November 25, 1863, and received a captain's commission Janu- 
ary 1, 1865; later was brevetted colonel by the governor of the State and mustered 
out at Albany, N. Y. , July 28, 1865. When the war was over Captain Mesler re- 
turned to Gasport and engaged in the commission business for some years with his 
father; later he became a dealer in coal, lumber and phosphate at Gasport, which 
business he has since conducted very successfully. In 1867 Captain Mesler married 
Hattie E., daughter of Caleb Drake of Gasport, and to them have been born three 
children: Frank M., May H. and Mattie D. In politics Captain Mesler is an ardent 
Republican, giving his party an active, energetic and influential support. In 1867 
he was appointed postmaster of Gasport, which office he held for nineteen consecu- 
tive years ; he is now, and has been for sixteen years, a notary public. He is a mem- 
ber of Cataract Lodge No. 94, Ancient Order of United Workmen, at Gasport, and 
has held all the offices in the lodge, and is a charter member of Lodge No. 787, F. & 
A. M., at Gasport. In April, 1864, in accordance with General Order No. 49, Adju- 
tant-General's office. Captain Mesler, then lieutenant, was given a thirty-five days' 
furlough to enlist veterans for the war — a lucky prize granted to but few. 

Eshelman, Samuel B., was born at Clarence Center, Erie county, July 6, 1839, a 
son of the late John Eshelman, a prosperous farmer of that section. Samuel Eshel- 
man was educated in the public schools of his native town and in Carj' Collegiate 
Seminary, and was graduated from that institution in 1855. He immediateiy en- 
tered the general store of his brother, John Eshelman, jr., as clerk, where he re- 
mained seven years, and then removed to Buffalo, where he was engaged as a clerk 
in a large dry goods establishment; in 1863 he removed to Niagara Falls, where he 
was placed in charge of the large flour and feed store of Witner Bros, and remained 
in that position nineteen years, when he established himself in the same line of busi- 
ness and in which he successfuUj- operated until 1885, when he was elected justice of 



134 

the peace and retained that office for eight years. He represented the town of 
Niagara in the Board of Supervisors for four years, being chairman of the board in 1881 
and 1882. Among the public offices filled by hmi were those of village treasurer for 
four years, village trustee, member of the Board of Education and of the Board of 
Water Commissioners, and others. In 1896 he was appointed attendance officer of 
the city of Niagara Falls, which office he still holds. July 23, 1872, he married Har- 
riet Metz of Niagara Falls, and they had six children. 

Hopkins, S. Silas, was born in the town of Lewiston, Niagara county, March 29, 
1852, and has been engaged in farming and fruit growing all his life. He has fifty 
acres of apple orchard, fifteen acres of pears, and ten acres of plums on the home- 
stead. On the farm situated on the Niagara River Road below Lewiston he has 
twenty-five acres of quinces, twenty acres of pears and plums and other fruits. He 
is a member of the Niagara County Farmers' Club and has been its president for two 
years. In 1875 he married E Amanda Young of Cambria, and they have two children, 
Edna Young and Arline Douglass. Mr. Hopkins's parents were Silas S and Abigail 
H. Hopkins. After the kevolutionary war his great-grandfather immigrated to 
Canada from New Jersey and settled near Hamilton, Ontario, but his two sons, Silas 
and Benjamin, not liking the country, Silas came to Lewiston, and later Benjamin 
settled in Michigan. His son Silas was the first judge of Niagara county and was 
grandfather of the subject of this sketch. Mr. Hopkms's father made a valuable 
permanent improvement in the town of Lewiston by draining the great cranberry 
marsh opposite his farm and reclaiming a valuable tract of land which is still in 
possession of the family. He died June 20, 1871, while his widow is still living at 
the age of eighty years. Mr.s. Hopkins's family, the Youngs, came from Pennsyl- 
vania about 1810, traveling in wagons and unloaded near Niagara Falls by an old 
oak tree, the site of which is to-day marked by some willows; there they took up 
land and settled. These were her great grandfather, John, her grandfather, Samuel, 
and his brothers, John, Christian and Jacob. They were driven from their homes 
three times by the Indians during the war of 1812. Mrs. Hopkins's grandparents 
on the mother's side, the Hittles, came from Pennsylvania in 1828; her great-grand- 
father served through the Revolutionary war as an officer. 

Miller, John C, was born in Wilson, N. Y., December 25, 1856, a son of John H. 
and Sophia (Beeman) Miller, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1856, 
living in Wilson and Newfane until 1876, when John H. bought the farm the subject 
now owns. He was killed in June, 1892, and his widow lives with John C. John C. 
was educated in the common schools and is at present carrying on the homestead 
farm of fifty acres. In 1880 he married Maria Bendt and they have four children: 
B. Frank, C. Howard, Grace E. and John C. 

Root, Thomas, was born at South Onondaga, Onondaga county, N. Y., October 
14, 1817, the oldest son of Elias and Anna (Belding) Root, and is descended from 
Thomas Root, who came from Badby, England, and settled at Hartford, Conn., in 
1637. Thomas Root was married to Martha B., daughter of Dr. Myron Orton of 
Cambria, in 1847. They have five children : Elias, a lawyer at North Tonawanda ; 
Mary A., wife of Gilbert M. Duncan, a farmer of Newfane; EmmaM. Root of North 
Tonawanda; Minnie C, wife of W. Irving Burns, a physician at North Tonawanda; 



135 

and Frank M. Root, living on the home farm. Thomas Root has resided at Pekin, 
Niagara count}', since 1818. He has represented his town (Cambria) as supervisor 
twice, and has held the office of justice of the peace for over forty years, the longest 
contmuous service in that capacity of any one in the county. He has always taken 
an active interest in public affairs. He was one of the original Abolitionists in 
his town, where only one or two other voters co-operated with him, and his place 
was a station on the underground railroad. He actively supported the Republican 
party from its organization until a few years since, when he identified himself with 
the Prohibition party. He and his family are Methodists. He still, at the age of 
eighty years, resides on his farm near the village of Pekin, a hale, hearty old gen- 
tleman, influential in neighborhood affairs, and whose judgment and advice are much 
regarded. 

McCollum, Abram M., was born in Porter, October 29, 1843, a son of Abram Howe 
and Susanah (Zittle) McCollum. His father was born in Tuscarora Valley in 1820, 
son of Joseph McCollum, born in Pennsylvania in 1775, and in 1820 came to Porter, 
settling on a farm where he lived and died in 1858. The maternal grandfather, 
Conrad Zittle, was born in Germany in 1765, and came to the United States with his 
mother in 1774, who died in Pennsylvania. Mr. Zittle came to Porter about 1809 or 
ISIO and settled on the farm at Tower's Corners by the Four-mile Creek; he sold to 
Peter Tower and settled at Zittle's Corners about 1816 or 1817, where he lived and 
died April 11, 1850. Abram M. McCollum was reared on a farm, and educated in 
the common schools. He is a farmer and owns 120 acres of land and works about 
200 acres. In 1869 he married Almyra S. Sanborn, daughter of Israel Sanborn of 
Orleans county, and niece of Hon. L. R. Sanborn of Sanborn, Niagara county. Mr. 
and Mrs. McCollum had seven children: Anna W., May (who died at four years of 
age), Evangeline, Abram D., Israel L. , Lulu and Grant. Mr. McCollum is a Re- 
publican in politics, and in 1863 enlisted in Co. F, 8th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, serv- 
ing under Col. Peter A. Porter until the battle of Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, 1864, 
where he was disabled by a bullet striking the shoulder and lodging in the left side 
of his head, which caused him to lay on the field unconscious for ten or twelve hours; 
after coming to he had lo.st so much blood from the shattered arm, that he was una- 
ble to help himself, uv.d as no flag of truce was accepted from either side, was left 
laying on the field for two days, and then taken to Fairfax Seminary, Va., from 
which he was honorably discharged October 10, 1864. He is a member of Melville 
C. McCollum Post of Ransomville, N. Y., and its present commander, said post be- 
ing named in honor of a brother. Mr. McCollum's father was a lifelong Whig and 
Republican; he was a leader in his town and count}' and served for a time in the 
regular army. He enlisted in the volunteers, serving for a time in a light battery, 
when he received an honorable discharge from the governor of his State, telling him 
he could do more good recruiting. He spent hundreds of dollars for the benefit of 
the government during the Civil war for recruiting, and in the Christian and Sani- 
tary Commission for the benefit of wounded soldiers and their families that were 
left at home. Any one coming for aid was never turned away. Patriotic to a fault 
was the father of Abram M. McCollum. 

F'reer, George S., was born in Cambria, N. Y., in April, 1833, a son of Solomon 
and Mary Ann (Snyder) Freer. The grandfather, Amos Freer, was a merchant in 



136 

Albany, and the paternal grandfather, Henry Snyder, was an early settler of Cam- 
bria. Solomon Freer came to Cambria in 1826. where he lived until his death. He 
was a millwright by trade, but spent his last days at farming. George S. Freer was 
reared on a farm, and has always followed farming with the exception of four years 
spent in the custom house under Cutler as deputy collector. In 1855 he married 
Caroline Madison, adopted daughter of Roswell Hart of Rochester. Mr. and Mrs. 
Freer are the parents of four sons and one daughter: Milton vS., miller; Roswell H., 
(deceased), G. Frank, farmer; Charles S., farmer on homestead, and Minnie, wife of 
William Walaba. Mr. Freer is a Democrat and has served as assessor and super- 
visor. He is a member of Frazier Lodge No. 375, F. & A. M., also of the Good 
Templars. 

McCollum, James A., is a son of Peter and Abigail McCollum, who came through 
the dense wilderness from Schenectady county in 1819, moving in a lumber wagon 
and settling in what is now Newfane in 1820. Their worldly possessions at that time 
were a team, wagon, and a sharp axe to clear up the homestead where James A. now 
resides. They raised to maturity a family of four children : John, Abigail, Charles 
S. and James A. — the latter the youngest and only surviving son. Peter McCollum 
died in 1862, and his wid-^nv survived till 1872. They had'Seen the town grow from 
a wilderness to a high state of cultivation and civilization — from the time when its 
post-office was a knot hole in a sycamore tree a few rods south of the village of New- 
fane. The second frame school house in town was built on his farm, in a community 
of intelligent and enterprising people, enjoying the benefits of hard and well earned 
properties. It is worthy of record that he and his three sons represented at different 
times the town of Newfane in the Board of Supervisors, each for several terms — a 
veritable family of supervisors — James A. serving for five years and chair- 
man of the board for two years; also served as its clerk. At the pres- 
ent time he is vice-president of the Erie and Niagara Co. Farmers' Insurance 
Association, and for many years has been a director of the Niagara County Agricul- 
tural Society, and has always been a resident of the town, with the exception of a 
few years spent in teaching in Kentucky and Tennessee in his j-ounger days. The 
whole McCollum family have been intimately connected with the progress and pros- 
perity of the town of Newfane, and in all the relations of life — business, social and 
educational — have proved trustworthy, liberal and enterprising, commanding the re- 
spect and esteem of not only their immediate neighbors, but of the citizens of the 
whole county. 

Bedenkapp, W. J., was born in the town of Porter, Niagara county, July 2P>, 1855, 
a .son of John and Eliza (Ubidike) Bedenkapp. His first employment was railroading 
and he was connected with the Rome, Watertown & Ogdensburg Railroad for four 
and a half years; he then clerked for some time in the store of John Fleming at 
Lewiston. In June, 1881, he began to buy fruit and has been a fruit dealer ever 
since; he owns the cold storage building in Lewiston and is also interested in fruit 
growing. Since 1888 he has been active in politics and public affairs; he was deputy 
collector of customs at Lewiston for five years, trustee of the village for two years 
and was elected president of the village in 1896, and re-elected in the spring of 1897. 
In April, 1896, Mr. Bedenkapp was appointed special agent for the State Commission 
of Lunacy, most particularly in connection with the Buffalo State Hospital, his work 



^i7 

extending over the counties of Niagara, Erie, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Wy- 
oming, but also including some of the territory of Willard Hospital. Previous to re- 
ceiving this appointment Mr. Bedenkapp had been special messenger for the Hon. 
T. Elsworth at Albany. December?, 1882, he married Sarah J. Brown, and their 
children are Sadie E., Maud M., Glenn Ray and Mabel Frances. Mr. Bedenkapp 
has lived in Levviston since he was nine years of age and is universally recognized as 
one of the towns most enterprismg and progressive men. He is a member of the 
A. O. U. \V. and also of the Odd Fellows and has been through all the chairs in both 
societies. 

Thompson, George F., was born at Saratoga Springs, July 24, 1870, and came to 
Niagara county in 1883, settling at Reynale's Basin. In 1890 he began the study 
of law with George D. Judson and was admitted to the bar in March, 1893. He as- 
sociated him.self with George D. Judson for two years, and in February, 1895, 
Mr. Judson retired and Mr. Thompson carried on the practice alone. Mr. Thomp- 
son is one of the conservative men of the town, serving as clerk of the Board of 
Education for two years, and village clerk ; he was elected justice of the peace in 
1895 and still fills that office. He is one of the first five side path commissioners 
of Niagara county and takes an active interest in the leading events of the day. 

Eighme, A. G., was born in West Seneca, N. Y., January 5, 1846, a son of George 
W. and Catherine (Hallifax) Eighme. George W. Eighme was a native of Dutchess 
county and came to Cambria about 1852, where he bought 125 acres of land and 
carried on general farming. He died August 25, 1893. and his widow still survives 
at the age of seventy-one years. The grandfather, George W. Hallifax, came 
from Halifax, England (the place being named for the family), and settled on Long 
Island, where he remained for a time, when he came to Lockport, where he lived 
until his death. A. G. Eighme was educated at Union School at Lockport, and in 
1869 married Sarah C. Folger, and they had two children. Edith G., wife of Edg- 
bert Oliver of Lockport, and Leonard D. in busine.ss in Buffalo. Mrs. Eighme died 
October, 1889, and Mr. Eighme married Hattie, daughter of Horatio and Amanda 
Sherman. Mr. Eighme remained on the homestead for six years after his marriage, 
when he bought the old Eighme homestead in Hamburg, doing general farming and 
market gardening on seventy-six acres. He sold this farm and bought the home- 
stead of 126 acres in Cambria, where he has since carried on market gardening and 
fruit growing, having a large fruit orchard of twenty acres of apples, 3,000 pear and 
3,000 peach trees and six and a half acres of plums and five acres of grapes. He is 
one of the largest market gardeners and one of the most extensive celery growers 
in the county. 

Westra, John, was born in Holland in 1856, and came to America in 1881, settling 
in Wisconsin, where he remained for two and a half years, when he went to Michi- 
gan for a short time, thence to Buffalo and then to Lockport, where he remained 
two years, when he came to North Tonawanda and was railroading for three and a 
half years. He went into the milk business in 1888. Mr. Westra married Mary A. 
Kehoe of Lockport, and they have one son, John T. He is a member of the A. O. 
U. W., and noted as a public speaker, attracting attention by a speech he delivered 
on insurance at a meeting of the workmen in August, 1895. In the spring of 1896 



138 

he was nominated by the Democratic party for collector of North Tonawanda. Mr. 
Westra is a self-made man and has been a successful one. 

Holley, Montford C. — Among the younger members of the Niagara county bar, 
none are more prominent than Mr. Montford C. Holley. He was born in the city of 
Lockport, August 26. 1873, and has always resided in the city of his birth. He began 
the study of law in 1890 in the office of Dunkleberger & Harrington, finishing his 
legal studies, however, in the office of Joshua Gaskill. He was admitted to the bar 
in June, 1894, and has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. June 3, 
1896, he married L. Marie Bement of Lockport. 

Pratt, Lorenzo N., was born in Wilson, N. Y. , June 3, 1833, a son of Calvin, a son 
of Nathan Pratt, a native of Vermont, who came to Wilson in a very early day and 
to6T[c up land, where he lived and died. Calvin Pratt took up 100 acres on the town 
line and also had 100 acres in another location. His wife was Samantha, daughter 
of Joseph Hawks, one of the first settlers of Wilson ; she was a teacher there for many 
years. He died in 1883 and his widow in 1885. Lorenzo N. Pratt was reared on a 
farm and educated in Wilson Collegiate Institute, and has always been a farmer in 
Wilson. In 1856 he married Mary J. Stickles of Newfane, and they had four chil- 
dren; Annette (deceased), Glenn, Jennie and Calvin (deceased). Mr. Pratt is a mem- 
ber of Ontario Lodge No. 376, F. & A. M., and of the Peter Porter Post No. 126, G. 
A. R. In 1861 he enlisted in Co. M, 1st N. Y. Artillery, and served three years and 
nine months. He rode one horse two years and brought him home with him to his 
farm and used him until 1895, when he was thirty-two years old ; Mr. Pratt then 
buried him on the old homestead and on his grave waves the red, white and blue. 
He was with Sherman while on the march to the sea; his position wasbugler and he 
was in nineteen general engagements: Gettysburg, Antietam, Winchester, Army of 
Potomac; Army of Cumberland, Siege of Atlanta, Siege of Savannah, Peach Tree 
Creek, Bentonvilie, Resaca Campaign and at Chattanooga, was one of the first that 
went into Atlanta, Lookout Mountain, Slaughter's Mountain, Edenburg and many 
skirmishes. Mr. Pratt is a Republican and has served as a.ssessor for three years. 

Kohler, Charles, North Tonawanda, was born in Wheatfield, August 5, 1857. His 
father was a farmer and he was reared on the farm and followed that occupation for 
some time. He served on the police force of North Tonawanda for six years, five of 
which he was chief. In 1892 he was elected police justice for four years and in 1896 
he was re-elected for four years more. In the spring of 1897 he was legislated out of 
office by the incorporation of North Tonawanda as a city and six weeks later he was 
elected supervisor in the First ward. Mr. Kohler has been a lifelong Democrat, is a 
member of the Odd Fellows and of the Select Knights. In 1889 he was married to 
Miss Kitty M. Bourlier of Reese, Mich. His parents were Jacob and Dorothea (Don- 
nerwert) Kohler, both natives of Germany. 

Sullivan, P. M., of the city of North Tonawanda, was born in Pultney, Steuben 
county, N. Y., and was educated at Hammondsport Academy. In his early life he 
taught school and at the same time read law and was admitted from D. D. Waldo's 
office lo practice law in this State in June, 1869. After practicing his profession for 
a 5'ear he went West and was engaged in mining for about seven years, after which 
be was a practicing attorney in California until he returned to this State in 1888. 



139 

While in California, he was a member of the Legislature and enrolling clerk of the 
State Senate for four years. He located at North Tonrwanda in 1892 where he has 
since practiced his profession. His parents were natives of Longford, Ireland, his 
father coming to this country in 1816 and both of them were pioneers in Steuben 
county, where they settled upon a farm and cleared the same, raising a family often 
children and gave them the best of legacies, to wit: good health and sound con- 
stitutions. 

Myers, Ira G., of Lewiston, was born in Kingston, N. Y., August o, 1863, a son of 
G. W. and Ellen Myers. His mother died in 1887 and his father is still living. Ira 
G. Myers was educated at the Holly Academy, Orleans county, and while educating 
himself he clerked in a store during the summers and attended school winters. He 
began his business of life as telegraph operator and has been connected with rail- 
roading si.vteen years. He has been operator for the Western Union ten years, 
agent for the American Express Company seven years, and agent for the New York 
Central Railroad for ten years, all of which positions he holds at present and is very 
popular with business men and public at large. So assiduous is he in the discharge 
of his duties that he has been off dutj;^ only ten days in these ten years. In 1887 he 
married Media D. Tower of Lockport. Mr. Myers has been on duty at nearly all the 
stations between Lewiston and Rochester, but particularly at Lockport, Suspension 
Bridge and Adams Basin before coming to Lewiston. 

Van Valkenburg, Daniel A., was born in Canaan, Columbia county, N. Y., in 1810. 
His parents, Lambert and Freelove (Ellsworth) Van Valkenburg, moved to Erie 
county m 1830, settling at Tonawanda Creek, and it was there that Daniel began, in 
a small and limited way, the lumber business which afterwards, under his guidance, 
assumed such an important place in the history of Erie and Niagara counties, his 
logging camps and shipping yards being scattered through the western part of the 
State. His death, which occurred in 1872, was a loss not only to his family, but to 
his town and townspeople. Charitable and public spirited, his hand was ever ready 
to aid any enterprise intended to benefit his fellowmen. No religious or educational 
institution appealed to him in vain, and although living an intensely active life, he 
was always willing to lay aside his own affairs to take up and further any plan for 
the benefit of his city or his associates. 

Williamson, John T. , was born at Hamilton, Ontario, Can., January 4, 1872, a son 
of Richard Williamson. He was educated in the common schools of Hamilton, Can., 
and removed with his father to Niagara Falls, N. Y. , in 1890, and became secretary 
and treasurer of the Cataract Ice Company. Mr. Williamson is a man of ability and 
enterprise and enjoys the high esteem of his townsmen. 

(iagnon. Dr. Andrew Loyst, was born June 21, 1837, in the county of Lennox, 
Ontario, Can. When he had prepared himself for a teacher he followed this profes- 
sion for a term of five years, after which he attended the Newburg Academy prepar- 
atory to entering the medical department of Victoria University at Toronto, where 
he spent his first college year. In 1864 he continued his medical course at the Uni- 
versity of Michigan, where he remained two years. "He then entered the Long 
Island College, Brooklyn, N. Y., where, after graduating, he was .selected from a class 
of forty graduates to act as house physician and surgeon to the hospital for the ensu- 



I40 

ing year. After completing his hospital course he commenced the practice of medi- 
cine at Moulinette, Can., where he built up a large practice. In 1875 he moved to 
Massena, St. Lawrence county, N. Y., where he continued the practice of his profes- 
sion until October, 1888, when he moved to Cambria, Niagara county. At the end 
of three years' practice he moved to Lockport, N. Y. Dr. Gagnon was married to 
Miss Agnes Leckie of Kingston, Ont., on July 1, 1871. They had five daughters, 
four of whom are living: Beatrice, now Mrs. Jesse P. Beach ot Lockport, Constance, 
Helena and Blanche at home. 

Ellis, Joseph E., was born in Pendleton, October 20, 18G1, a son of Alexander and 
Elizabeth (Richards) Ellis. His grandparents, Barzilla and Mary Ellis, were early 
settlers of Pendleton, as were also the maternal grandparents. Alexander Ellis was 
born in New Jersey and carried on farming in Pendleton, where he died in 1890. 
Joseph E. Ellis was educated at Lockport Union School and commenced his business 
career as teacher, teaching six winters. He then took up telegraphy and dealing in 
coal and baled hay; in 1888 he formed a partnership with J. Kenney and established 
a general store at Pendleton, which they carried on for two years and dissolved part- 
nership, Mr. Ellis conducting the business alone. In 1892 he entered into partner- 
ship with J. P. Graff, and they added feed and farming implements and do a whole- 
sale as well as retail business. In 1887 Mr. Ellis married Agnes, daughter of Jacob 
and Catherine Wendel, and they have one daughter, Mabel. Mr. Ellis is a Republi- 
can in politics and has served two terms as town clerk. He has also been postmas- 
ter at Pendleton Center for the past seven years and agent of the Erie Railroad 
Company at the same place for the past nine years, both of which positions he still 
holds. 

Bennett, Arthur M., one of the representative farmers of Somerset, was born in 
Somerset, December 23, 1850, and is a son of Harrison and Delia (Wilcox) Bennett, 
both natives of New York, Mr. Ben lett being born at Ticonderoga. They first moved 
to Chautauqua and from there to Somerset in an early day, and settled on the farm 
now owned by our subject. There were five children in this family: Albimis, who 
was a member of the 8th N. Y. Artillery, and was killed in the battle of Cold Har- 
bor, June 3; Albert, who now resides at Barker and is interested in the elevator; 
Emma, now Mrs. Atwater, resides at Barker ; Frederick, who died when about four 
years old, and Arthur M., the youngest and subject of this sketch. He was educated 
at Lockport, and has been engaged at farming all his life. April 6, 1876, he mar- 
ried Ella M. Treat, daughter of Robert R. Treat of Somerset, who now resides with 
Mrs. Bennett and husband. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett had seven children: Harry R. , 
born October 2, 1877; William A., born August 25, 1879; Bessie A., born February 
9, 1885; Arthur M. jr., born March 4, 1889; Flora E. (deceased), born May 29, 1890, 
died September 3, 1890; Elgia Treat Bennett, born December 18, 1891, and Lester 
Albert, born June 22, 1893. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett are both prominent members of 
the Presbyterian church of Somerset, and their son, William, is a member of the M.. 
E. church at the same place. Mr. Bennett is a member of K. O. T. M., Lodge No. 
147, at Somerset. 

Baer, John G. , a native of Ontario, Canada, was born August 25, 1858. His par- 
ents removed to Buffalo in 1861, where he received his education. His first busi- 



141 

ness experience was witli Messrs. Scheeler & Son, wire manufacturers, where he re- 
mained for fourteen years; he was then employed by the New York Central Rail- 
road as weighmaster three years, and at the end of this service he accepted a posi- 
tion with the East Buffalo Brewing Company, where he remained eight years and 
until he removed to Lockport, and in company with Andrew Holzer established the 
Union Brewing Company. This is one of the largest and best known breweries in 
Niagara county, turning out large quantities of the best beer annually. November 
27, 1882, Mr. Baer married Catherine R. Fritz of Buffalo, and an only daughter has 
l)een born to them: Ellenora M., now twelve years of age. Mr. Baer is a member of 
a number of societies, being a member of the I. O. O. F., Red Men and the Masons. 

Tompkins, William, was born in Wheatfield in 1860, and educated in the public 
schools and Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College of Buffalo. He followed farm- 
ing until recent years, when he embarked in the real estate business in Tonawanda. 
He is a member of the Odd Fellows, has been trustee of the village of North Tona- 
wanda, is an ex-supervisor of Wheatfield and a member of the Fire Company. He 
was also a member of the 25th Separate Company and was second assistant chief of 
the fire company for two years. He is a Republican in politics and deservedly popu- 
lar with his party. 

Hyde, William H., Somerset, one of the successful farmers of Somerset, was born 
in Onondaga county, N. Y., January 22, 1822. and is a son of Enoch and Eunice 
Hyde, who came from Massachusetts to Onondaga county about 1830. They came 
to Niagara county in 1830, where they remained five years, then to Gasport and the 
lake where they remained seven years, and finally to the place where Mr. Hyde now 
resides. His father died in 1852 and his mother in 1869. Mr. Hyde and his brother 
bought a farm of 100 acres, which they cleared, after which he sold his interest to 
his brother and moved on to the farm he now owns. In November, 1858, he married 
Eliza J. Spaulding, daughter of Jeremiah and Rebecca Spaulding, and they have 
two sons: Byron M., born November, 1857, who is a leading druggist in Rochester, 
N. Y., and George R., born February 5, 1867, resides with his parents and runs the 
farm. Mr. Hyde has bred a good many fine horses which he has sold for sums 
ranging from §350 to §1,850 per team, the latter being bought by Vanderbilt. He 
has lived to see all the oldest settlers pass away. They are among the first citizens 
of the county and are highly entertaining. 

Kraus, Henry J., was born in Clarence, Erie county, N. Y., where the familv has 
resided since the year 1806. Mr. Kraus came to North Tonawanda in 1893 with the 
Buffalo Steam Pump Company; he was first emploj'^ed as bookkeeper and cashier, 
then was placed in charge of the construction department and in 1895 was made gen- 
eral manager of the entire works. The plant of the Buffalo Steam Pump Company 
is located in North Tonawanda and covers five acres of ground; an average force of 
eighty skilled mechanics is employed. In 1888 Mr. Kraus married Georgiana 
McAllister of Kalamazoo, Mich., and they have one daughter, Nina Arville. Mr. 
Kraus's father, John Kraus, has been a prominent man in Clarence, was supervisor 
of the town for ten years and was elected to the Assembly in 1886. His grandfather, 
John Kraus, came from Germany early in the century and after locating for a time 
in Pennsylvania, finally settled in Bowmansville, N. Y. 



142 

Burns, W. R., was born in Albion, Orleans county, N. Y., September 15, 1860, a 
son of W. H. and Margaret Shea (Burns); his father was a native of Utica, N. Y. 
W. R. Burns has been connected with the New York Central Railroad for twenty- 
two years. He started in as a water boy, then went into the blacksmith shop ; from 
blacksmith shop to section foreman, and from section foreman to conductor of con- 
struction train; was promoted to assistant roadmaster and finally to roadmaster. 
He is now roadmaster of the sixteenth division of the New York Central Railroad, 
having complete and full charge of the road bed and the maintenance of the way de- 
partment. Mr. Burns is a member of the C. B. L., and the Elks and the Knights of 
Columbia. In 1888 he married Agnes O'Connor, and they have four children; W. R. 
Burns, jr., Anna, Agnes and Marguerite. 

Strieker, John C, was born at Niagara Falls, N. Y. , October 22, 1857, a son of the 
late George A. Strieker. He was educated in the public schools of his native town 
and at the age of eighteen was appointed on the police force of Niagara Falls 
village, in which capacity he served for two years; he then entered the employ of 
the Singer Sewing Machine Company with whom he remained for ten years and in 
1887 he was appointed a deputy collector of customs at Suspension Bridge. After 
three years he resigned that position to enter the real estate and insurance business 
in which he is still actively engaged. Mr. Strieker was one of the youngest and the 
last trustee of Suspension Bridge Village and one of the first aldermen of the city of 
Niagara Falls, being elected in 1891, shortly after its incorporation. He is a di- 
rector of the Niagara Falls Land Company and a stockholder in the same, and 
is secretary and treasurer of the Niagara View Land Company and a stockholder in 
the same. He was also one of the organizers of the Niagara Brick Company. June 
2, 1877, he married Anna Sheehan, and they have five children. 

Wilson, Joseph H., was born in Hagersville, Ont., December 14, 1856. His father, 
Robert Wilson, was a native of Yorkshire, Eng., and came to the United States in 
1832 with his parents, Daniel and Martha Wilson, who settled in Lockport, taking 
land from the Holland Land Company. Robert Wilson married Ann, daughter of 
Richard and Mary Few, and was identied through life as a farmer in the town of 
Lockport. He was a man who was ever interested in advancing the cause of educa- 
tion and religion and the best interest of the town and townspeople. His death, 
which occurred March 15, 1889, was a loss not only to his family, but to all who knew 
him. Of him it can well be said, "An honest man is the noblest work of God." 
Joseph H. Wilson was educated in Lockport; in 1890 he married Ella, daughter of 
Garret F. Gifford, and they have on .son, Elton G. Mr. Wilson is recognized as a 
man of sterling integrity, who has advanced and merited the rcsj^ect of his associates. 

Liddell, James, Somerset, was born in Scotland, April 6, 1836, and came to Can- 
ada with his parents in 1848, where he remained until the fall of 1859, when he came 
to West Somerset and for a tmie worked by the month. January 5, 1869, he mar- 
ried Mrs. Sarah C. Niles, daughter of George McGiven of Canada. Mr. and Mrs. 
Liddell have one son, Marcus L. , born May 14, 1870, who resides in North Tona- 
wanda and is in the employ of the Electric Railroad Company. Mr. Liddell has 
been constable for six or seven years, serving his constituents with satisfaction, and 
is now justice of the peace. He spent one season in Kansas buying apples, worked 



143 

six years on the Erie Canal and by thrift and enterprise has obtained a fine farm 
which is well cultivated. 

Spilman, John, Wheatfield, was born in Germany, near the city of Frankfort, June 
18, 1833, and came to America at the age of thirteen with his parents, settling in 
Buflfalo, N. Y. His first occupation was that of ropemaker ; he then spent a year 
and a half in Burns & Watter's bottling works, and a year and a half at the Eagle 
street theatre making gas; this was before the city had gas. Mr. Spilman then went 
on the lakes, where his first occupation was coal heaver, then fireman, then water- 
tender, then greaser on the steamer Empire State, then greaser on the steamer 
Western Metropolis, then in 1856 engineer in Hazard's elevator, Buffalo. He came 
to Tonawanda as engineer in Hazard's distillery, then engineer of the stave factory, 
then again engineer of the distillery, and then about twenty years as engineer on 
the lakes, on the tugs Sprague, Relief and John Owen. He then became the first 
engineer in the blast furnace and helped to build it; then engineer on the tug 
Relief again, and then on the barge Plymouth, then on the barge Olean, and since 
1883 has been engaged in his present business, that of wholesale and retail liquor 
dealer. He married Caroline CoUe of Hamburg, Erie county, and they have five 
children: Mrs. Allen Hershell, Albert Spilman, Mrs. Milliman, Edward Orton, and 
Josephine Spilman, who is attending the Buffalo Dental College; Albert Spilman is 
a prominent mechanic of Niagara county; Allen Hershell is a manufacturer ; Mr. 
Millerman is an express messenger; Edward Orton is a student in Cornell University 
and is one of the foremost American oarsmen ; he has been captain of the freshmen 
crew which beat the famous Dauntless crew of New York in 1894, pulled No. 2 oar 
in the Henley crew which went to England in 1895, and pulled No. 6 oar that carried 
Cornell's colors to victory at Poughkeepsie in 1896, and was captain of the Cornell 
crew in 1897, and pulled No. 6 oar to a greater victory than Cornell had ever seen 
before. John Spilman is one of the substantial business men in North Tonawanda 
and owns stock in several firms. 

Parker, Edward G., was born in Warsaw, 111., December 11,1854. His father, 
Isaac B. Parker, died at Marshalltown, Iowa, December 26, 1862. With his mother, 
Clarissa G. Parker ; his brother, Willis F. Parker, and his sister, Clara A. Parker, 
he moved to Niagara county, N. Y., in the fall of 1863. Mr. Parker came to the 
city of Lockport to live with his uncle, Charles R. Parker, now deceased; he attended 
the public school. In 1877 he began the study of law in the office of Farnell & 
Burrell; in June, 1881, he was admitted to the bar. October 1, 1881, he accepted the 
office of deputy county clerk of Niagara county, under John A. Merritt, which posi- 
tion he held until October 1, 1886, when he resigned and went West for a short time ; 
upon his return he commenced the practice of law and continued the same until Jan- 
uary 1, 1893, when he again entered the county clerk's office as deputy, which posi- 
tion he now holds. Mr. Parker was first married October 18, 1882, to Miss Trj-phe- 
nia M. Pierson, who died in January, 1885; then on March 8, 1888, he married Miss 
Elizabeth Kane of Hopewell, Ontario county, N. Y. Mr. Parker has been justice of 
the peace; he is also a member of the Royal Arcanum, Knights of St. John and 
Malta, and the order of Iroquois. 

Crowe, Michael J., a son of Hugh and Mary (Doherty) Crowe, was born at New- 



144 

ark, N. Y., August 6, 1862. He attended the public schools and was graduated from 
the Union School in 1880. He at this date removed to Lockportand entered the em- 
ploy of the Holly Manufacturing Co., where he remained for ten years, when he ac- 
cepted a position with Mr. P. H. Tuohey one of Lockport's leading coal dealers, 
and after three years' service succeeded him in business, where he has since con 
ducted a business which embraces a general line of contracting, the handling and 
sale of hard and soft coal and coke; building materials, which consist of cement, 
lime, sand, stone, etc., together with a full line of sewer pipe and tile. Mr. Crowe 
was married in October, 1887, to Nellie, daughter of Patrick Tuohey, father of his 
predecessor of Lockport, and to them have been born five children : Marie, Mable, 
Harold, Raymond and Dorothy. 

Rickard, M. L., was born in Pendleton, September 15, 1848, a son of Henry and 
Margaret (Van Slyke) Rickard. His grandparents, Conrad and Eva Rickard, came 
from Madison to Pendleton in 1816 and cleared them a home, where they remained 
until their death ; he died in 1859 and his widow in 1873. Henry Rickard has al- 
ways followed farming on the homestead farm of 100 acres and now resides with his 
son, M. L. M. L. Rickard follows farming on the homestead, and in 1865 married 
Adelia, daughter of Christian Kramer of Cambria, and they had three children : Earl, 
Arthur and Olive A. Mr. Rickard is a Democrat and was elected supervisor in 
1897. He is a member of John Hodge Lodge No. 69, Lockport, A. O. U. W. 

Shaw, Charles D. , merchant at Olcott, was born in Orleans county, N. Y. , April 
16, 1865, a son of David and Mary Shaw, natives of New York. He received his 
early education at Eagle Harbor and finished at East Albion, after which he re- 
turned home and remained until 1892, when he came to Olcott and clerked for his 
brother one year, then bought him out and has since been engaged in the mercantile 
business for himself. He carries a stock of general merchandise of about $4,200. 
May 11, 1893, he married Rita (born May 24, 1871), adopted daughter of Sylvester 
Edick, and they have one son, Vettie, born Febuary 12, 1894. 

Batt, Michael, was born in Erie county. March 20, 1853, a son of John and Cathe- 
rine (Eckert) Batt, natives of Alsace, who came to America when young and were 
married in this country. Michael Batt came to North Tonawanda in 1868 and his 
first business experience was in the flour and feed business in Willianisville, and he 
pursued the same business for a time in North Tonawanda. He then worked in a 
shingle mill for his father, and in 1878 he, his brother Frank Batt and C. S. Bliss 
formed a partnership in the shingle and timber business, which they conducted suc- 
cessfully until 1893. when the firm was dissolved. Since that date Mr. Batt has de- 
voted his time to looking after his large real estate interests in North Tonawanda, 
where he has houses and building sites for sale and to rent. In 1878 Mr. Batt mar- 
ried Gertrude Daul, and they have seven children: Norbert, Raymond, Irenus, 
Frances, Flora, Gertrude and Adelaide. Mr. Batt built his residence, one of the 
finest on Goundry street, in 1892, and in many ways has assisted in the growth and 
prosperity of North Tonawanda. 

Gentle, W. T. , was born in Monroe county, N. Y. , November 9, 1857, a son of 
Henry E. and Mary (Worboys) Gentle, natives of England. He was reared on a 

farm until ten years old and then went to Charlotte with his parents and was there 



H5 

educated at the union schools. At sixteen years of age he was weighmaster at the 
Rochester Iron Works for a short time, when his father died and he was made fore- 
man, taking his father's place. He held that position for a short time when the 
works closed and in the following spring he went into a hotel at Greece, in partner- 
ship with John Piggott, where he remained nine years. He was assistant po.stmas- 
ter seven years and postmaster two years at Greece. He then worked at carpenter 
work one year in Kendall. In 1887 he married Franc E. Adams, and they had two 
children: Harry E. and Elton. In 1887 he learned the tinner's trade at North 
Parma, N. Y., with Z. W. J. Newcomb;in 1890 he came to Ransomville and engaged 
in the hardware business, buying out Samuel McCracken, and has since had a suc- 
cessful business. He is a Republican and takes an active part in politics; he was 
collector in the town of Greece and has been inspector in Porter for three years. He 
is a member of the I. O. O. F. and attends the Methodise Episcopal church. Mr. 
Gentle is a man of good habits, never using intoxicating drinks or tobacco in any 
form. 

Parsons, T. U., was born in Wilson, August 26, 1833, a son of Capt. Sylvester and 
Abbie G. (Dearborn) Parsons. Captain Parsons was born in Parsonfield, Me., 
which place was named after his father, Thomas Parsons, a son of Joseph Parsons 
of Springfield, Mass., known as Cornet Joseph, who died in 1684. The family de 
scended from ancestry in England. Thomas Parsons was born in Bradford, Mass., 
September 18, 1735; he married twice, first to Anna Poor of Andover, Mass., who 
died May 24, 1783, and his second wife was Lucy Bradbury, who died November 11, 
1811, and he died the same year, leaving a family of nineteen children. He owned 
64,000 acres of land which was granted to him in 1771. Capt. Sylvester Parsons was 
born May 4, 1797, and ir February, 1829, with his wife and three children, came to 
the town of Wilson, locating on a farm of 118 acres, now owned by T. U. He died 
August 12, 1860, and his wife, born January 6, 1803, died February 5. 1890. She was 
a daughter of Benjamin, and granddaughter of Major Green Dearborn of Revolu- 
tionary fame. A brother of T. U., Sylvester Parsons, spent his life in Wilson, was 
a graduate of Williams College and Geneva Medical College. He was both a physi- 
cian and attorney, and married Donnie Wilson, granddaughter of Reuben Wilson, 
and daughter of Luther Wilson. Dr. Parsons died February 22, 1877. T. U. Par- 
sons was educated at Wilson and graduated from Ful.som's Commercial College of 
Cleveland, O. His principal occupation now is farming, the farm where he now 
lives containing 118 acres, thirty-six of which was originally owned by the founder 
of the village. He is a Prohibitionist in politics and was a Republican m early life; 
he is an ardent Free Silver man. May 4, 1864, he married Debora Scarborough, 
and they have one sou, William S., of Colorado. Mrs. Parsons died April 7, 1865, 
and October 8, 1873, he married Jennie de Rochemont, born in Newington, Rocknig- 
ham county, N. H., who was educated and graduated from Bradford Female Sem- 
inary in 1869, and was a teacher in Wilson for one year. 

McCracken, Richard, was born in Ireland, October 12, 1833, a son of Thomas and 
Mary (Oliver) McCracken. Thomas McCracken enlisted for twenty-one years in the 
13th Light Dragoons and served twenty years, having one year given him for being 
in the battle of Waterloo and a medal presented him by Kmg George IV and also a 
pension for life. He came to Canada in 1845 and died at Coburg in 1849. His wife 



146 

was born in Ireland and was with him eighteen years in the British army ; she died 
in 1845 in Canada. They were the parents of six sons and four daughters. Rich- 
ard McCracken was reared on a farm and educated in Ireland and at the age of 
thirteen came to Lewiston and worked for William Miller. He worked by the month 
for six years and then came to Porter and purchased a small farm and also manu- 
factured brooms for some years. He has made his own property, starting with 
twenty-five cents when he came to Lewiston, and now owns two farms, one of fifty- 
five acres and one of 130. He has also practiced law for the past eighteen or tvyenty 
years, and has been a fruit dealer, shipping fruit to all parts of the United States 
and Canada. In politics he is an ardent Republican and has been assessor for three 
years and trustee of schools for twelve years. In 1853 he married Clarissa Putnam, 
and they had five children: Emma, Samuel D., Ida and Oscar, all living in Porter 
except Samuel D., who is a merchant in Colorado Springs, and Eva, who died at 
Ransomville in 1862. Two of Mr. McCracken's sisters died in Manchester, England, 
one in Portugal and one in Ireland, and one brother died at Coburg, Can. 

Hopkins, Willard, was born in the town of Lewiston and has been engaged in 
farming and fruit growing all his life. He is in fact one of the most extensive fruit 
growers in Niagara county, having upwards of 300 acres of fruit farms picturesquely 
situated on the banks of Niagara River, besides other fruit farms situated in the 
Model City and on the shore of Lake Ontario, having about 30,000 fruit trees in 
bearing. He was one of the pioneers in planting extensive peach orchards on the 
Niagara frontier. He married Sarah A. Peet, and they have two sons: W. Frank 
and Silas Seward. His parents were Silas S. and Abigail H. Hopkins, and his 
father was one of the best known and most honored men of his day in the town. 
His grandfather, Silas Hopkins, was one of the pioneers of Lewiston and was the 
first county judge in Niagara county. W. Frank Hopkins married Mary Tower of 
the town of Porter. The name and history of the Hopkins family are inseparably 
associated with Lewiston from its early days down to the present time, in which the 
family continues to uphold its old-time prestige. 

Lanigan, John A., was born at Halifax, N. S. , November 12, 1854, a son of John 
J. Lanigan, a prominent builder of that place. Mr. Lanigan received his education 
in St. Mary's College, at Halifax, and was graduated from that institution in 1871, 
with the degree of B. A., and later in 1872, he entered Sulspician College, at Montreal, 
where he remained for one year and then returned to Halifax, where he entered the 
Dalhousie College as a medical student. After three years' study in that institution, 
he entered the medical department of the University of New York and was grad- 
uated therefrom in 1877. He has since practiced his profession at Buffalo, N. Y., 
Halifax, N. S. , and Niagara Falls, locating at the latter place in 1891. Heisa mem- 
ber of the Canadian Medical Association and the Erie County Medical Association, 
and is the examining physician for numerous Catholic organizations at Niagara Falls. 
Upon the incorporation of Niagara Falls as a city. Dr. Lanigan was appointed city 
physician to the poor and has since held that position. He has gained considerable 
fame as a contributor of original articles to the leading medical journals throughout 
the world, and occasionally contributions in verse areanet with in various newspapers 
and periodicals, bearing his signature. March 26, 1893, he married Theresa Beazley 
of Halifax, N. S. 



. 147 

Mackenna, Joseph, was born in tlie North of Ireland, December 24, 18B4, and is a 
son of John Mackenna, who was a contractor, builder, architect and civil engineer, 
and immigrated to America in 1835, settling in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Joseph 
Mackenna was reared and educated in Ireland by his grandparents and came to 
America at the age of twelve years and commenced work with William Griffith, con- 
tractor and builder, on the Cataract Hotel at Niagara Falls. He continued at that 
business until 1855, when he began business in his own interest as contractor and 
builder, in which he remained for three years, when he entered the New York Cen- 
tral Railroad Company's shops as foreman of car building at Niagara Falls. At the 
end of two j'ears he entered the service of the Clark Furniture Co. as foreman and 
remained with them for thirteen years, at which time he began business for himself 
as a dealer in furniture and upholstery, and carried on in conjunction with this the 
business of undertaker and still continues in the same business. September IG, 1855, 
he married Matilda J. Furlong, and they have four sons and one daughter. 

Bentley, Delevan F., was born in Orleans county, N. Y., December 26, 18(50, a son 
of William Bentley, a farmer and now retired. Delevan Bentley attended the public 
schools of his native place and later the Canandaigua Academy, at Canandaigua, N. 
Y. , and the Oberlin (Ohio) Commercial College. In 1880 he removed to Rochester, 
N. Y., and entered the dental office of Dr. S. G. Wood, where he remained for one 
year, when he took a course in dentistry at the University of Pennsylvania, and later 
a post-graduate course in the Vanderbilt University at Nashville, Tenn. In 1890 he 
came to Niagara Falls, and has since been in the uninterrupted practice of his pro- 
fession. October 16, 1895, he married Jessie S. Wand of Niagara Falls, and they 
have one son, Denby Diemer. 

Jenny, John C, was born at Niagara Falls, N. Y., February 15, 1868, a son of 
John Jenny. He was educated in the public schools of his native town and at six- 
teen years of age entered the office of the New York Central Railroad Company at 
Niagara Falls as a claim clerk and remained there in that capacity until 1893, at 
which time he was appointed deputy postmaster at Suspension Bridge, and later be- 
came deputy postmaster of Niagara Falls city, in which position he still serves. 
April 28, 1889, Mr. Jenny married Mattie Dorety and they have three children. He 
is a member of Niagara Lodge No. 81, I. O. O. F. , and has been past grand master 
for three years. 

Moote, Geo. L., was born in Porter, December 10, 1820, a son of Jacob and Eunice 
(Simmons) Moote, he born in Germany and she in Montgomery county, N. Y. , and 
of English descent. Jacob Moote came from Germany with his parents when a mere 
child to Canada. During the war of 1812 he was drafted into the British service and 
refusing to fight was put into prison and at the time it was burned, escaped and im- 
migrated to Montgomery county, N. Y. , thence to Porter and settled on the farm 
Geo. L. now owns, where he died in 1854. He was one of the prominent men of the 
town and at one time owned considerable property, about 260 acres. He and his 
wife were Methodists and were very active and assisted largely in building a number 
of churches in Niagara county as well as his own. Geo. L. Moote was reared on a 
farm and educated at Wesleyan Seminary at Lima, N. Y. He was in the mercantile 
business at Wilson for five years, but farming has been his principal occupation and 



148. 

now owns 200 acres of land. He is a Democrat in politics and in 1874 was elected 
county clerk and served three years and has been a candidate for a number of county 
offices, but was defeated, the county being Republican. He is a member of Ontario 
Lodge No. 376, F. & A. M., and was a member of the I. O. O. F. at Wilson. He 
was married in November, 1850, to Zermah Wilson, and they had four children: 
Glenn E., Ernest H., Nellie D. and Adelbert (deceased). 

Hamlin, Frank J., was born at Milwaukee, Wis., August 11, 1852, a son of the late 
George B. Hamlin. He attended the public schools at Niagara Falls, whither his 
parents had removed, and later took a thorough course in the Bryant & Stratton's 
Business College at Buffalo, after which he accepted a position as clerk in a large 
boot and shoe store in Lockport where he remained for seven years. In 1877 he re- 
moved to Niagara Falls, and established himself in the tobacco and fancy goods trade, 
which he followed for thirteen years, when he departed into the coal and wood business 
in which he still continues to successfully operate. He is a member of Niagara Frontier 
Lodge No. 132, F. & A. M., and is a capable and energetic business man, respected 
by and popular among all classes. 

Steinbrenner, Carl, was born at Oberheinreith, Weimsberg, Wurtemburg, Ger- 
many, July 2, 1859, a son of Gottlieb Steinbrenner. He was educated in the public 
schools of his native town and early in life learned the carpentering and building 
trade. At the age of twenty-two he immigrated to America, settling at Su.spension 
Bridge and at once found employment at his trade, which he followed until 1892, 
when he built his present planing mill and established himself in the general lumber 
and building business. Mr. Steinbrenner has attended closely to his business in 
which he has been very successful. October 8, 1884, he married Barbara Locher of 
Niagara Falls, and they have four children. 

Willis, Joseph W. , was born in Gloucestershire, England, March 4, 1833, a son of the 
late Joseph Willis. He was educated in the public schools of his native place and immi ■ 
grated to America in 1858, settling in Boston, Mass., where he remained until 1852, 
at which time he removed to Niagara Falls, N. Y., and took up the business of 
miller, at which he had served his apprenticeship in England and was made superin- 
tendent of the Niagara Rapids Mills at Suspension Bridge and still serves in that 
capacity. In 1857 Mr. Willis married Elizabeth Harmer and they had seven chil- 
dren. Mrs. Willis died in 1892. Mr. Willis is a member of Niagara Lodge No. 81, 
I. O. O. F., and of the Knights of Honor of Niagara Falls and is alderman from the 
Fourth ward, elected in March, 1896. 

Maloney, Michael, was born at Suspension Bridge, N. Y., March 26, 1859, a son of 
Edward Maloney, a prosperous coal merchant of that place, now retired. He was 
educated in the public schools of his native town, and at the age of seventeen en- 
tered the employ of the New York Central Railraad Company and served them 
until 1882, when he became connected with the Erie Railroad Company and rose 
through several grades to the post of engineer. In 1891 he resigned from railroad-, 
ing and took his father's place in the coal business, in which he has since success- 
fully operated. He is an extensive property owner and prominent in business 
circles. In May, 1888, he married Anna Frank of Buffalo, and they have five 
children. 



149 

Welch, John J., was born in Canada iu 1847, a son of the late Thomas Welch. He 
attended the public schools of Niagara Falls, whither his parents had removed in 
1847, and when fifteen years of age began his business career with the New York 
Central Railroad Company, which company he served in various capacities for 
twenty-three years. In 1886 he was appointed deputy collector of customs, port of 
Niagara, and held that otlfice for four years, imtil 1889. In that year he, in com- 
pany with his present partner, Joseph McDonald, established himself in the coal 
trade at Niagara Falls, in which he still successfully operates. In 1879 Mr. Welch 
was married to Mary Laughlin of Niagara Falls, and they have four children. Mr. 
Welch is an extensive real estate owner and an enterprising and thrifty business 
man. He is a member of the C. M. B. A. of Niagara Falls. 

Noblett, John E., was born in County Carlow, Ireland, February 26, 1847, a son of 
John B. Noblett, a farmer, who came to America in 1848, settling at Buffalo, and 
who died in Virginia in 1889. John E. Noblett was educated in the public schools 
at Buffalo, and at the age of sixteen years entered the ship yards of Mason & Bid- 
well of Buffalo, where he learned carpentermg and joining and remained until 1868, 
at which time he removed to Attica, N. Y. , and engaged in business as a contractor 
and builder until 1886. In that year he was appointed deputy collector of customs at 
Niagara Falls, and filled that office until 1891, when he took the contract for the re • 
building of the Erie Railroad depot and sheds at Suspension Bridge, which were 
burned in 1890; he has since followed his trade of contractor and builder success- 
fully. Mr. Noblett was the last trustee of the village of Suspension Bridge before 
its mcorporation with Niagara Falls village as a city, and also served as alderman 
for two years. He is a member of Niagara Frontier Lodge No. 785, F. & A. M., 
and B. P. O. E., No. 346, of Niagara Falls. December 8, 1869, he married Anna C. 
Kaiser of Lancaster, N. Y., and they have two children: Eugene C. and John A. 

Reardon. John S., was born in Youngstown, N. Y., October 13, 1865, a son of 
Thomas Reardon. He attended the public schools at Youngstown, and at the age 
of seventeen entered the emploj' of Peter A. Porter at Niagara Falls, and acted in 
the capacity of coachman for seven years. In 1889 he took up the carpenter's 
trade, which he followed until the .spring of 1897, when he formed a partnership 
with James Ouinn and established his present business, as dealer in furniture and 
house furnishing goods. In 1890 Mi". Reardon married Mary F. Kelly of Niagara 
Falls and they have three children. Mr. Reardon is financial secretary of Branch 
No 1, C. M. B. A., and has held that office for six years; he is also a member of the 
Board of Supervisors of the county of Niagara, being elected to that office in 1896. 

Zeiger, Daniel, was born in Germany in 1845, a son of Louis Zeiger, who immi- 
grated with his family to America in 1848. settling at Niagara Falls, N. Y. Daniel 
Zeiger was educated in the public schools at Niagara Falls, and worked on his father's 
farm until eighteen years of age, when he removed to Buffalo to learn the carpen- 
ter's trade, and later to La Salle. In 1885 he returned to Niagara Falls and is still 
engaged at his trade, besides being proprietor of a grocery and provision store, 
which he established in 1887. Mr. Zeiger was elected supervisor of the Third ward 
of the city of Niagara Falls in 1896, and is a member of the A. O. U. W. In 1871 he 
married Frederica Chormann. 



I50 

Cannon, Elijah H., was born at Niagara Falls, N. Y. , May 4, 1845, and was a son 
of John Cannon, sr., for many years a butcher, now deceased. Mr. Cannon at 
tended the public schools at Niagara Falls until eighteen years of age, when he 
entered the hardware store of S. V. Saleno of Niagara Falls, and remained there for 
twelve years, thoroughly mastering the business ; he then established his present 
business in the same line, in which he has been very successful. In October, 1871, 
he married Margaret Dixon of Woodstock, Can. Mr. Cannon is an extensive prop- 
erty owner and is respected by all who know him. 

Swan, Gayton H., was born at Niagara Falls, N. Y., March 4, 1859, a son of Frank 
W. Swan, for the past thirty-five years a trusted agent and messenger for the Amer- 
ican Express Company. Gayton H. Swan attended the public schools of his native 
town until ten years of age, when he began his business career selling newspapers. 
At the age of fifteen he entered the employ of L. & S. Colt, hardware merchants, at 
Niagara Falls, and served that firm for three years; later he was employed by Phil- 
lips & Co. in the same business and still later was with Nice & Hinkey, at Tona- 
wanda, N. Y., for one year. In 1880 he was appointed superintendent of the City 
Water Works at Niagara Falls and retained that position until 1884, when he entered 
the employ of George Haeberle, lumber dealer, and remained until 1886. In that 
year he established himself in the plumbing and tinning business, which he has suc- 
cessfully carried on ever since. August 21, 1881, Mr. Swan married Minnie, a 
daughter of his former employer, George Haeberle, and they have four children: 
Frank W.. Lottie C, Hilda and Edna. Mr. Swan was for two years a trustee of the 
village of Niagara Falls and is a member of Niagara Lodge No. 81, I. O. O. F., of 
Niagara Falls. He is a man of strict integrity and business tact and is highly re- 
spected by all who know him, 

Rowen, Michael, was born in County Mayo, Ireland, May 38, 1871, and immigrated 
to America in 1888, settling in Chicago, 111., where he took up railroad work and fol- 
lowed that until 1894, when he removed to Niagara Falls, and in company with his 
two brothers, John and Martin, he established his present business, that of flour, 
feed, grain and coal. In October, 1896, Mr. Rowen was married to Elizabeth Sturdy 
of Niagara Falls. 

Talbott, Michael, M. D., was born in Kings county, Ireland, May 12, 1846, a son 
of Robert Talbott, a wealthy land agent, now deceased. Dr. Talbott was educated 
in the National Schools of Belfast and at the age of eighteen immigrated to America, 
settling at Buffalo, N. Y., where he entered the school of the Christian Brothers and 
was graduated therefrom after a two years' course ; he then entered the Buffalo 
Sisters' Hospital as a medical student and remained for five years, at the end of 
which time he took a course in medicine and surgery in the University of Buffalo, 
from which institution he was graduated with honors in 1871. In 1872 Dr. Talbott 
removed to Suspension Bridge and has since remained in the successful practice of 
his profession. April 13, 1875, he married Mary Dampfield of Clifton, Ont. (now 
Niagara Falls, Ont.), and they have had eight children, six of whom survive. Dr. 
Talbott is a member of the Association of Railroad Surgeons of the State of New 
York and was health officer of the village of Suspension Bridge for nineteen years 
and the first health officer of the city of Niagara Falls, retiring from that office in 



151 

1894. He is also a member of the Niagara County Medical Society and the Niagara 
Falls Academy of Medicine. Dr. Talbott is a man of liberal education and is 
justly popular in both professional and social circles. 

Pfohl, Peter P., was born at Buffalo, N. Y., November 24, 1867. a son of Peter 
Pfohl. He attended the public schools of his native town and when fifteen years 
of age entered the general offices of the New York Central Railroad Company at 
Buffalo, and was later made ticket agent for that company at Suspension Bridge, 
where he remained until 1894. In that year he became identified with the Power 
City Bank at Niagara Falls as its teller, in which office he still remains. In March, 
1884, Mr. Pfohl married Mary C. Porter, a daughter of Roderick D. Porter of Niag- 
ara Falls, and they have two children, Edson and Roderick. 

Cumro, William C, was born in Wilson, August 30, 1866, a son of Charles C. and 
Minnie (Ganshow) Cumro, natives of Germany, who came to Wilson about 1852 
without any money and began work in Tonawanda and then worked on a farm for 
§10 per month. Charles C. first bought ten acres, and at the time of his death, in 
1891, was the owner of 260 acres. In 1890 he built a fine residence where William 
C. now lives. He was a Republican and took active part in politics, and was a dele- 
gate to Saratoga at the State Convention. He was one of the prominent men of the 
town and a member of the German Lutheran church, and as.sisted in building both 
churches in the town. He and wife had only one son, William C. Cumro, who was 
reared on a farm and educated at Wilson Union School and Buffalo Business Col- 
lege, graduating therefrom in 1887. He was for some years engaged with the New 
York Central Railroad Company, in the freight office at Buffalo, and was with the 
Saginaw Hardware Company of Saginaw, Mich., as cashier and assistant bookkeep- 
er, but at present is engaged in farming. January 10, 1895, he married Matilda, 
daughter of Fred Bidel of Wilson, and they had one son, Charles L. Mr. Cumro 
is a member of Ontario Lodge No. 376, F. & A. M., and is also a member of the A. 
F. I. In politics he is a Republican and takes an active part. 

Wiehle, John, was born at Suspension Bridge, January 19, 1863, a son of George 
Wielile (deceased.) He attended school in his native town, and when fifteen years 
of age began learning the carriage maker's trade, which he followed for six years. 
He then took up the carpenter's trade, at which he spent about eight years. In 
1891 he established his present hotel and restaurant, where he has been very suc- 
cessful. In 1887 Mr. Wiehle married Amelia Fisher of Canada, and they have had 
five children, two of whom survive. Mr. Wiehle is a member of the I. O. O. F., 
Niagara Falls Lodge No. 81. 

Gillespie, James, Wheatfield, was born at St. Catherines, Ontario, and came to 
North Tonawanda when twenty-one years of age. In 1879 he embarked in the lum- 
ber business in the firm of Plumsted, Gillespie & Hines; this firm continued ten 
years, and for a few months in 1889 it was Plum.sted & Gillespie. On May 1, 1893, 
Mr. Gillespie became associated with Mr. W. E. Kelsey in the firm of Kelsey & Gil- 
lespie, which is to-day one of the leading lumber firms of North Tonawanda. Mr. 
Gillespie was trustee of North Tonawanda from 1891 to 1895 and is a member of the 
Masonic fraternity, the Foresters and the A. O. V. W. ; he is past master in the 
Workmen and past chief ranger in the Foresters. In 1880 he married Ellen C. Scott, 



152 

and they have six children: William, James, George, Etta, Ada and Rhea. While 
Mr. Gillespie was chairman of the sewer and finance committees in North Tonawanda, 
the first paving of streets was done and many other important improvements carried 
out. 

Miller, George O., Wheatfield, was born in Ontario, Canada, but has lived in the 
United States since his seventeenth year. He learned the trade of plumber at Niagara 
Falls, Buffalo and Detroit. In 1885 he came to North Tonawanda and in 1889 be- 
gan business for himself ; he is the leading plumber in the place and has done the 
plumbing in many of the best blocks and residences of the Twin Cities. Among 
them may be mentioned the residences of James vS. Thompson, S. A. Kelsey, G. A. 
Bliss, Charles Weston, Mrs. Hough, J. P. McKenzie, Fred W. Ives, the Smith block 
and many others. He has invented and patented an admirable device for local ven- 
tilation in closets and also a fountain window brush. Mr. Miller married Alice M. 
Sutton, and they have one son, George P. Mr. Miller's parents were natives of 
England. 

Webster, A. H., was born in Knowlesville, Orleans county, November 24, 1805, 
and lived in the country for sixteen years, when he came to Buffalo, April 4, 1882, 
and embarked in the grocery business along with his father. He came to North 
Tonawanda, August 13, 1880, and went into the lumber business with A. Weston & 
Son, where he remained two years; he was then with Hollister & Co. for two years 
and with W. H. Gratwick for two years, when he went into business for himself, 
taking contract work in lumber and saw mills. This he followed until the fall of 
1892, when he opened a flour and feed store in the Post-oftice block, which he still 
conducts. In January, 1894, he became treasurer and manager of the Gurney Cab 
& Transfer Company, which has proved a pronounced success in his hands ; there is 
no stable in Buffalo that can surpa.ss them in any way. He was married on March 
12, 1890, and his wife died July 21, 1894. Mr. Webster is a member of the Odd Fel- 
lows and was secretary of the National Republican League for two years; he was 
auditor for the town of Wheatfield, and was nominated by his party for trustee of 
North Tonawanda. 

Clark, Rev. Thomas F., Wheatfield, was born in Buffalo, and educated in Canisius 
College where he spent six years, at Allegheney, where he was one year, and at the 
Propaganda, Italy, where he studied for five years. He was ordained May 30, 1896, 
and soon after was appointed to North Tonawanda. The Roman Catholic church 
of North Tonawanda dates its history from 1887, when Father J. M. Bustin selected 
the present site on the corner of Vandervoot and Robinson streets; previous to this 
a mission service was held at Hent's Hall. The church was completed in 1888 and 
was dedicated November 18, 1888, being named the Church of the Ascension. This 
building was burned about Christmas of 1894, and the present fine brick structure 
was erected in the summer of 1895. July 8, 1896, Rev. Father Cronin was appointed 
priest and on September 2, 1896, Father Clark came as assistant and resident priest. ^ 

Bellinger, W. H., Wheatfield, was born in Amherst, Erie county, N. Y., and has 
lived in North Tonawanda thirty-two years. He has been associated with the lum- 
ber business since its inception in this place; he was State inspector when the lum- 
ber was all measured here before being shipped. The firm of Rumbold & Bellinger 



153 

was formed December 1, 1891, the members of the firm being J. H. Rumbold and W. 
H. Bellinger; they have a dock front of 600 feet and their yards run back 1,500 feet 
and they handle from twelve million to thirteen million feet of lumber annually. 
Mr. Bellinger married Emma Angevine and they have five children: Wesley, Fred, 
Laurenda, Genevieve and Luella. His father was one of the early settlers in this 
part of the State. The family is of the Mohawk-Dutch extraction. 

Wattengel, M, J., was born in Germany, September (J, 1848, and came to America 
with his parents in 1853. They settled in La Salle and he learned the tinner's trade 
and then went into the hardware business in North Tonawanda. This business he 
conducted for sixteen years, when he sold out and embarked in the livery and under- 
taking business. Mr. Wattengel is an active Republican and has been treasurer of 
the village five years and trustee two years; he has also been school trustee three 
years and has been a delegate for his party many times. He is a member of the 
Masonic fraternity, of the Iroquois and the Select Knights. In 1872 he married 
Lottie Rich, and they have ten children: Christopher A., W. F., Alfred, Norman, 
Ada, Cora, Li^lu, Mabel, Edna and Zella. 

Smith, Albert R., Wheatfield, was born in North Tonawanda. August 18, 1871, 
and was educated in the North Tonawanda High School and Bryant & Stratton's 
Bvisiness College, Buffalo. He read law with L. T. Payne for three years and was 
admitted to the bar July 29, 1896. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, a 
charter member of the I. O. O. F. No. 663, and a trustee in the Royal Arcanum ; he 
is also a member of the 25th Separate Company and has been since its organization. 
He enlisted as corporal, was promoted to sergeant and finally to first sergeant June 
15, 1896. In the spring of 1896 Mr. Smith was put in nomination by the Democratic 
party for trustee of the village. His father, John N. Smith, came to Tonawanda in 
the early fifties. 

Williams, M. B., Wheatfield, was born in Tioga county. Pa., November 25, 1851, 
and was brought to North Tonawanda by his parents in 1852. In 1865 he went to 
Saginaw, Mich., with his father, who was in the lumber business. He attended col- 
lege until twenty years of age, when he went into business with his father in the 
manufacture of shingles, and so continued until the spring of 1875, when he went to 
Kentucky and embarked in the saw mill business, operating in Lincoln and Pulaski 
counties until the spring of 1884, when he returned to North Tonawanda and en- 
gaged in the shingle business until the fall of 1888. He then went to Warren county. 
Pa., and entered the employ of Fred Smith & Co., lumbermen, where he remained 
two years, and then conducted the business alone until the spring of 1896, when he 
came to North Tonawanda and went into the coal business in the firm of Hempel & 
Williams. In 1873 Mr. Williams married Mary Babcock. His parents were James 
and Harriet Williams. His father came from Wales to this country in 1846 and was 
in business from 1848 to 1868, in the manufacture of shingles and in saw mill trade. 

Smith, Mason M., Wheatfield, was born in Michigan, and was connected in the 
lumber business in that State with the firm of Ross & Bradley, prior to coming to 
North Tonawanda in 1894, to take charge of the business of Mr. Godkin of that 
place. He is one of the enterprising and .successful lumber men of the Lumber City 
and the business under his management amounts to ten million feet of lumber annu- 



•54 

ally. He was assistant superintendent for Ross & Bradley for three years before 
becoming manager for Mr. Godkin. In 1895 Mr. Smith married Sarah L. Ross, 
daughter of G. A. Ross of Detroit. Mr. Smith's parents were Marcellus S. and 
Cornelia (Andrews) Smith. His father died in 1898 and his mother in 1890. After 
leaving Ross & Bradley, Mr. Smith went to Pittsburg, Pa., and remained there until 
1893, when his father's death took him back to Michigan to settle up the estate. 
After this was done he came to North Tonawanda. 

Shine, P., was born in 1853, and came to North Tonawanda in 1870. In 1884 he 
embarked in the liquor business and is recognized as one of the active and successful 
business men of the Twin Cities. He was trustee of North Tonawanda during the 
years 1891 and 1892, and was chairman of the street committee ; Webster street being 
paved during his term of ofhce. Mr. Shine married Mary Wright, and they have 
three children, Thomas, Edward and Floretta. Previous to entering into business 
for himself Mr. Shine was on the police force for seven years. 

Gillie, William M., was born in Scotland in 1852, a son of John B. and Ann Jane 
Gillie, and came to America with his parents in 1854. He learned the blacksmith 
trade and was in that business for himself eleven years, when he branched out into 
the machinery business and finally formed the stock company of Gillie, Goddard & 
Co. They manufacture merry-go-rounds, bicycles, etc., and also have a foundry. 
Their trade extends all over this country, Canada, Mexico and other pomts such as 
Buenos Ayres, New Brunswick, etc. Mr. Gillie has been trustee of the village for 
two years and was re-elected in the spring of 1896. He is a member of the Odd Fel- 
lows and the A. O. U. W. He married Mary Campbell, and their children are Har- 
old, James, Agnes and Jean. 

Wiedman, Leonard, was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, January 3, 1863, and 
came to America in 1883. He learned the trade of joiner in Germany, and after 
working for W. A. La Deux for one year, entered the employ of Gombert & Thomp- 
son and was in that mill for thirteen years. Mr. Wiedman is second assistant chief 
of the fire department and was trustee of the village for two years. In the spring of 
1896 he was again nominated for trustee by the Democratic party and received the 
largest vote cast in the caucus. He was one of the first water commissioners of the 
village and was on the Board of Health two years. An idea of Mr. Wiedman's suc- 
cess as a business man can be obtained from the fact that he owned three lots and a 
house before he was married and has never owed any man a dollar. He married 
Bertha Gombert, and they have two sons, Edward and George. 

Mundie, John, was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, October 17, 1863, and came to 
America in 1882, settling in Middleport for a short time, thence to North Tonawanda, 
where he entered the employ of A. W. Story, jeweler, and after a time became a 
partner in the business. Subsequently he and Mr. McCoy bought out Mr. Story's 
interest and formed the present firm of Mundie & McCoy, which is the leading jewelry 
house of the Twin Cities. Mr. Mundie served five years as member of the 30th 
Separate Company and is a member of the Odd Fellows and Royal Arcanum. He 
did active service with the 25th in the great strike in Buffalo and also during the 
strike of lumbermen in North Tonawanda. He married Jennie Warren, and they 
have two sons, Warren and Donald. Mr. Mundie's parents were Cummine and Jane 



155 

(Florence) Mundie; Mrs. Mundie's father was one of the prominent men of the past 
generation in North Tonawanda. He was supervisor of the town, superintendent of a 
division of the canal, and held other responsible offices. He died in 1895. 

Butler, Capt. Mighells B., was born at Phelps, Ontario county, N. Y., November 
22, 1856, a son of Edgar D. Butler. He attended the public schools of his native 
town and later De Veaux College, from which institution he was graduated in 187G. 
He then took a year's course in Harvard College and later became master and com- 
mandant of De Veaux College at Niagara Falls ; still later he attended lectures in 
the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York city, and in 1881 was gradu- 
ated from the New York Homeopathic Medical College and practiced medicine in 
the Hygienic Institute at Geneva for one year. In 1884 he removed to Suspension 
Bridge, where he formed a partnership with Martin V. Pearson, as M. V. Pearson & 
Co., and successfully carried on the wholesale and retail grocery busmess and in 1890 
they opened a branch store at Niagara Falls. In 1892 the partnership was dissolved, 
Mr. Butler retaining as his share of the business the store at Niagara Falls, which he 
sold out in 1895; in 1893 he established the large department store (of which he is 
still manager) and in December, 189G, sold out to Hodge Bros., who in turn sold to 
the present owners, Faxson, Williams & Faxson. In 1881 Captain Butler married 
Jessie Jackson of Ithaca, and they have three children. Captain Butler is com- 
mander of the 42d Separate Company, N. G. N. Y., and a member of Niagara Fron- 
tier Lodge No. 132, Free and Accepted Masons and of Niagara Falls Chapter No. 
346, B. P. O. E. He is also a trustee of De Veaux College and a member of the 
Board of Public Works. 

Allen, Arthur N., was born in Orleans county, N. Y., February 29, 1860, and is a 
son of Henry T. Allen, who removed to Niagara Falls in 1861, where he became pro- 
prietor of a large book, stationery and wall paper business. Arthur Allen attended 
the public schools at Niagara Falls and at the age of eleven years, took charge of a 
news stand owned by his father, in the International Hotel, which he operated 
without help for several years. At the age of sixteen he took his father's place in 
the business, where he remained until 1885, when he established himself in the same 
line of business. In 1888 he bought out the dry good business of Max Hutzel, 
which he carried on successfully for four years, when he sold out to S, D. True, and 
became a dealer in real estate. In 1893 he formed a partnership with George D. 
Belden, in the business of ticket brokerage, which he still carries on in connection 
with his real estate business. 

Brackenridge. William A., was born at New York city, June 15, 1856, and at an 
early age began studying civil engineering, and from 1877 to 1880 was engaged with 
the engineers corps on the New York Elevated Railroad. In 1880 he was appointed 
resident engineer for the New^ York, Lackawana and Western Railroad Company in 
the construction of their road between Binghamton and Buffalo. In 1882 he became 
identified w'ith the Rapid Transit Railroad between New York and Boston and 
later became principal assistant engineer in the building of the Brooklyn Elevated 
Railroad. For the [next three years, from 1886 to 1889, he was principal assistant 
engineer of the Long Island Railroad and spent the following year in Europe study- 
ing engineering. Upon his return to America in 1890, he was engaged to do engi- 



156 

neering work for the Connecticut State Railroad commissioners. In 1891 he re- 
moved to Niagara Falls and was appointed division engineer in charge of a part of 
the works of the Niagara Falls River Company; in 1895 he was appointed engineer 
of the Cataract Construction Company and the allied companies, the Niagara Devel- 
opment Company and the Niagara Water Works. 

Dickey, Andrew, was born at Wilmoc, Sullivan county, N. H., in 1835, and was a 
son of James Dickey, a farmer of that section, now deceased. Andrew Dickey was 
educated m the public schools at his native place, and early in life entered and 
learned the foundry business He was a hard worker and close observer and mas- 
tered all the details of his chosen vocation so that at the age of twenty he was ad- 
mitted into the well known firm of Perrj' 8c Co., N. Y., as junior partner. He re- 
mained there for twenty-nine years, and in 1804 accepted the position as superin- 
tendent of the Pittsburg Reduction Company and has served in that capacity ever 
since. 

Young, Robert 1)., was born at Thornton, England, June 7, 1836, and was a son 
of Thomas Young, a well known and prosperous mason and builder, who immi- 
grated to America in 1837, settling in Ontario, Canada, where he remained until 
1852, then removing to Niagara Falls, where he died in 1868, at the age of sixty 
vears. Robert D. Young was educated in the public schools of Canada and removed 
with his parents to Niagara Falls, where he learned the builder's trade with his 
father and has continued in that business ever since, gradually extending his work 
until at the present time he is one of the best known and most successful builders in 
Niagara county. October 20, 1862, he married Elizabeth Wells of Niagara Falls, 
who died in 1890; on February 25, 1892, Mr. Young married Sybil C. Dart of Niagara 
Falls. Mr. Young is a member of Niagara Frontier Lodge No. 132, F. & A. M., of 
the Niagara Chapter No. 200 R. A. M., and has been a member of the A. O. U. W. 
since 1875. 

Denison, Byron B., was born in Cayuga county, October 23, 1857, and is a son of 
John M. Denison, a merchant. Byron Denison was educated in the public schools 
of that county and at the high school at Auburn. At the age of eighteen he entered 
the store of Abram Fenners, at Troopsville, N. Y. , where he remained until 1878, 
when he was appointed a private on the Auburn (N. Y.) police force. He continued 
there until 1880, at which time he entered the service of the New York Central Rail- 
road Company as city ticket agent at Auburn. On March 1, 1813, he was made city 
passenger and ticket agent at Niagara Falls, which position he still retains. 

Huff, James B., was born in Tonawanda, October 14, 1857, and has resided here 
nearly all his life. He has been actively engaged in the lumber business for years 
and was a member of the firm of Watkins & Huff, which dissolved in 1892, since 
which time he has conducted the business alone. He handles about fifteen million 
feet of lumber annually, dealing at wholesale in both dressed and rough lumber^ 
and employs about twenty-five men. Mr. Huff is a prominent Mason of the 
Blue Lodge, Chapter and Grotto. He married Ella L. Long of Tonawanda, 
and they have three children: Benjamin, James and John. Mr. Huff was clerk of 
the village five years, truestee two years and treasurer two years. His grandfather, 
Stephen Huff, was a soldier in the war of 1812. 



157 

Schulmeister, J., Wheatfield, was born iu Germany in 1857, and came to America 
in 1870. He hds resided in North Tonawanda for twenty-two years and has been in 
business since 1883; he was in the old Doake block at first, but after that was 
burned he built his present block, containing three stores, and is the leading drj' 
goods merchant of the Twin Cities. He married Emma Duckwitz of Buffalo, and 
they have three children: Arnold, Herbert and Ferdinand. Mr. Schulmeister's par- 
ents were Christian and Frederica Schulmeister, both natives of Germany. Mr. 
Schulmeister is one of the representative business men of this county. He began 
life as a clerk, and while yet a young man, is at the head of a lucrative busiue.ss; 
owns a fine business block and an elegant residence on Goundry street. 

Richardson, G. L., I). D. S., Wheatfield, was born in Attica, Wyoming county, 
N. Y., and was educated at the academy at Attica and the Pennsylvania 
College of Dental Surgery, from which he was graduated in the spring of 1887. He 
began practice at Attica, but after two years removed to Castile, where he remained 
two years, when he came to North Tonawanda, and after a business connection of 
over two years with Dr. Wright, he opened his present office in 1894. Dr. Richard- 
son has a high reputation in his profession. His parents were William Duane and 
Jennette Richardson ; his grandfather, Aaron Richardson, was a native of Berkshire 
county, Mass. The progenitor of the Richardson family of America, was Jonathan 
Richardson, who came from England about the year 1700, and settled in Massa- 
chusetts. His son Jonathan was the father of Rufus, who was the father of Aaron 
above mentioned. 

McBlain, Thomas J., was born at Belfast, north of Ireland, April 20, 1866, and was 
a son of Robert McBlain, now deceased. At an early age Thomas J. McBlain was 
sent to a boarding school at Lynn, Cheshire county, England, where he remained for 
seven years. He was then matriculated at Cambridge University, England, and in 
the same year, 1880, his parents removed to America, settling near London, On- 
tario, where his father bought a large farm. Thomas (the oldest of the four chil- 
dren) then settled down to farming for the space of five years, at which time he en- 
tered the office of a regular school ph^-sician and remained there for one year. In 
1886 he began his course in medicine at the Western University at London, Ontario, 
and was graduated therefrom in 1891, coming at once to Niagara Falls, N. Y., where 
he opened an office and has since remained in the general and successful practice 
of his profession. December 20, 1896, he married Lillian Murphy of Niagara Falls, 
N. Y. 

Town, W. S., M. D., was born in Jackson, Mich., June 9, 1853, a son of Salem L. 
and Jane E. (Howell) Town ; Salem L., a native of Albany, born December 25, 1826, 
and Jane E. a native of Cambria. The grandparents, Levi and Mariah (Coon) 
Town, came to the town of Cambria in 1830, and settled on a farm where they re- 
mained until their death; he died in 1881, and she in 1878. Salem L. Town followed 
farming in Cambria and spent two or three years in Michigan. He was a Republi- 
can and served six years in succession as supervisor of Cambria. He died in 1891 
and his widow in 1895. Dr. Town was reared on a farm and educated at Wilson in 
the public schools, and was graduated from the medical department of the Univer- 
sity of Buffalo, February 25, 1880. After graduating he immediately commenced 



158 

practicing at Smithville, Genesee county, where he remained two years, and then 
removed to Cambria, where he took up the practice of his old preceptor, W. C. Ray- 
mond, and now has a growing and lucrative practice. In June, 1895, he married 
Clara W., daughter of Bernard W. Ginty of Lockport. 

Townsend, John P., Somerset, was born in the town of Antwerp, Jefferson county, 
N. Y., December 3, 1821, and is a son of John D. and Amanda (Pardee) Town- 
send, both of whom were natives of New York. His father was born in 1795 and 
died when ninety-five years old. He moved to Niagara county in April, 1865, 
settling in Somerset, where John P. now lives. Mr. Townsend was married March 
15, 1845, to Cynthia Perkins, daughter of Abraham Perkins. They have four chil- 
dren: Leonora, born April 27, 1857, now Mrs. Theodore Slade; George R., born 
March 12, 1850; Mary L., deceased, born May 31, 1855, was married and died in 
October, 1896, and Byron B., born January 29, 1864. Mr. Townsend is a member of 
Somerset Lodge No. 639, F. & A. M. He has twelve acres of fine orchard and 
raises grain and stock, and is a prosperous farmer. 

Tabor, C. D., was born in Wilson, October 5, 1846, a son of Calvin Tabor, a 
native of Vermont, who came to Niagara county with his parents in 1821. Calvin 
Tabor was a blacksmith by trade, and married Rebecca, daughter of Alexander 
Oliver, whose family was prominent in the Revolutionary war. C. D. Tabor was 
educated at Wilson Collegiate Institute, and learned the iron moulder's trade. In 
1868 he entered the employ of James Jackson, jr., & Son of Lockport, manufac- 
turers of sash, doors and blinds, in which he has continued for the last thirty years. 
In 1877 he established the Wilson Planing Mill Co., which burned in 1879; he then 
spent five years in Steuben county, one year in Oshkosh, Wis., from 1888 to 1892 
was manager of the Syracuse Sash and Door Co., from 1892 to 1895, was superin- 
tendent for C. J. Hamlin of Buffalo, and in the fall of 1895 came to Middleport as 
manager of the Royalton Door Co. Mr. Tabor is one of the conservative men of 
his town, taking an active interest in public events and has ever received and meri- 
ted the respect of his associates. 

Tuttle, Edward J., was born at Shady Center, September 18, 1825. His father, 
Abner Tuttle, came to the town of Royalton in 1823, where he was engaged in 
contracting and building; he moved to Michigan in 1838, and died in Richfield, 
Ohio, October 18, 1864. Edward J. Tuttle was educated in a log school house and 
learned the carpenter's trade of his father. In 1854 he married Eunice, daughter of 
James Compton, sr., and they have one son, Edward Compton. In 1884 Mr. Tuttle 
built the block that bears his name ; he has served the town as president for two 
terms, and always takes an active interest in educational and religious institutions. 

Nellist, Mrs. Phebe, Somerset, was born in Shelby, September 16, 1832, and is a 
daughter of Barney and Betsey Hellenbolt, both of whom were born in Herkimer 
county. They had four children: Louisa, born in August, 1835; John, born in July, 
1838, died February 28, 1893; Marshall, born in 1839, and Mrs. Nellist, married to 
Henry NelUst, a native' of England. He came to America with his parents in 1883, 
and was a prosperous fanner, He died January 20, 1892. Mrs. Nellist is the 
mother of three children: Ida, now Mrs. Irvine Kenyon, born February 3, 1863; 



159 

Christopher G., born November 11, 186C, married Minnie Lewis, and Elizabeth E., 
her youngest daughter, resides at home, was born February 22, 1871. 

Johnson, Jay K., was born in Wilson, N. Y., in December, 1841, a son of Richard 
and grandson of Henry Johnson. Henry Johnson was born in New York State and 
early in life moved to Ohio and in 1824 came to the village of Wilson, where he 
worked at the blacksmith business for Luther Wilson, doing iron work on a grist 
mill. His wife died in 1864, and he spent some time in Michigan, where he died in 
1S71 and was buried in Wilson. Richard Johnson was born in Ohio and when 
twelve years of age moved to Wilson, N. Y., with his parents, where he learned the 
blacksmith's trade; he died in 1885. His wife, Laura (Cole) Johnson, was born in 
Canada and came to Wilson with her parents, James and Nancy (Quick) Cole; Mrs. 
Cole died in Michigan, aged ninety-nine years; Mr. Cole died in Wilson in 1840. 
Jay K. Johnson was educated in Wilson Collegiate Institute, and worked at his 
trade, that of a blacksmith, from 1860 to 1895. July 4, 1870, he married Alphoretta 
Tower; she died August 8, 1871, and October 30, 1874, he married Eliza A. Carver, 
and they had four children: Arthur, Leon, Cole and Roy (decea.sed). August 5, 
1863, Mr. Johnson enlisted in Co. B, 129th Infantry, and was transferred to the 8th 
N. Y. Heavy Artillery and served until wounded, June 3, 1864, at Cold Harbor; he 
was discharged November 16, 1864. He was promoted to corporal and after the 
battle of Cold Harbor was promoted to second lieutenant, but was not mustered 
owing to the fact of his being unable to return. He is a member of Peter A. Porter 
Post No. 126, G. A. R. He is a Democrat and was elected justice of the peace in 
1896, being the only Democrat ever elected to that office in the town. 

Delano, Ezra B., was born in Orleans county, N. Y., March 20, 1831, a son of 
Durfey Delano, who was a native of Saratoga county and came to Orleans county in 
1816. Ezra B. Delano was educated at Millville Academy and in 1852 came to Mid- 
dleport and engaged in miilmg with his brother. In 1860 he engaged in the ware- 
house and produce business and has been one of the largest shippers of produce in 
Niagara county. In 1855 he married Elizabeth, daughter of Horace Pierce, and 
they have two daughters Mrs. George D. Judson and Mrs. Fred Craig, jr. Mr. 
Delano has served as president of the village for three years and has always taken 
an active interest in educational and religious institutions. 

Dysinger, Samuel A., was born in the town of Royalton, December 5, 1835. His 
father, John Dysinger, came to Niagara county in 1832, with his parents, George 
and Elizabeth Dysinger, where he kept the hotel at Dysinger's Corners. John Dy- 
singer married Elizabeth, daughter of Abraham Carl, and through life was identi- 
fied as a farmer, taking an active interest in school, church and public affairs, and 
was recognized as a man of sterling integrity, who ever advanced the best interests 
of his town and townspeople. He died in 1878. Samuel A. Dysinger was edu- 
cated in the common schools and through life has been a farmer. In 1856 he mar- 
ried Nancy, daughter of John Dolinger, and they have seven sons and two daugh- 
ters. Mr. Dysinger is one of the representative farmers in Niagara county, coming 
to the town of Lockport in 1860, with his brother, David M., and has by the force of 
his own character accumulated about 650 acres of land and is to day one of the most 
successful farmers in the State of New York. He has served as supervisor two 
years, highway commissioner three years and assessor for fifteen years. 



i6o 

Darcy, Rev. Matthew J. — This efficient pastor of St. John the Baptist Catholic 
church of Lockport, N. Y., was born in county Tipperary, Ireland, February 20, 
1844, and is a son of Daniel and Joanna (McGrath) Darcy. At the age of twenty 
Rev. Mr. Darcy came to New York and entered the Niagara University from which 
he was graduated and ordained priest. His first assignment was at Bath, m Steuben 
county, where he had charge of four churches. In 1876 he was called from his 
field of labor to his present congregation, the church of St. John the Baptist of 
Lockport. It was through his persistent labor and energy that the edifice was en- 
larged and improved, besides the erection of a fine stone residence and school house 
in which a school is being conducted by the Sisters of St. Mary. He is a fine 
speaker and a pleasant gentleman and very popular among a large circle of friends 
and acquaintances both in and out of his church. 

Davis, E. W., was born at Pompey Hill, Onondaga county, March 10, 1834, and 
came to Niagara county with his parents, Sewell and Lucy Davis, who settled at 
Reynale's Basin in 1833. Mr. Davis was educated in the common schools of his day. 
to which he has added through life by reading and close observation. In 1852 
married Laura H., daughter of Enoch Hyde. Mr. Davis through an active business 
life has been identified as a shipper and forwarder of grain and produce and canal 
traffic. Mr. Davis is one of the conservative men of his town, of sterling integrity, 
and it may well be said his word has ever proven as good as his bond. 

Rand, James H., son of Calvin G. and Almira H. (Long) Rand, was born in North 
Tonawanda. N. Y., May 29, 1859, and was educated in the public schools of his na- 
tive village and at the State Normal School in Brockport. Leaving school he 
became a clerk in the banking house of Evans, Schwinger & Co., and their successor, 
the State Bank of North Tonawanda, rising to the postion of teller. On the organ- 
ization of the Lumber Exchange Bank in 1886 he was made cashier of that institu- 
tion and held the position until 1894, when he established his present private bank- 
ing business. Mr. Rand has been eminently successful as a banker, and is one of the 
most prominent business men in North Tonawanda. He is president of the Bufiialo, 
Niagara Falls and Tonawanda Electric Railroad Company and treasurer of the Rand 
Ledge Company, and has been clerk of the North Tonawanda Board of Education 
since 1882. He was married in 1884 to Mary S., daughter of P. W. Scribner of 
Buffalo. 

Rech, William, was born in Tonawanda, April 2, 1863, a son of Jacob and Caro- 
line Rech, natives of Germany. Jacob Rech came to America when a young man 
and died in 1863; his widow died 1895. William Rech was educated in the village 
schools and learned the trade of barber, working at his trade for eighteen years. 
After filling the position of bartender for a time he took charge of the North Tona- 
wanda Hotel, and conducted it for two years, when he became proprietor of the 
Eligible Stand, corner of Payne's avenue and Schenck street, in 1891; this house he 
has since conducted successfully. In 1887 Mr. Rech married Helen McRaeof Nortb 
Tonawanda. He is a Democrat in politics and was nominated for collector in 1892 
by his party. 

Morris, Stephen H., was born in Porter, December 15, 1841, a .son of Elisha and 
Margaret (Baker) I\Iorris. Elisha Morris was born in Canada and came with his pa- 



i6i 

rents to Porter, where he was a farmer and lumberman. He built the second saw 
mill that was built in Tonawanda in 1849; he died in 1857 and his widow in 1896. 
Stephen H. Morris was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He 
is a farmer and has 163 acres in Wilson; for four j'ears he was in partnership with 
Mr. Dwight in the lumber business in Wilson, under the firm name of Morris & 
Dwight. In 1891 he dissolved partnership and came to Ransomville and engaged in 
the lumber business, where he has been very successful. In politics Mr. Morris is a 
Democrat, but not an aspirant to office. He is a Free Mason, a member of Ransom- 
ville Lodge No. 551, F. & A. M., and is senior warden. In 1867 he married Ellen F. 
Lutts, and they have two children : Garnet, of Syracuse, and Beatrice at home. The 
grandfather of Stephen Morris was Robert Morris, who came from Wales during the 
Revolutionary war and enlisted as soon as he came and was wounded three times. 

Mossell, Aaron.— The career of this gentleman furnishes another illustration of 
what may be accomplished in this free country by persevering industry combined 
with intelligence and enterprise in a given direction. Mr. Mossell was born in Bal- 
timore, Md., March 7, 1824. In those days the children of colored families were not 
admitted to the public schools, consequently Mr. Mossell had but few opportunities 
for obtaining an education and the only schooling he ever received was at a night 
.school which he attended after he attained his majority. The first money he ever 
earned was in the employ of Mr. Alexander Russell, in a brick yard in Baltimore. 
He was an industrious and hard working boy and soon gained the confidence of his 
employer with whom he remained for a period of fifteen years. In 1853 he removed 
to Hamilton, Ont., and engaged in the manufacture of brick on his own account, in 
which he was very successful; in 1865 he removed to Lockport, N. Y., and established 
himself in his present business; the plant embraces a vast yard, kilns, dryer, office, 
and covers about eight acres of ground and furnishes employment to from fifteen to 
twenty workmen. The finest collection of improved brick machinery is used, with a 
yearly capacity of 1,500,000 high grade brick. Mr. Mossell has had over fifty years 
experience in the manufacture of brick, and is recognized as an expert in his line. 
He was married in October, 1846, to Eliza, daughter of Nathan Bowers of Baltimore, 
and they had four children: Mrs. Abraham Denny, who resides in Princeton, N. J. ; 
Dr. Nathan F., a graduate from the University of Penn.sylvania, and resides in Phil- 
adelphia, Pa.; Rev. Charles W., pastor of the A. M. E. church of Lockport, and 
Aaron A., an attorney of Philadelphia. In politics Mr. Mossell has always been a 
Republican, giving his party a loyal and active support. He and his family are reg- 
ular attendants of the A. M. E. church, to which he contributes liberally. Mr. Mos- 
sell has led an active, earnest life, and ranks among the most distinguished and rep- 
resentative colored families of the State, and is e.steemed by all who know him. 

Moore, J. O., was born in Canada, May 25, 1869, a son of George and Isabella 
Moore. Mr. Moore was reared on a farm and educated at Colegate Institute of Mt. 
Forest, Canada. In 1888 he came to Wilson, where he has since resided. He was 
graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1892, and began the practice of 
his profession in Wilson, where he has been very successful. In politics he is a 
Democrat and is a member of LTnconditioqal Lodge No. 1255, I. O. F. 

Macpherson, James F., M. D.. was born in Halton county, Ontario, Can., and re- 



l62 

ceived his literary education at Trinity College, Toronto. He then took a medical 
course in Toronto University and was graduated from the Buffalo Medical College in 
1892. In 1894 he came to North Tonawanda, and that same year married Elizabeth 
Lapp of Clarence, Erie county, and they have one son. Eraser. 

Ziehl, Ferdinand, was born in Walmore, August 38, 1867, a son of Charles and 
Mary Ziehl, natives of Germany. He was reared on a farm and worked in a foundry 
and in Gratwick's lumber yard for two years before embarking in the hardware busi- 
ness at Martinsville in 1891. He also conducts a coal yard and handles about 500 
tons annually. In 1889 Mr. Ziehl married Gussie Croskop and their children are Ed- 
ward, Lewis, Louisa and Matilda. He is a member of St Paul's Lutheran church 
and is a trustee of the Parochial School. 

Frost, Solomon W., Somerset, general merchant of Somerset, and a son of Henry 
H. and Julia A. Frost, was born in the town of Somerset, November 15, 1858. His 
father was born in Albany county, March 30, 1816, and when nineteen years of age 
came to Somerset and engaged in farming. Thirty years ago he left the farm and 
with a Mr. Aldrich engaged in general merchandi.se in Somerset, under the firm 
name of Frost & Aldrich, continuing for six months, when he bought his partner out 
and took Albert Van Wagoner into partnership, continuing for two years when he 
bought Mr. Van Wagoner's interest in the business, and in 1871 took William Seism, 
a retired Methodist minister, as a partner ; after a partnership of about nine months, 
Mr. Seism retired from the firm and Mr. Frost took his son as partner. September 
27, 1843, he married Julia Wilcox, and they had five children: Albert E., Sarah Ann, 
Frances Emily, Lillie and Solomon W. Mr. Frost served his town as clerk twelve 
years, justice of peace one year and superintendent of schools two terms, with gen- 
eral satisfaction to his townsmen and credit to himself. Solomon W. Frost received 
his early school training at the home school and completed his education at Buffalo 
in 1876 and 1877, after which he clerked for his father until April 2, 1888, when he 
bought one-half interest with his father and has since assumed entire control of their 
large stock of goods. November 5, 1879, he married Hannah E. Mead, daughter of 
Daniel and Mercy C. Mead, and they had two children: Henry M., born April 24, 
1886, and Benjamin Harrison, born October 24, 1888. Mr. Frost has been clerk of 
his town for the past fifteen years, and his long continuation in office bespeaks his 
popularity and ability. 

Farley, Francis B. , was born in Wilson, Niagara county, N. Y., May 30, 1856, a 
son of Benjamin and Lavinna (Le Baron) Farley. Benjamin Farley was born in 
Salem, Mass., October 4, 1810, and in 1842 came to Niagara county ; he was a farmer 
and also engaged in the mercantile business at Wilson. In politics he was first a 
Whig and afterwards a Republican; he held various town offices, and in 1857 was 
elected sheriff of the county, supervisor in 1865, and elected to the Assembly in 
1867 from the Second district of Niagara county. He died May 15, 1876. Mrs. 
Farley was born in Leroy, N. Y., in 1812 and came to Wilson about 1847, where she 
now resides. Francis B. Farley was reared on a farm and educated in the Wilson 
Union School ; he spent several years in Lockport as a contractor and builder, but is 
a farmer by occupation. December 2, 1886, he married Kittle, daughter of Morgan 
G. and Hester (Seans) Van Wagoner, and they have two sons, Ray M. and F. Leon. 



i63 

Mrs. Farley's father was a farmer and died in 1864; his widow is still livinj;- in Wil- 
son. Her grandfather was an early settler in Niagara county and died in Lockport. 
Fermoile P. J., was born in the town of Somerset, June 15, 1858. His father, 
Michael Fermoile, was a native of Ireland, and immigrated to America in 1850. P. 
J. Fermoile was educated in the common schools and Yates Academy. In 1882 he 
entered into partnership with M. E. Covey, in the grocery business, which he con- 
tinued up to 1891, when he went into his present business, that of canal supplies. In 
1890 he married Minnie, daughter of Dennis Lahey, and they have one son, Francis. 
Mr. Fermoile is one of the conservative men of the town, serving as trustee and tak- 
ing an active interest in all public affairs. 

French E. B., was born in the town of Ridgway, Orleans county, N. Y., January 
17, 1859, a son of Nathan French, who came from Monroe county in 1849, and was 
always engaged in farming. He married Marietta, daughter of Allen Breed, and 
he died in 1869. E. B. French was educated in Medina and Lockport schools; his 
first business experience was in the employ of Oscar Wheedon of Medina, where he 
remained five years and then spent three years in Buffalo in the hardware business. 
In 1884 he came to Middleport and established his present business and to-day is 
carrying the largest and most complete stock of hardware, bicycles, stoves, etc., in 
his town; he also handles wagons, carriages and agricultural implements, and is a 
partner in the Royalton Door Co. In 1888 he married Louise, daughter of Linus 
Spalding. 

Flanders, Albert, was born in Cambria, February 4, 1824, a son of Jacob and Eliz- 
abeth (Colt) Flanders. Mr. Flanders's grandfather, Aaron Flanders, was a farmer 
near Concord, N. H. ; he was born August 15, 1750, and died February 13. 1844; his 
wife, Hannah Flanders, was born May 17, 1752 and died December 13, 1844; they 
lived together as man and wife for about seventy-six j-ears. The maternal grand- 
father, Isaac Colt, came from New Jersey to Niagara county and followed farming 
and hotel keeping. He served in the war of 1812. Jacob Flanders was reared on a 
farm in New Hampshire and was born January 18, 1785. When a young man he 
traveled through the west and east to find a place to settle in and finally settled in 
Cattaraugus county, but after a short stay removed to Cambria, where he engaged 
m farming and spent his last days. Albert Flanders was reared on the farm, and 
in 1855 married Louisa M.. widow of William Scott, of Cambria. Mrs. Scott had 
one son, Edward W. Scott, who was reared by Mr. Flanders. Mr. Scott married 
Ellen Moody of Lockport, and they have four sons: Edward W., Walter E., Elmer 
and Wallas. Edward W. Scott was first a druggist, but since 1870 has been engaged 
in the insurance business; m 1884 he was made vice-president and one of the direc- 
tors of the Equitable Life Insurance Co. of Jersey City. Mr. Albert Flanders has 
two farms, one of 166 acres and one of 156. He is a Republican and has been as- 
sessor of Cambria and superintendent of the poor of Niagara county. 

Fritz, William F., was born September 25, 1855, and has resided all his life in Mar- 
tinsville. His father, Christian Fritz, was one of the leading men of his town and 
conducted a large saw mill business in Martinsville and William F. grew up in that 
business. In 1894 he established a coal business in Martinsville, to which he now 
gives his attention. He has been twice married ; his first wife was Sophia Peters, 



164 

who died leaving three children: Christian, Matilda and Rosa. For his second wife 
he married Rose Peters, and they have three children : Mary, Clara and Reno. His 
father, Christian Fritz, died in 1887. He was born in Germany and came to America 
and built a saw mill at Martinsville. He was prominent in poHtics as well as in busi- 
ness and was three terms supervisor of the town, besides holding other ofifices. 
William F. Fritz is a Democrat, a member of the firemen and engineer of the corps. 
He has been county delegate several terms and also inspector of election. His mother 
was Henrietta (Dornfield) Fritz and is still living. 

Hotchkin, James H., was born in the town of Wilson, Niagara county, July 25, 
1834, a son of A. E. and Electa Hotchkm. 'His parents came to Niagara county in 
an early day, locating in Wilson, where they remained until 1838 and then moved to 
Jackson county, Mich., and remained there until 1853, when they removed to Illinois, 
where he died in 1858. Mrs. Hotchkin came to Newfane in 1860 and died in 
1873. They had nine children: Abram, born in 1830, resides in Porter; Noah, 
born in 1832, died in 1837; James H. ; Edwin, born in 1836; Rose, born in 1838, 
died in 1863; C. S., born in 1840; Henry born in 1842, died in 1873; Alexander, born 
1844, died in infancy, and one half brother and sister. James H. Hotchkin was edu- 
cated in the common schools and engaged as fireman on the railroad. August 22, 
1862, he enlisted at Rochester, in the 19th N. Y. Light Artillery and was wounded in 
front of Petersburg in the forehead and removed to the hospital where he remained 
until April 1, 1865, when he was discharged and returned home. He married Frances 
Michaels of Aurora, 111., February 28, 1856, and they had six children, four of whom 
are living: Isabelle, born June 28, 1861; Electa, born December 25, 1867; Clara, born 
May 21, 1869; Matilda, born June 23, 1871, died September 5, 1882; James, born 
August 3, 1875, and Edwin, born January 8, 1878, died February 18, 1882. Mr. 
Hotchkin is a member of Jacob Branker Post No. 547, G. A. R. at Newfane, of which 
he is sergeant. Mr. Hotchkin is a retired farmer, has a fine home and is a cordial 
and unassuming gentleman and has a warm place in the hearts of his comrades and 
neighbors. 

Frazer, John J., a leading carriage manufacturer of Lockport, was born in that city 
April 19, 1853. His early education was obtained from the public schools and at an 
early age he was apprenticed at the carriage maker's trade. In 1872 he established his 
present business and built a handsome three story brick building, 138 by 44 feet, with 
basement. He makes a specialty of work to order, as well as all kinds of repair- 
ing. Mr. Frazer is a son of John and Sarah (Orr) Frazer, who removed from Cana- 
da to Lockport in 1847. In 1875, he married Anna, daughter of J. W. Doty of Lock- 
port, and this union has been blessed with two daughters: Gertrude A. and Edith L., 
who are now attending college in Cincinnati. 

King, William H., Somerset, son of W. W. and Sarah (Jackson) King, was born in 
Nottingham, England, June 15, 1848, and came with his mother to America (his father 
having preceded them) when fifteen years old, landing at Quebec on his birthday, 
whence they went at once to Montreal, thence to Toronto, living on Scugoy Island a 
.little more than one year. Not being satisfied there they came to the States, 
arriving at the village of Somerset in the .spring of 1865, and where they yet 
reside. Our subject received his earlier educational training in England, and has 



i65 

since by judiciously purchasing good books and taking the best magazines in the 
country, acquired a broader practical education which to-day ranks him as a well 
educated gentleman. He learned the trade of blacksmith in an earlier day and is 
now a practical horseshoer, having a large and prosperous trade. He has never mar- 
ried. His father, W. W. King, was born October 20, in Osgathorp, England, and is 
still living in Somerset. His mother was born January 4, 1826, at Bobber Mills, 
Nottingham, England, and died January 20, 1897. 

King, M. J., was born in Tovvanda, Pa., July 21, 1853, and is a son of John J. and 
Mary A. King, natives of Ireland, who came to America in 1848, and settled in Hart- 
land, Niagara county, N. Y., in 1858. They moved with mule team and went two 
miles over corduroy road of solid logs with no dirt on them. They had ten children, 
five of whom are now living: Mary, Michael J., P. Frederick, Anna, Daniel W. , 
Will (deceased), and the rest died when young. All of this family were school 
teachers, M. J. King having taught thirteen terms. He was married in 1880 to 
Catherine A. Conley, and they have eight children: John, Mary, Jay L. , William H., 
(ieorge, Thomas F., Ulysses and Eunice. Mr. King was elected justice of the peace 
in January, 1891, and served one term with satisfaction to all. He was appointed 
postmaster at Hartland under Harrison and served as deputy under Cleveland. He 
is engaged in fruit evaporating and operates one of the largest dryers in the town or 
countrj'. 

Knapp, Edward, was born in the town of Royalton, July 25, 1853. His father, 
Silas Knapp, came from Westchester county to Niagara in 1840, where he purchased 
a farm. He married Mary, daughter of Adelbert Penley, who was among the pio- 
neers of the town, and he bought his land of the Hall & Lamb Co. Edward 
Knapp was educated in Lockport and for fifteen years followed farming. In 1892 he 
invented a patent bean picker, which he is now manufacturing in Middleport. In 
1875 he married Ida, daughter of Seymour Compton, and they have one daughter. 
May. Mr. Knapp is one of the progressive men of his town, taking an intelligent 
and active interest in school and church work. 

Kilborn, Horatio, has been prominently identified with the insurance business in 
Lockport since 1851, nearly fifty years. He was born in the town of Burlington, 
Otsego county, N. Y., January 21, 1821. He removed to Lockport in 1837, where he 
was variously employed until 1851, and then embarked in the insurance business, in 
which he has since been engaged. Mr. Kilborn has always been identified with the 
Democrat party and was for five years a member of the Board of Supervisors, one 
year its chairman, and was for six years a member of the Board of Education. He 
is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the Presbyterian church. 

Kinney, John F. , sheriff of Niagara county, was born at Newfane, N. Y., August 
24, 1856. He attended the public schools of his native town and was engaged in 
farming until 1883, when he removed to Lockport and entered into the hay and pro- 
duce business, in which he was engaged for four years. He was at this date ap- 
pointed jailer, which position beheld for three years, when he became deputy sheriff, 
holding that position for three years, then under sheriff for three years and in 1896 
was elected sheriff for a term of three years. He was married January 26, 1891, to 
Minnie E. Brockin of Niagara Falls, N. Y. 



i66 

Kelly, J. W. H., was born in Walworth county, Wis., April 25, 1865, a son of 
James H. and Ellen (Kerr) Kelly. His parents came to Lewiston in 1870 and the 
family has resided here ever since. His father embarked in the grain, coal and im- 
plement business and for some time J. W. H. Kelly has been the active manager of 
the business. He is an active Democrat and has been delegate to three State con- 
ventions, besides serving on the county committee for years, and is regarded as one 
of the leaders in this part of the country. He has been treasurer of the village of 
Lewiston for ten years and was elected trustee in the spring of 1897. Mr. Kelly has 
five sisters: Mrs. Truman Carr, Catherine, Adeline, Mary and Gertrude. James H. 
Kelly was born in Allegany county, N. Y., and came to Lewiston when a young 
man, and later moved to Wisconsin, where he remained six years and then returned 
to Lewiston. He was engaged in the fruit business from 1870 to 1878, when he em- 
barked in the grain business as stated. He is still interested in fruit growing and 
agriculture and has a fine fruit farm. He has been prominent in public life as well 
as in business, and has been collector of the port, assessor, village trustee and pres- 
ident of the village. 

Kanett, Charles W. , was born in Germany in 1828, and came to America in 1843. 
He clerked for a time in Lockport and then came to St. Johnsburg, finally settling 
in Bergholtz, where he has since resided and conducted a very successful business. 
He has been postmaster for thirty-six years, a record not equaled by any other man 
in the county. He was also constable twenty years, tax collector four years and 
supervisor three years ; he has been a Republican since the days of Buchanan. In 
1858 he married Wilhelmina Loger, and they had seven children: Charles A., John, 
Annie, Kate, Gussie, Rosina and Rudolf. 

Arnold, Henry F., was born April l(i, 1869, in Somerset, and is a son of Daniel 
and Delia Arnold, both natives of this State. His father died in 1871 and his 
mother in 1888. There were four children in this family; Ida, deceased, Elmer, de- 
ceased. May, now Mrs. E. O. Denton, resides in Somerset, and the subject of this 
sketch. Mr. Arnold attended school at Yates Academy, after which he engaged in 
farming. December 20, 1893, he married Nellie E. Tayer, daughter of Milford and 
Emma Tayer, both of Niagara county. Her father died in 1871, and her mother in 
1892. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold have two children: Emma E. , born October 17, 1894, 
and D. Elwood Arnold, born November 22, 1896. Mr. Arnold has an orchard of 
fifteen acres, 200 pear trees, 500 peach trees, grain of all kinds, and stock. He is a 
member of K. O. T. M. No. 467, Somerset Lodge. 

Kelsey, Charles L. , was born in Indiana, July 36, 1858, but had his initial business 
experience in Detroit, where he worked for W. E. Tunisoninthe stationery business 
six months and then learned the candy trade. He was next assistant bookkeeper 
for a ship chandler, and in the fall of 1878 went to Arkansas as a bookkeeper in the 
real estate business. He shortly afterwards purchased the business and conducted 
it until the fall of 1883, when he was appointed government special agent of the in- 
terior to look after fraudulent land claims. He held this position until the spring 
of 1886 when he resigned and purchased a saw mill in Oregon, which he ran one 
year, when he sold out and came east. In 1887 he went into the lumber business in 
Detroit with his father, who had extensive timber lands in Michigan and was con- 



167 

nected with that enterprise until he came to North Tonawanda in 1896 to establish 
his present business, that of dealer in Washington red cedar shingles and lumber. 
Mr. Kelsey married Emma Wilshire, who died in 1887, leaving one son, Charles L. 
Mr. Kelsey is a member of the Elks and Knights of Pythias. 

Angevine, Jeremy, was born in the town of Mendon. Monroe county, N. Y., No- 
vember 17, 1822, a son of Philip and Polly (Dewig, a daughter of Capt. John Dewig, 
of the war of 1812) Angevine, natives of Vermont. Philip Angevine came to Niagara 
county in 1844, and ran a hotel in Lockport for five years; he died in 1871, and Mrs, 
Angevine in 1880. Jeremy Angevine commenced business in Lockport in a hotel in 
1844, which he carried on for several years; he then purchased a farm and in 1889 
removed to Cambria, where he has since carried on general farming and stock rais- 
ing. In 1857 Mr. Angevine married Hannah Wiman, and they have six sons and 
six daughters: Juliette, wife of Frank Simons; William, farmer at Xewfane ; Jane, 
wife of Charles Garbit, carpenter and joiner; Charles, works the home farm, mar- 
ried Anna Elwood; Arthur (deceased); Sadie; Stella, wife of Frank Halifax; Jer- 
emy, jr. ; Frances, wife of Frank White; John; Minnie, wife of John Mills; Edward 
and Harry (deceased), and Hannah, at home. Mr.s. Angevine died in January, 1881. 

Ackerman, Arthur H., was born in Wilson, N. V., December 19, 1857, a son of 
Richard and Orpha (Brown) Ackerman. Richard Ackerman was born in Saratoga 
county and Mrs. Ackerman was born in Wilson, and was a daughter of Andrew 
Brown who came from Saratoga county very early and settled in Wilson, where he 
resided until his death. Arthur H. Ackerman was reared on a farm and educated 
in Wilson; January 29, 1890, he married Millicent Dearborn, born in Wilson and 
daughter of Benjamin and Amanda (Baldwin) Dearborn. Benjamin Dearborn came 
to Wilson when a young man, from Maine. He was a Democrat and was supervisor 
for seven years in succession and held other minor offices. He was engaged in 
mercantile business in Wilson for a number of years; he died December 26, 1885, 
and his widow July 24, 1886. 

Allen, I. N., was born in Clinton county, N. Y., June 19, 1822, a son of Abel and 
Mary (Weaver) Allen. Abel Allen was born in Plattsburg and his father was one 
of the very first settlers in Plattsburg, where he came in an early day and bought 
500 acres of land. Mr. Allen died in 1839 and his widow in 1865. They had seven 
children, all dead save I. N. Allen. Mr. I. N. Allen was married to Lucy A. Pardy, 
November 1, 1848, and they have two children, Hattie Lawton, who resides in New 
York and is an inventor; and Frank W. Allen, who resides in Rochester, where he 
is a manufacturer of baking powder, perfumes and essences. Mr. Allen was en- 
gaged in farming in Clinton county and when he removed to Niagara county he en- 
gaged in merchandise as well as farming; he has a large pear and quince orchard. 
His barn was destroyed in 1878 by the only cyclone known in the history of Niagara 
county. His horse, which was in the barn, was left standing amid a heap of broken 
and splintered portions of the barn, and was not injured in the least. 

Austin, Ansel P., was born in Seneca county, N. Y., July 26, 1850, and his home 
was there until 1882, when he came to Tonawanda. Since coming to this ])lace he 
has been active in promoting its best interests both in a business and public way. 
He was police justice for four j-ears and discharged the duties of his office with 



1 68 

marked ability. He was elected street commissioner in the spring of 1896, which 
oflfice he still holds. Mr. Austin also carries on a large real estate and insurance 
business. He is a veteran of the late war, having enlisted in the 9th N. Y. Heavy 
Artillery, Company E, on December 30, 1863. He served in the 6th Corps, Army of 
the Potomac, and participated in all the operations in the Wilderness, at Cold Har- 
bor and Petersburg, besides many lesser battles. He is a member of the G. A. R. , 
Post W. B. Scott, No. 129, and has been its commander. Mr. Austin married Mary 
S. Allen of Seneca county and they have two daughters: Florence and Marcelleue. 

Pettit, Enoch, was born in Galloway, Saratoga county, N. Y., March 23, 1820, a 
son of Thomas and Martha (Duel) Pettit. Thomas Pettit was born in Claverack, N. 
Y., and Martha was born in Greenfield; they both lived and died in Saratoga county 
(see biography of George Pettit). Enoch Pettit was reared on a farm and educated 
in the common schools; he is a farmer, having cleared about 100 acres of land in his 
native county. He came to Wilson May 12, 1842, and has lived here since. Novem- 
ber 10. 1847, he married Juliett G. Pratt, and they had one daughter, Mary E., wife 
of Alfred A. Navoty; she died April 23, 1894, leaving five children: Arthur E., 
Winifred P., Chester A., Mildred O. and Wilford H. Mr. Pettit enlisted August 26 
1862, in Co. F, 151st N. Y. Vols., and served nearly three years. In politics he is a 
Democrat and a member of Peter A. Porter Post No. 126, G. A. R. 

Pierce, Mail W., was born in the town of Middlefield, Otsego county, N. Y., in 
1826, a son of John and Mariette (Runnels) Pierce, natives of New York. Mr. Pierce 
came with his parents to Erie county, where they remained for three years, thence 
to Niagara county, settling in the town of Hartland. In 1857 they moved to Michi- 
gan, where John Pierce bought a farm and remained there until his death, which 
occurred December 18, 1867. M. W. Pierce returned to Hartland in a short time and 
eugaged in farming, which has been his lifelong vocation. He attended school for 
a short time while in Michigan, and finished his education in the public schools of 
Hartland. He was first married to Nancy Chapman, daughter of Daniel and 
Lucinda Chapman, and to this union were born three children: Ida, now Mrs. George 
Gill, born in November, 1852, and is the mother of two children, Burt and Murt; 
Fred was born in 1859, and married Hannah Seward of Holland ; she was born in 
1857, and is a daughter of Thomas and Ann Seward, they have one son, Frank, 
born in 1880, and one daughter, Ida Pearl, born June 25, 1889, died October 27, 1889. 
Mr. Pierce married Martha Carpenter for his second wife, a daughter of John H. and 
Elizabeth Carpenter. Her father was born May 2, 1790, and her mother November 
25, 1794, both now deceased. There were four sons and four daughters in this fam- 
ily, of whom the four sons are dead; the daughters are Phoebe, Mrs. Northrup, re- 
sides in Adrian, Mich. ; Eunice, Mrs. Thurber, resides in Dover, Mich. ; Elsie Ann, 
Mrs. Hagaman, resides in Fairfield, Mich., and Martha, Mrs. Pierce, born June 29, 
1836, and was first married to John A. Marshall of Fairfield, Mich., April 2, 1857, 
and had two children by her first husband: Anabella, born October 4, 1858, died 
January 6, 1860; George B. Marshall, born June 4, 1861, married Arvilla Mason of 
Fairfield, Mich., June 17, 1881, and had one son, John E., born April 20, 1883, died 
in 1885. Mr. Pierce's brother, Norman, was born in 1853. and resides in Lenawee 
county, Mich. His wife was Eliza Remington, who died of heart failure. Mr. 
Pierce has been school trustee and served his district faithfullv. He has a fine home 



169 

and has a windmill and a tank liolding 150 barrels of water, from. which he waters 
his stock and the plants of two very large and fine green houses. Mrs. Pierce is a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal church and active in church work. 

Pease, William Bradford, was born in Somerset, Niagara county, July 31, 1830. 
His father, John Pease, was a native of New Jersey and came to Niagara county at 
eight years of age with his parents, John A. Pease and wife, settling in the town of 
Somerset in 1812, and through life was identified as a farmer. John Pease moved to 
Erie county. Pa., and married Betsey, daughter of William Sherwood, and spent 
their life at Girard, Pa. Bradford Pease remained at home until he was twenty-four 
years of age, when he returned to Niagara county and settled in the town of Lock- 
port. In 1854 he married Ursula, daughter of Levi Hathaway, who was a native of 
Middleboro, Mass., .settling in the town of Lockport in 1844. He was pastor of the 
Royalton Christian church for seven years, and died in 1863 in his seventy-fourth 
year. William B. Pease is one of the conservative men of his town, taking an active 
interest in educational and religious institutions, serving as trustee of the Christian 
church for eighteen years, and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and 
townspeople. 

Parker, Quincey G. T., a son of George T. and Erminda M. (Randall) Parker, 
was born m the town of Wilson, Niagai-a county, N. Y., November 6, 1858. He was 
educated at the public .schools of his native town and later took a law and commer- 
cial course at the Rochester Business University, after which he removed to Mich- 
igan and m 1883 was admitted to the bar in that State Alter continuing a very 
successful practice in Michigan for five years, he returned to Lockport and in 1889 
was admitted to practice in New York State, where he has since conducted a large 
and growing practice. In December, 1886, he married Jennie Kilpatrick of Mich- 
igan. He is a member of a number of societies, being a Mason of high standing, a 
member of the J. O. U. A. M., the Royal Arcanum and the N. G. S. N. Y. He has 
also contributed to a number of leading journals and periodicals. 

Praker, August C, was born in the town of Wheatfield, Niagara county, N. Y., 
February 10, 1868, and after receiving a thorough education in the union .school, 
clerked for his brother, E. C. Praker, for three years. In 181)3 he embarked in the 
meat business and is both popular and successful. In 181J3 he married Minnie 
Penslien, and they have three children: Clarence, Elmer and Adeline. His parents 
were August and Minnie Praker. August Praker came to this countrj- when seven- 
teen years of age and his wife at five years of age ; they are now living in the town 
of Pen field. 

Payne, Lewis T., Whcatlield. was born in Tonawanda, June 14, 1860. He was 
educated in Buffalo and at Cornell University, which he entered in 1879 and grad- 
uated in the class of 1883. He studied law with Brundage Sc Chapman, and was ad- 
mitted to the bar in April, 1886. On June 1, 1886, he opened his law office in Ton- 
awanda. In November, 1885, he married Luella Kennedy and they have three 
daughters: Eda. Margaret and Helen. Mr. Payne was corporation counsel for North 
Tonawanda from 1886 to 1890, and is now counsel for the Board of Water Commis- 
sioners. He was counsel for the Diamond Match Co. and others '•'^. Scribuer, a suit 
involving §70,000 and which he won. 



I/O 

Graves. Selden-E., lawyer, was born at Albion, Orleans county, N. Y., November 
11, 1844. He attended the public schools and in 1863 was graduated from Williams 
College, Williamstown, Mass. with high honors, being third in his class. After 
graduating he began the study of law in the office of the Hon. Sanford E. Church and 
was admitted to the bar in 1866. He served one year in the war of the Rebellion as 
a captain in the 8th N. Y. Cavalry ; after the war was over he returned to Pendleton 
and engaged in sheep raising for a number of years. In 1878 he removed to Lock- 
port and resumed the practice of law in company wiih Mr. B. L. Burrow, which co- 
partnership continued for three years and since that time he has conducted business 
alone. He is a son of Nelson A. and Maria (Buch) Graves, natives of Rochester, N. 
Y. February 1, 1872, he married Jennie E. Canfield of Hamburg, N. Y. 

Goerss, C. P., was born in Wheatfield, a son of Frederick and Charlotte Goerss. 
His father came to America in 1843, and his grandfather served under Blucher in 
the war against Napoleon Bonaparte. In politics Mr. Goerss is a Republican; he 
was appointed deputy collector of customs May 30, 1890, and has since failed that 
position most admirably. He has been assessor of the town of Wheatfield three 
years, justice of the peace four years, justice of sessions two years, and member of 
assembly two years. In 1876 he married Albertina M. Schulz, and they have five 
children; Agatha A., Appolonia V., Marcus A., Frederick W. and Margaret E. 

Getz, Franklin, Wheatfield, was born in Pennsylvania, September 35, 1826, but 
came to Erie county with his parents when a child. They settled at what has since 
been known as Getzville in the town of Amherst, the place taking its name from 
this family. He was a farmer for years, but came to Tonawanda in 1880 and has 
since been engaged in the milling business. He married Mary Long, and they have 
one .son and two daughters: Sherman, Mrs. Alta Steinhouse and Mrs. Susan Staley. 
Sherman Getz married Jennie Evans. Mr. Getz was the discoverer and developer 
of natural gas at Getzville and is still interested in operations there. He has also 
invented a valuable device for tunneling the Model City. His parents were Joseph 
and Susan (Lapp) Getz, who came to this part of the country nearly twenty years 
ago. 

Van Slyke, Alvin, was born in Pendleton, December 13, 1838, a son of John B. and 
Mary (Ail) Van Slyke, natives of Sullivan, Madison county, N. Y. John B. Van 
Slyke was born in October, 1805, and has spent the greater part of his life on the 
farm in Pendleton; his wife was born in 1818 and died December 8, 1893. Of this 
family besides the subject were Hattie A., widow of Daniel Rupert; Ellen E. Dalen- 
baagh; Wilbur W. of Michigan; Washington, farmer at Pendleton, and Mary E., 
died at the age of four. The parents of J. B. Van Slyke, Garret and Nancy (May- 
bee) Van Slyke were natives of Schoharie county and after several moves finally 
settled on the Ridge in Pendleton, where he died at the age of fifty three and his 
widow at eighty-three. He was taken prisoner in Canada during the Revolutionary 
war. In 1871 Alvin Van Slyke married Harriet, daughter of Joseph F. and Julie 
(Beebe) Ellis of Wheatfield. To Mr. and Mrs. Van Slyke have been born five chil- 
dren: Fannie L., Maud E. (married Arthur V. Tripp), Mabel J., Wilber J. (died in 
infancy), and Edith H. (died April 19, 1882, aged five months). Mr. Van Slyke fol- 
lowed farming until 1886, when he engaged in the coal, grain and feed business at 



171 

Beech Ridge. He is a Republicau in politics and has been highway commissioner 
and supervisor for four years; he is a member of Centennial Lodge No. 14. A. O. 
U. W., at Tonawanda. 

Van Shuler Duane, was born on the Van Shuler homestead, April 3, 1860, which 
was built by his grandfather, James Van Shuler, who came from Schoharie county 
to Niagara about 1825, taking up a large tract of land from the Holland Land Com- 
pany. He was one of the largest contractors in Western New York, and with his 
son, James Taylor Van Shuler, furnished the stone used in the enlargement of the 
Erie Canal. The firm remained in active business up to the time of the death of 
J. T. Van Shuler, which occurred in 1863. Duane Van Shuler has continued the 
business of building materials, but is principally interested in farming. 

Van Horn, Theodore H., Lockport's leading druggist, was born at Newburgh, Or- 
ange county, N. Y., August 11, 1832. After attending the public schools he entered 
a drug store as a clerk and after four years' service removed to the West, where he 
remained for a few months, when he returned to Lockport and engaged in the drug 
business on his own account which he conducted for ten years. He at this date dis- 
posed of his drug business and engaged in the tanning and oil refining business, 
which he carried on for five years, when he again embarked in the drug business, 
since which time he has devoted his entire time and attention to that business. Oc- 
tober 28, 1859, he married Loraine, daughter of David M. Mather of Lockport. 

Vandervoort, Levant R., Wheatfield, was born in North Tonawanda, and edu- 
cated in the schools of that place. He engaged in the lumber business at the age of 
fourteen and has been connected with it ever since. In 1891 he became a member 
of the firm of Smith, Fassett & Co. Mr. Vandervoort has always taken a lively in- 
terest in the welfare of North Tonawanda, and was elected president of the village 
in 1895. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, Blue Lodge, and Chapter. In 
1883 he married Annie T. Fassett. Mr. Vandervoort's parents were J. D. and 
Sarah (Ransom) Vandervoort, both descendants of the oldest families in this part of 
the State. 

Le Van, Abram K., was born in the town of Lockport, N. Y., August 15, 1832, a 
son of Thomas and Mary (Kissinger) Le Van. Thomas Le Van came from Milton, 
Pa., in 1831, to Lockport, where he bought land and carried on farming; he also 
speculated some in land, buying farms in Cambria and other places, which he sold. 
Abram K. Le Van was reared on the farm in Lockport and has always followed 
farming, dealing extensively in fruit and grain. In 1852 he married Clarinda, 
daughter of Ezekiel Campbell of Cambria, and they have two children: Willis, 
farmer at Pendleton, and Rosalie, wife of Ovid Manning, a farmer in Pendleton. 
Mr. Le Van is a Republican and has been assessor for twelve years. He is a mem- 
ber of Pekin Lodge No. 41, A. O. U. W. 

Lahey, Richard, was born in Royalton, October 29, 1851. His father, P. Lahey, 
came to the United States from Ireland in 1850. settling at Dundee and in 1852 came 
to Gasport, entering the employ of the New York Central and Hudson River Rail- 
road Company and continuing in their employ for twenty years, when he purchased 
the farm where he now resides. Richard Lahey was educated at Gasport and Lock- 



172 

port, and in 1881 entered the employ of the raih^oad compan}-. In 1872 he came to 
Gasport and in 1875 was appointed agent, which position he still retains. In 1877 
he married Ida E., daughter of Capt. Charles Soper, and they have three children: 
Arthur R., Elizabeth'and Louise. 

Lutts, Henry, was born in Porter, N. Y., June 28, 184G, a son of Harry and Annie 
(Belknapp) Lutts; he born in Porter and she in Cambria. The maternal grand- 
father, Timothy Belknapp, lived in Cambria and spent his last daj'S in Ohio. Henry 
Lutts was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools and WiLson Aca- 
demy. He now owns about 300 acres of land and is extensively engaged in peach, 
plum and pear raising, having 1,000 plum trees and 4,000 pears; he is also engaged 
in the nursery business. October 17, 1872, he married Augusta Smithson, daugh- 
ter of Richard Smithson, an early settler of Porter. To Mr. and Mrs. Lutts have 
been born three children: Frank, Grace and Harry, all living. In politics Mr. Lutts 
is a Republican and he enlisted in Co. D, 1st N. Y. Engineers, and served until the 
close of the war, participating among others in the battles of Deep Bottom, Dutch 
Gap and the evacuation of Richmond. 

Lambert John, was born in England, county of Huntingdonshire, village of Era, 
April 15, 1828, and came to the United States in 1848, settling in Lockport, where he 
was engaged in blacksmithing. In 1886 he established the hardware business, 
which he transferred to his son, John F., in 1895. In 1852 he married Anne, daugh- 
ter of Thomas Dunkling. Mr. Lambert is one of the conservative men of Lockport 
and has served as alderman for two terms. 

Lawson, Oliver, one of the enterprising young men of North Tonawauda, is a na- 
tive of Norway and came to America in 1878. He is an expert sail maker and 
joined the United States Hag ship Pensacola, of the South Pacific station, and made 
a round trip with her, being paid off at a New Hampshire port. In 1884 he went to 
Chicago and came to Buffalo in the fall of the same year, where he took a course in 
the College of Commerce, and in 1891 came to North Tonawanda and established 
his present business, that of manufacturer and dealer in tents, awnings, flags, cano- 
pies, decorations, etc. He has a spacious building and employs from four to six 
hands; the quality of the work may be judged by the fact that he supplies Armitage, 
Herschell & Co. with all their canvas good.s. In 1898 Mr. Lawson married Julia 
Daley of Buffalo. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Masonic 
fraternity. 

Leonard, Allen T., M. D., Wheatfield, was born in Niagara county, N. Y., and 
was educated in Lockport and the University of New York, from which he was 
graduated in 1891 ; in that year he established himself in North Tonawanda. He is 
a member of the Odd Fellows, of the Niagara County Medical Society and surgeon 
of the 25th Separate Company. He is also health officer of the village and surgeon 
for the Erie Railway. November 24, 1896, he married Inez M. Bixby. Dr. Leon- 
ard's parents were A. W. and Maria (Crosby) Leonard, both natives of Niagara 
county. 

Swigert, John G., was born in the town of Newfane in 1862, a son of John J. and 
Fredericka Swigert, both natives of Germany. John J. Swigert immigrated to 



'73 

America about 1847, settling in Nevvfane, where he was married and they had ten 
children: Henrietta (deceased), William, resides in Appleton ; George; John G. ; 
Sarah, married; Josiah B. , resides in Appleton; Frank, resides in Appleton; Mary 
and Anna, twins (Mary . is dead, and Anna married Harmon Hilderbrant), and 
Charles. John C. Swigert received his education in the common schools, and en- 
gaged in general merchandise at Appleton in January, 1894, and prior to that ran an 
evaporator and cooper shop, which he still conducts. In ISS.") he married Florence 
Monohan of Newfane, and they have these children ; Nellie, Ida, Mary, Winnie and 
Marjorie. Mr. Swigert is a Free Mason, a member of Somerset Lodge No. 639. He 
is a prosperous and enterprising merchant and is enjoying a good trade. 

Sherwood, A. S. , one of the repre.sentative citizens of Hartland, was born in Con- 
necticut, January 1, 1823, a son of Noah and Ruanah Sherwood, who came to 
Niagara county in the spring of 1835, locating in the town of Somerset. Noah Sher- 
wood was born October 26, 1786; he was a Baptist minister, and as such traveled over 
a great deal of territory on horseback spreading the gospel and enduring the trials 
and hardships which were the common lot of all in an early day ; he died October 8, 
1873. Mrs. Sherwood was born May 81, 1801, and died June 19, 1868. Mr. and Mrs. 
Sherwood were the parents of eight children : A. S. , Elam G., born May 10, 1827; 
Ebenezer J., born May 29, 1831; John, born October 27, 1834; Myron, born July 13, 
1836; James L., born March 13, 1838; Mary E., born July 7, 1839, was killed when a 
little child, and Angeline, born July 7, 1844. Mr. A. S. Sherwood in 1844 bought 
fifty acres of timber land, which he cleared and added twenty acres more and is now 
a prosperous farmer, and although seventy-four years of age, is strong and healthy 
and as spry as most men of forty-five. His brother Ebenezer went to the war. was 
taken prisoner and it is supposed he died in Andersonville prison. In 1847 Mr. Sher- 
wood married Mary Ann Lewis, and they had two sons: Sears, born January 30, 
died December 4, 1864, and William, born March 20, 1855, died January 15, 1872. 
Mrs. Sherwood died April 28, 1888. 

Saddlesom, Ransom, was born in Cambria, N. Y. , December 24, 1835, a son of 
Christopher and Cynthia (Holmes) Saddlesom. The grandfather, Michael Saddle- 
som, came to Cambria, bringing his family just after the close of the war of 1812, 
and taking up about 150 acres of land, which is mostly owned by Ransom Saddle- 
som. Ransom Saddlesom was educated in the common schools and has always 
resided on the homestead farin, making a specialty of grapes. In 1859 he married 
Laura E. Pardee, and they have four children: Loren, farmer at Cambria; Anna 
Bell and Lena Bell, died in infancy, and Sadie E., wife of James (xould of Syracuse, 
N. V. Mr. Saddlesom is a Democrat, but does not aspire to office. 

Schwarm, Adam, jr., was born in Swormville, N. Y. , March 17, 1863, a son of 
Adam and Louisa (Ebeshart) Schwarm, natives of Germany. Adam and Louisa 
Schwarm immigrated to America in 1847 and settled at Swormville, they being the 
pioneer settlers there. He kept a general .store there until 1880, and was a dealer in 
real estate. He and George W. Hoover were the founders of the Erie & Niagara 
County Farmers' Association, of which he was six j-ears treasurer. Adam Schwarm, 
the subject, was educated at Clarence Union School and Bryant & Slratton's Busi- 
ness College, where he taught for a short time and was graduated from there in 1896. 



174 

He commenced bis business career as manager of the lumber mills of C. Fritz, Mar- 
tinsville, and was then nine years with P. Becker & Co., wholesale grocers, as sales- 
man, giving up this position on account of poor health. In 1897 he bought the Col. 
Stephen R. Warren farm of 129 acres in Pendleton, where he carries on general 
farming. June 21, 1888, he married Caroline R., daughter of Col. Stephen R. Warren. 
Colonel Warren was seventeen years cashier in a bank at Troy, and afterwards 
settled on Grand Island and later came to Pendleton and purchased a large tract of 
land, where he died in 1880. 

Shimer, Jacob, was born in the town of Lockport, December 23, 1858. His father, 
William Shimer, came with his parents, Jacob B. and Mary Shimer, from Lehigh 
county. Pa., in 1831, settling near Lockport. He was a public spirited man and sup- 
ported all church and school interests. William Shimer married Nancy Root ; he 
died in 1894. Jacob Shimer was educated in the common schools and in 1880 mar 
ried Matilda L , daughter of Jerry Dunkleberger, and they have four children: Ray 
C. Mason C, Alton W. and Mabel C. Mr. Shimer is one of the progressive men of 
his town, serving as highway commissioner for two years, and takes an active inter- 
est in educational and religious institutions. 

Sutliff, Calvin G., one of Lockport's leading manufacturers and well respected 
citizens, was born in Warren, O., September 14, 1851. After completing his elemen- 
tary education and a thorough college course at the Western Reserve College at 
Hudson, O., he began the study of law and was graduated from the Albany Law 
School in the class of 1880. He then located in Cleveland, O., where he was engaged 
in the practice of his profession until 1884. when he removed to Lockport to accept 
the management of the rolling mills of Westerman & Co. This establishment had 
been founded four years previous by Messrs. Westerman, Fletcher & Co., and was 
succeeded by Westerman, Bruce & Co. in 1884, that firm being succeeded by the 
present firm. This is one of the largest plants of the kind in Western New York 
and they turn out large quantities of bridge iron, horseshoe iron, etc., annually and 
give employment to a large number of workmen. Mr. Sutliff is a man of great busi- 
ness ability and is respected by all who know him. 

Snow, J. B , C. E., was born in Nantucket, Mass., a son of Charles E. and Emily 
J. Snow. Mr. .Snow was educated at Union College, from which he was graduated 
a civil engineer in the class o! 1889. He at once took up the practice of his profes- 
sion and executed sewer plans for Goshen, N. Y., after which he was engaged on 
electric railway work in the East, where he built some tracks; he then spent a year 
in West Superior and came to North Tonawanda in 1892, and in 1893 entered into 
partnership with T. W. Barrally, forming the firm of Barrally & Snow. Mr. Snow 
is city engineer for Tonawanda and is a member of the Engineers' Society of West- 
ern New York. In 1894 he married Ella C. Haiman of Schenectady, and they have 
one daughter, Annetta. 

Stumpf, C. F. , was born in the county of Grey, Canada, a son of John and Mary 
(Shiedel) Stumpf. His father was a native of Germany and his mother of Phila- 
delphia. C. F. Stumpf was educated in the public schools of his native place, and 
has resided in North Tonawanda for six years, where he conducts a high class 
photograph studio, doing outside as well as inside work, and all of the highest 



175 

(lualily. In iy!>4 be married Minnie Parman of 'Ponawanda, and they have one son, 
Dehner. 

Smeaton, J. V., Wheatfield, was born in Fultonville, N. Y., and was engaged in 
the lumber business there prior to coming to Tonawanda in 1889, to enter the firm 
of Calkins & Co., which became an incorporated company in 1894, with Mr. Smeaton 
as secretary and treasurer and resident manager. They are also wholesale dealers 
in lumber and operate an extensive planing mill. They handle about 25,000,000 feet 
of lumber annually and employ from seventy-five to 125 hands. Mr. Smeaton mar- 
ried Jennie Birch, in 1898, and they have one son, Donald. 

Sharpsteen, William, was born in Cayuga county, June 13, 1889, and is a son of 
Joshua M. and Jerusha Sharpsteen, both natives of New York, who came to Niagara 
county and settled at John.son's Creek in 1852. They had thirteen children: John, 
Charles, Joshua, William, Jane, Mary, now Mrs. I. E. Van Orthwick, and the others 
died when young. December 19, 1860, Mr. Sharpsteen married Catherine Phillips, 
and they have three children: Francis E., born January 17, 1865, died March 22, 
1867; Carrie A., born January 24, 1867. now Mrs. Burt Smith; and Willie J., born 
November 8, 1869. Mr. Sharpsteen is engaged in farming and is a breeder of fine 
bred cattle. He is one of the most prosperous farmers in Niagara county. 

Smith, George P., one of the most enterprising men of Niagara county, was born 
in Lockport, June 15, 1842, a son of Hon. Henry P. and Christina (Long) Smith and 
was educated in Genesee College In 1862 he removed to Saginaw Bay, Mich., 
where he has since been interested in the lumber business; in 1874 he returned to 
North Tonawanda, which has since been his home, except an additional nine years 
spent in Saginaw. He has done a great deal for North Tonawanda through his con- 
nection with the Tonawanda Lumber & Saw Mill Company, the Tonawanda Stand- 
ard Light and Power Company, the Standard Gas Company, the Ironton Land 
Company, the United States Water Company, the Niagara Real Estate and Invest- 
ment Company, the North Tonawanda Land Company, and the Tonawanda Street 
Railway Company. In 1884 Mr. Smith married Susan Otterson of Michigan, who 
was born in Woodstock, Ontario, Can. 

Sandstrum, John, a native of Sweden, was born at Onslunda, June 20, 1843, and at 
twelve years of age immigrated to America. He had served his apprenticeship at 
the stone mason's trade in his native town and from 1855 to 1887 he followed that 
trade, traveling through the United States and Canada as a journeyman. In 1887 he 
settled at Niagara Falls, N. Y., where he has ever since remained and has built up a 
large and paying business. In 1867 Mr. Sandstrum married Johanna Mortonson of 
Sweden, and they had eight children, seven of whom survive. 

Coates, E. A., Somerset, was born in Somerset, March 13. 1855, and is a son of 
Thomas P. and Jane Coates. His father came to America in 1882, when the town of 
Somerset was a wilderness. His mother was born in Canada and came to Lewiston 
when a small girl. They were married in Lewiston in 1849 and were blessed with 
four children: Viola A., now Mrs. Taylor, lives in Somerset; E. A. ; Flora, deceased: 
Cora, now Mrs. Ezra Martin, and Walter S. Mr. Coates received his education in 
Somerset, and on June 18, 1881, married Elizabeth Millard, daughter of Dewitt C. 



\y6 

and Angeline (Lounsbury) Millard. They have one son, Carl, born September 19, 
1889. Mr. Coates is a member of the county committee, being elected in 189(5. 
He is the owner of eighteen acres of the finest orchard in Niagara county and 
has traveled for a nursery company for a number of years. They are one of the first 
families of the town of Somerset, and area pleasant and entertaining lady and gen- 
tleman. Mrs. Coates's grandfather, Millard, was a cousin to President Fillmore. 

Coates. Samuel, Somerset, was born in Yorkshire, England, April 25, 1828. He 
came to America in 1831, with his mother, locating on a farm about one mile from 
where he now resides. He received his education in the public schools of Somerset 
and on June 17, 1855, married Martha Powell of Niagara Falls. They had one son, 
Wallace, born Febrnary 4, 1860, who is now married and is managing their large 
farm. He was married December 11, 1883, to Mary C. Morgan, and they have two 
children: Elmer M., born April 6, 1887, and Mabel, born July 22, 1890. Mrs. Sam- 
uel Coates's father died in August, 1849, and her mother August 31, 1865. Mr. 
Coates's father died in England and his mother died February 10, 1857, Mr. Coates 
has twenty acres of apple orchard, 1,200 bearing pear trees, 900 peach trees, 350 
plum trees, and 2,000 currant bushes, all bearing; he is also a large grain grower and 
stock feeder and is one of the most successful farmers in Niagara county. 

Carver, William H., was born in Wilson, N. Y., March 18, 1844, and is a son of 
Lewis R. Carver, born in Seneca county, September 12, 1808, and Sarah A. (Alvers) 
Carver, born in Canada, May 18, 1823, a daughter of Alexanders Alvers, a native of 
France, who came to the United States with Commodore Perry, and spent his last 
days in Wilson, where he is buried in Greenwood Cemetery. Lewis R. Carver came 
to Wilson about 1830, where he died March 24, 1883, and his widow died November 
4, 1894. William H. Carver was reared and educated at Wilson, and followed farm- 
mg until 1862, when he engaged in the meat business for fourteen years, and for the 
last six years has carried on a saloon. He is a Republican and has been constable 
for twenty-two years. In 1862 he enlisted, as private, in the 23d N. Y. Independent 
Battery Light Artillery, under Capt. Ransom. He is a member of Peter A. Porter 
Post No. 129 G. A. R. December 25, 1866, he married Helen Wilcox, born in Wil- 
son in 1846, daughter of George Wilcox, an early settler in Wilson. Mr. and Mrs. 
Carver have four children: Lillian, wife of Sylvester McGinnis of Tonawanda, N. 
Y. ; Harriet, wife of Glen Hosmer of Tonawanda ; Martha (deceased), and Albert H., 
born May 24, 1874, and educated at Wilson Union School. The Carver family is of 
German descent and the grandfather of William H. settled in Genesee county, N. 
Y. , where he lived and died. 

Chapman, David, was born in England, December 2, 1836, a son of Charles and 
Ann Chapman, natives of England. David Chapman was educated in England and 
came to Lewiston, N. Y., in 1855, where he was engaged in farming, which he fol- 
lowed until 1860, when he went to Ransomville and went into a saw mill. In 1887 
he bought a half interest in the WiLson grist mill and after two years went to Bing- 
hamton as electrical engineer for seven years, thence to Wilson where he has since 
been in the grist mill in partnership with Mr. Martin Bush. Mr. Chapman was mar- 
ried in 1859 to Phoebe Fisher of Lancaster, and they have two children, Mary E. 
(wife of George C. Brooks of Binghamton), and Charles J. Mr. Chapman is a mem- 



177 

bcr of the Binghaniton Electrical Association, and the family attend the M. E. 
church. 

Cornell, H. G., was born in Lewiston, September 12, 1864, a son of Hiram B. and 
Isabella (Perry) Cornell. His father was a native of this State and his grandfather, 
Nelson Cornell, came from Massachusetts prior to 1830. H. G. Cornell's first busi- 
ness undertaking was steamboating and he was with the Northwestern Transporta- 
tion Company for three years, then engaged with the Canadian Pacific Railroad for 
nine years as conductor. In 1888 he returned to Lewiston and inaugurated the Cor- 
nell IIou.se which was burned in July, 1895; he immediately rebuilt his fine hotel at 
the Central Depot and overlooking the river. The capacity of the house will soon 
be doubled by a large addition which Mr. Cornell contemplates building. He is 
highly popular not only in Lewiston, but far and near, and his house is the favorite 
resort of tourists and pleasure seekers. He is a Republican in politics, a member of 
the Order of Elks, and was the instigator of the extensive fish planting being done 
in Niagara River. He married Laura Vaughan, and they have three daughters: 
Eveline, Frances and Isabelle. 

Cleveland, Henry T., D. D. S. , owes his success in business to strict economy, in- 
tegrity, courtesy, and close attention to business, all of which goes to make up the 
successful business man. Dr. Cleveland was born in the town of Cambria, Niagara 
county, N. Y., June 16, 1856. After acquirmg a liberal education from the public 
schools, he began the study of a profession that was destined to last for twenty- 
years. He entered the dentist office of Dr. T. F. Dickinson as a student, and after 
two years he took a course at the New York College of Dentistry, after which he 
returned to Lockport and began the practice of his profession. Since 1880 he has 
been pursuing his chosen profession with marked success and enjoys the respect and 
confidence of all who know him. 

Clench, R. J., was born in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and was a son of Ralfe and Cath- 
erme (Daly) Clench; his grandfather, Ralfe Clench, was a soldier in the Revolu- 
tionary war. R. J. Clench has been a photographer in the Twin Cities for a quarter 
of a century; he opened his studio in Tonawanda in 1872, but following the growth 
of the Lumber City northward, in the fall of 1896 he opened a studio in North Tona- 
wanda. He does all kinds of photography and is noted far and near for the excel- 
lence of his work. Mr. Clench married Sophia Tay. He is a member of the Odd 
P^ellows fraternity and enjoys a high reputation as a business man and citizen. 

Curtis, W. J., is a native of Massachusetts, and a son of Charles A. and Mary B. 
(Jackson) Curtis, both of old New England families. Mr. Curtis has been in the 
lumber trade all of his business life ; he was located in Burlington, Vt., until the 
lumber interests began to wane there, when he came to North Tonawanda to take 
charge of the lumber interests at this point for the Export Lumber Co. and 
the Hall & Munson Co. The business of the Export Lumber Company at North 
Tonawanda ranges from sixteen million tc thirty-six million feet per annum, and 
that of the Hall & Munson Co. averages about 200 cars. The trade of this company 
is in mill work and box shooks. Mr. Curtis was married in 1875 to Clara Watts, and 
they have one daughter, Mary. He is a member of the Odd Fellows and the Ma- 
sonic fraternity, and is one of North Tonawanda's enterprising business men. 



178 

Clendenan, C. W., M. D., was born in Lincoln county, Ontario, May 4, 1864. He 
was educated at St. Catherine's High School and Toronto University, from which he 
was graduated in medicine in 1890 ; he is also a licentiate of the College of Physi- 
cians and Surgeons of Ontario. He settled in North Tonawanda in 1891, where he 
has since practiced his profession. Dr. Clendenan is a member of the New York 
State Medical Association and also of the Odd Fellows, Foresters and Knights of 
Pythias. He is also one of the Regent examiners for the State of New York. In 
1889 he married Elgan T. Johnston of Port Hope, Ontario. His parents were 
Daniel and Margaret J. (Glaus) Clendenan, His ancestors were New England 
loyalists. 

Cromley, Charles E,, was born in Fulton, Oswego county, N. Y., March 8, 1860, 
and is a son of James Cromley, who was for years head cutter in a large shoe manu- 
factory at Fulton. Mr. Cromley received his education at the public schools and at 
the age of thirteen began to earn his living by selling newspapers. He studied 
law in the offices of Pardee & Piper of Fulton, and later entered the office of 
Davenport & Tennant, at Richfield Springs; he was admitted to the Sara- 
toga Springs bar in 1880 and practiced law in Fulton imtil 1883, when he came 
to Niagara Falls and entered into partnership with H. C. Tucker, formerly of 
Buffalo. This partnership was dissolved in 1885, and he continued practice alone 
until 1891, when he formed a partnership with S. Z. Lawrence, which was dissolved 
in January, 1896. Since that time he has been in the successful and uninterurpted 
practice of his profession. In 1886 Mr. Cromley was elected police justice of Niag- 
ara Falls, being the first to fill that position. He is an able and brilliant attorney, 
respected and honored by all who know him. 

Cowdrick, William J. S., was born at Belief onte. Pa., November 4, 1804, a son of 
Morris W. Cowdrick, a promment brick manufacturer and contractor. He was edu- 
cated in the public schools of his native town and at seventeen years of age learned 
his father's trade, which he has followed ever since. For two years after serving 
his apprenticeship he traveled through the south domg journeyman work, but re- 
turned to Bellefonte, and re-entered the employ of his father. In 1887 the family 
removed to Johnstown, Pa., where, in company with his father, he established a 
brick works and contracting business which they continued to operate until 1893 ; 
early in 1894 they removed their business to Niagara Falls, N. Y. , where they still 
remain. Since 1894 Mr. Cowdrick has been identified with the erection of many 
large and costly buildings in Niagara county, among them being the Tonawanda 
Iron and Steel works, which was completed in 1896, the machinery of which plant 
was set in motion by the touching of an electric button at Canton, Ohio, by Presi- 
dent McKinley. October 6, 1887, Mr. Cowdrick married Josephine Shrom of Belle- 
fonte, and they have two children, John W. and Mary C. Mr. Cowdrick is presi- 
dent of the Board of Trustees of St. James M. E. church at Niagara Falls. 

Haight, Joshua J., Somerset, was born in Somerset, August 13, 1845, and is a son 
of Stephen and Celia (Humphrey) Haight, both of whom are dead. His grandfather 
came from Cayuga county to Somerset in the spring of 1820, and built the house 
now owned by the subject. Mr. Haight received his earlier education in the public 
schools near his home, finishing in the Lockport Union School, after which he en- 



•79 

gaged in farming which he has since been engaged in and very successfully, being a 
fruit and grain farmer, and also raises stock. November 1, 1871, he married Emily 
Huntington, daughter of Joshua and Rebecca Huntington, and they have six chil- 
dren: Stephen J., born March 30, 1875, married Ruby C, born March 19, 1877, now 
Mrs. Peacock; Fred W., born September 16, 1880; Louis G., born July 25, 1882; 
Roy A., born April 25, 1885, and Rosetta, born October 14, 1887. 

Hungerford, Andrew H., was born in Orleans county, March 20, 1847, and is a 
son of Reuben and Elmira Hungerford, natives of New York, both of whom are 
dead. His father came from Clarkson to Middleport. from there to Orleans county 
and was captain of a packet on the Erie Canal, and died in 1887. His mother died 
May 28. 1883. Mr. Hungerford was married September 30, 1869, to Rosena Bate- 
man, and they had three children: Louis, married January 6, 1897, to Marv Jane 
Decker; George and Nettie. Mrs. Hungerford died February 17, 1885, and March 
23, 1886, Mr. Hungerford married Emma Hill, daughter of George and Manervia 
Hill, residents of Somerset. Mr. Hungerford is a stock buyer and ships stock 
weekly ; he also raises grain and fruit very extensively. He has been a resident of 
Niagara county, all but six years, smce 1869. 

Harwick L., was born in Caledonia, Livingston county, N. Y., June 2, 1820, a son 
of Elias Harwick, who spent most of his days in Livingston county, but died in 
Michigan. L. Harwick was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. 
He first engaged in farming, which he followed for several years, and in 1855 came 
to Ransomville, where he engaged in a general store, deahng in all kinds of ma- 
chinery and agricultural implements, and also owns fifty-five acres of land. He 
married Mary A. S. Roberts, and they had three children: Elwm L., Everett A. and 
Ada M. The sons are in partnership with their father, the firm being known as 
Harwick & Sons. Mr. Harwick is a Republican and has been constable and collec- 
tor. He is a Free Mason, member of Ransomville Lodge No. 551, F. & A. M., and 
has been treasurer of the lodge for about sixteen years. 

Holdridge, George B., was born in the town of Royalton, July 6. 1828. His 
father, Darius Holdridge, was a native of New London, Conn., and came to 
Genesee county in 1819, where he met his wife, Rebecca, daughter of Isaac Bishop. 
They moved into the town of Royalton in 1821, where he was identified as a farmer; 
in 1831 they moved into the village, where he carried on the cooper's trade for eight 
years and then returned to his farm; he died in 1866. George B. Holdridge was ed- 
ucated in the common schools and through life has been a practical and successful 
farmer. In 1867 he married Octavia E., daughter of Daniel R. Smith. Mrs. Hold- 
ridge died July 2, 1872, and in 1880 he married Mrs. Ellen Kingsley, daughter of 
Adam Gastin, and they have one daughter, Mrs. Matie E. Waters. Mr. Holdridge 
has served as supervisor three terms, highway commissioner six years and assessor 
three years; he is recognized as a man of sterling integrity, whose judgment is 
sought and respected by all who know him. 

Holly, Frank W., was born at Seneca Falls, N.Y., February 6, 1852. His parents 
removed to Lockport in 1853, where he attended the public schools. After com- 
pleting his preliminary education he was apprenticed at the machinist trade in the 
Holly Manufacturing Company's plant and after working for a period of three years 



I So 

he was promoted to the position of erecting engineer, then as expert engineer, hav- 
ing charge of all outside work, then as engineer and superintendent until April 1, 
1881), when he was made superintendent of the works, which responsible position he 
now holds. September 20, 1870, he married Miss Gary, daughter of Rev. C. P. 
Clark of Lockport, and an only daughter, Grace C, has been born to them. 

Hill, Henry C, M. D., physician and surgeon, was born at Orwell, Vt., September 
29, 1832. His parents removed to Orleans county, N. Y., in 1837. where he entered 
Yates Academy and received his preliminary education. In 1856 he began the study 
of medicine at the Ann Arbor University and was graduated from that honorable 
seat of learning in the class of 1859. He then returned to Orleans county and be- 
gan the practice of his profession, where he remained until August, 1862, when he 
entered the United States service as assistant surgeon in the 129th N. Y. Vols, and 
served his country in that capacity for three years. At the close of the war he re- 
turned to private practice, locating in Somerset, Niagara county, N. Y., where he 
was engaged in practice for ten years. In 1877 he removed to Lockport, where he 
has since resided. Dr. Hill is a member of the Niagara County Medical Society, 
Royal Arcanum, G. A. R., and the Knights Templar. He was appointed ui.der 
Mayor Darrison as health officer for two years and served also under Mayor At- 
water for a like period. October 13, 1859, he married Julia A., daughter of Allen 
Bacon, and they have one daughter, Mrs. Elmer E. Poole of Buffalo. 

Higgins, D. F., was born in Genesee county, N. Y., August 14, 1858, and removed 
to Erie county with his parents in 1866. In 1887 Mr. Higgins came to North Tona- 
wanda, where he engaged in the hotel business, and in 1892 he became proprietor 
of the Archer House, one of the leading hotels of the county and which he conducts 
in first class style. In August, 1882, he married Margaret Kane and they have one 
son, William. Mr. Higgins's parents were Bernard and Ellen Higgins, who were 
natives of Ireland, but were married in America. Their children were John, Ber- 
nard, Daniel F. , James, Arthur, Leticia, Ellen, Mary, Julia and one daughter who 
died in infancy. Mr. Higgins died at the age of eighty-six and his widow is still liv- 
ing at the age of eighty. 

Hixon, D. A. — The Gardner Foundry and manufactory of plows and farm imple- 
ments was established on South street, its present location, by Leonard Gardner 
about the year 1850, under the name of the City Novelty Works. About 1875 the 
son, Cassius M. Gardner, was admitted to partnership and the business was con- 
ducted under the name of L. Gardner & Son until the death of Leonard Gardner in 
1884, when the name of the business was changed to the Gardner Foundry Company, 
under the management of Cassius M. Gardner until his death in 1886. The business 
was continued under the management of D. A. Hixon, who is also a member of the 
firm of Brown, Hixon & Co., No. 77 Main street, Lockport, N. Y. Since that time 
the Gardner Foundry has run the year round and their productions are varied. 
Their plows and implements are well known in Western New York as well as the 
large line of fine machinery and builders' castings, furnaces, furnace grates, horse 
powers, furnace kettles, etc. 

Hall, Charles M., was born in Geauga county, Ohio, December 6, 1863, and is a 
son of the Rev. Herman B. Hall, a Congregationalist minister of that place, now re- 



i8i 

tired and residing at Oberlin, Ohio. Mr. Hall began his school career at the age of 
nine years, when he attended the public schools at Oberlin, whither his parents had 
removed in 1812 ; later he took a course in Oberlin College, and was graduated 
therefrom in 1885. He was one of the pioneers in the manufacture of aluminum and 
while experimenting in the chemical laboratory at Oberlin College he made impor- 
tant discoveries in connection with this material which resulted in the organization in 
1886, of the Pittsburg Aluminum or Reduction Company, of which he was chosen 
first vice-president, and upon the completion of their big plant at Niagara Falls in 
189o, he was made resident manager, in which capacity he now "serves. 

Burgess, Arthur T., Somerset, was born in England, August 12, 1854, and came 
with his parents to America in 1858, locating in Canada until the spring of 1865, 
when they came to Niagara county. He was first married to Mary Wickham and 
she died in 1888, when he married Flora Decker, March 30, 1892. They have three 
children: Gail, born February 11, 1893; George, born May 11, 1894; and Deloss, born 
December 7, 1895. Mr. Burge.ss's mother is living in Tonawanda; his father died in 
18(59. There were ten children in this family: Catherine, born March 4, 1845; Anna, 
born February 23, 1847; Sarah, born September 23, 1848; Edward, born February 
12, 1850; Frederick J., born Augusc 5, 1851; Mary E., born November 21, 1852; Ar- 
thur T., born August 14, 1854; Walter S , born July 6, 1856, died July 31, 1856; Maria 
C, born August 22, 1857, all born in England; and Alfred S., born July 8, 1860; 
Edith F., born October 15, 1863, were born in Canada, and Lucy T., born in Niagara 
county, March 20, 1865. Mr. Burgess is engaged in fruit growing and stock raising. 

Biggins, Jessie G., was born in Cambria, N. Y., November 14, 1869, a son of Jede- 
diah Biggins, born in Canada, January 1, 1837, and Huldah (Swipk) Biggins, born in 
Tompkins county, February 20, 1849. The grandfather of Jesse G., Jedediah Big- 
gins, was born and died in Canada. Jedediah Biggins, father of Jesse G., has been 
a blacksmith since sixteen years of age and worked at his trade in the army. He 
enlisted August 25, 1862, in the 23d N. Y. Independent Battery and served three 
years, being discharged July 14, 1865. He is a member of the Ransomville Lodge 
No. 551, F. & A. M., and Peter A. Porter Post No. 26, G. A. R. Jesse G. Biggins 
was educated in the common schools and learned the blacksmith trade with his 
father. In 1893 he came to Wilson, and in 1894 bought of Mr. Markel the shop he 
now owns, where he carries on a very successful business. He is a Republican and 
member of the A. F. I. U. of Wilson. February 10, 1891. he married Emma Hayner 
of Wilson, N. Y., and they have three children. Pearl, Harry and Ralph H. 

Bowers, Joseph, was born in Germany, November 11, 1834, a son of Joseph and 
Barbara (Kel.sch) Bowers, natives of German}'. Joseph and Barbara Bowers immi- 
grated to America in 1844, settling in the town of Pendleton, where they purchased 
a farm of fifty acres and there lived until he died in 1887; Mrs. Bowers died in 1885. 
The grandparents, Balser and Madalena Kelsch, were natives of Germany and Mr. 
Kelsch came to America when eighty-five years old, and died aged ninety- seven 
years. Joseph Bowers has always followed farming and came to Cambria in 1876, 
where he bought the Weaver farm of 153 acres and has added to it until now he 
owns 200 acres, doing general farming and fruit growing. In 1856 he married Mary 
F. , daughter of Baker Federspiel, who came to America in 1830. Mr. and Mrs. 



l82 

Bovvers have ten children: Frederick A., Peter N., William J., Barbara, Joseph N., 
Otdla M., Louisa M., Annie L., Mary B. and Edward W. 

Bower John, was born in Germany, March 19, 1839. His father, Joseph Bower, 
came to the United States in 1843, settling near Lockport, where he was identified 
as a farmer and died in 1885. John Bower was educated in the common schools and 
in 1864 married Elizabeth, daughter of Simon Spoet, and they had seven children- 
Nicholas, John, Albert, Barbara, Tevera, Libbie and Louisa. In 1895 Mr. Bower 
bought part of the Terry estate, where he now resides. 

Bixby, Chauncey E., was born in Royalton, June 12, 1838, a son of Pearl Bixby, 
who came from Vermont with his parents in 1802, settling in Canada and came to 
Royalton in 1854. He married Relief Haysington and died in 1883. Chauncey 
Bixby was educated in the common schools and followed farming up to 1893, when 
he purchased the store at Royalton Corners. In 1801 he married Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of Joseph Beebe, and they have two daughters, Minnie and Lena. 

Burke, Michael, one of the representative builders of Niagara count3% was born 
in Ireland, December 18, 1847, a son of Thomas and Margaret (Eagan) Burke, both 
living in Lewiston. He came to America with his parents in 1851, settling in the 
town of Lewiston, and since 1872 Mr. Burke has been a contractor and builder and 
has also been interested in farming and fruit raismg. The builder is the most im- 
portant factor in the growth of the country, for he erects the houses in which we 
dwell and the edifices in which we carry on the business of life, and Mr. Burke has 
done a great deal in this respect in and about Lewiston. He built the residences of 
Messrs. Rumsey, Hopkins, Bedenkapp, also that of Mr. Lawrence Burke, his own 
fine residence, one for his parents and many others here and in Youngstown. He 
has also been prominent in the public life of this part of the county, having been 
trustee of the village several times, and president of the village in 1895-96 ; he was 
also superintendent of the poor for a term. In 1870 he married Sarah Rudland. 

Brighton, Thomas, was born in Ireland, August 9, 1820, a son of William and Jane 
Brighton, who came from Ireland to Youngstown in 1820. Thomas Brighton was 
reared on a farm and educated in the Youngstown schools, and has always followed 
farming. He owned eighty acres and sold out and came to Youngstown village, where 
he engaged in the hotel business, being proprietor of the Ontario House for ten years. 
For some years he has lived a retired-life. In 1881 he married Kate Humphrey of 
Lockport, and they had one daughter, Kate, who died in February, 1894. Mr. 
Brighton has been a lifelong Democrat and voted for Palmer and Buckner. He has 
been president of the village two terms and is one of the oldest settlers in the village 
of Youngstown. 

Beccue, August J., one of Lockport's leading grocers and best citizens, was born 
in the town of Wheatfield, Niagara county, N. Y., August 4, 1858. Mr. Beccue 
spent several years of his life upon a farm and m 1884 removed to Lockport and en-, 
gaged in the grocery and saloon business, which business he has since conducted. 
He is a son of Abraham and Christina (Bolier) Beecue, who came from Germany to 
this country in 1857 and .settled in the town of Wheatfield. April 12, 1883, he mar- 
ried Albetina Wendt, and they have four children : Edwin, Alma, Elizabeth and 
William. 



i83 

Burgess, A. F., Manager for Merriman & Merrinian. — Among the lumbermen of 
North Tonawanda, special attention is made of Mr. A. F. Burgess, both because of 
the large interests he represents in this great lumber center and because of his own 
success. Mr. Burgess is a native of Lindsay, Ontario, Canada, but has been con- 
nected with the lumber business of this country for seventeen years and has been 
manager for Merriman & Merriman since January 20, 1895, on which date they 
opened their office in North Tonawanda. He was an assistant manager for an 
Elmira lumber house before assuming the duties of his present position, and under 
the able management of Mr. Burgess the business of Merriman & Merriman has 
grown to large proportions in North Tonawanda. They handle ten million feet of 
lumber annually in their yards, which has a dock front of 500 feet and a piling capa- 
city for ten million feet of lumber. This handsome business reflects great credit upon 
Mr. Burgess's management of the business, and it has all been built up in two years, 
the business being started new and not succeeding any other concern. The success 
of this enterprise also emphasizes the fact that North Tonawanda's lumber interests 
are still on an ascending plane, and it is pleasing to recognize the success that Mr. 
Burgess has made of this business in the greatest lumber center of the State. 
Messrs. Merriman & ]\Ierriman have their head ofiHce in Williamsport, Pa., and own 
mills and timber lands in the Kushaqua Valley, the sum total of this business being 
very large. In January. 1897, this Hrm became the Merriman Lumber Company, 
comprising W. E. C. Merriman, secretary and treasurer; Howard Lyon, Le Rue 
Munson and A. F. Burgess, manager in North Tonawanda. April 23, 1890, Mr. 
Burgess married Lelia A. Webber, and they have one son, Howard Burgess. 

Broecker, E. W., was born in Wheattield, Niagara county, January 1, 180o, and 
was educated in the district schools. He has been associated with Nice &• Hickey, 
hardware merchants, all his business life and has been manager of their North Ton- 
awanda store for nine years. On March 1, 1896, he opened a bicycle store in North 
Tonawanda, which he still owns. He is a Republican in politics and belongs to what 
may properly be called the younger circle of representative business men of the 
Twin Cities. 

Barrally, T. W., C. E., was born m Nantucket, Mass., a son of Parras W. and 
Sarah M. Barrally. He was educated in Union College and was graduated in the 
class of 1888 with the degree of C. E. He was assistant engineer on the Long 
Island Railroad for a year and a half, and in 1890 went to White Plains, N. Y., as 
engineer on the water works and sewerage. In 1891 he came to North Tonawanda 
and formed a partnership with Mr. Betts, which became Betts, Barrally & Snow and 
finally Barrally 8c Snow in 1893. Mr. Barrally has been city engineer for North 
Tonawanda smce 1891, and the firm stands high in reputation and for excellence of 
work He is also a member of the Engineers' Society of Western New York and a 
member of the Masonic fraternity. He served five years in the 25th Separate Com- 
pany, namely, from July 6, 1892, until July 6, 1897. In 1893 he married Lizzie H. 
Coffin of Nantucket, Mass., and they have two daughters, Ethel and Mabel. 

Batt, Frank, was born in Cheektowaga, Erie county, November 29, 1849. He 
came to Tonawanda in 1868 and was with J. S. Bliss & Co. for some years in the 
lumber business. He was subsequently cashier of the Lumber Exchange Bank for 



one year. In the spring of 1897 he opened an extensive hardware store on Webster 
street, North Tonawanda. Mr. Batt has been and still is prominent m public affairs 
in North Tonawanda. He was village trustee for four years and has been on the 
Board of Water Commissioners since its organization. In 1874 Mr. Batt married 
Roxanna Stark, and they have a family of thirteen children, five sons and eight 
daughters. Mr. Batt's parents were John and Catherine (Ackart) Batt, both natives 
of Alsace, Germany. His grandfather, Joseph Batt, came to America in 1836. 

Briggs, F. C. H. , Wheatfield, was born near Stamford, Ontario, February 15, 
1874, and was educated in the Hamilton Collegiate Institute, the Royal College of 
Dental Surgery, Toronto, and the Chicago College of Dental Surgery, from which 
he was graduated in 1893. He went to Buffalo in 1895 and settled in North Tona- 
wanda in November, 1895. Dr. Briggs's parents were Addison and Jane Briggs, 
the former a native of England, the latter of Canada. 

Bowen, Edward P., was born at Buffalo, N.Y., January 20, 1848, a son of the late 
Dennis Bowen, who was prominent in legal circles in that city. He was educated 
under private tutors and at the age of "twenty three removed to Niagara county, 
where he purchased a farm of 100 acres of fertile land bordering on and extending a 
mile inland from the Niagara River and built a handsome and impo.sing residence 
on a point commanding a fine view of the river, the islands, and Canada beyond. 
He has devoted almost his entire time to the culture of fine grafted fruits and has 
been eminently successful. In November, 1869, he married Annie Walbridge, a 
daughter of George B. Walbridge of Buffalo, and they have had six children, four 
sons and two daughters, Mr. Bowen is a man of sterling worth and is highly 
respected and esteemed by all. 

Burns, W. I., M. D., Wheatfield, was born in Niagara county, January 24, 1855, 
and was educated in the Lockport Union School and the University of Vermont, 
from which he was graduated in 1896. He followed agricultural pursuits for some 
time previous to taking his college course. He settled in North Tonawanda in the 
fall of 1896. In 1880 Dr. Burns married Minnie Root, and they have three children: 
Marian, Lucien and Thomas. Dr. Burns's parents were Samuel and Abigail 
(Hubbard) Burns. His mother's father built the first bridge to Goat Island and was 
a carpenter at the Falls along in the twenties and thirties. His mother's grand- 
father came from Vermont and settled in Lewiston in the early part of the century. 
Dr. Burns's paternal grandfather was a soldier in the Revolution. He was pressed 
into the British service, but deserted and joined General Gates at Saratoga. He 
then went South and fought under Anthony Wayne and was wounded at the battle 
of the Brandywine. 

Bliss, J. S., Wheatfield, is a native of New York State, but removed to Massa- 
chusetts with his parents when twelve yeare of age. At the age of fourteen he ran 
away, went to New Bedford and shipped on a whaler, sailing all over the Indian, 
Pacific, Arctic, Atlantic and Southern Oceans, and visited Australia, New Zealand, 
the Cape Verde Islands, Cape Town and different points on the African coast, Fiji 
Isles, Friendly Isles, Sandwich Isles, Japan, the East Indies, Alaska, the Sea of 
Okotsk and other notable places of the earth. After four years he landed in New 
York with S6 and no clothes, and being too proud spirited to return home, he 



185 

shipped again, going to Jacksonville, Fla., and Havana, Cuba. Cf)ntinuing on he 
went to Porto Rico and up to Portland, Maine, where he shipped with a captain 
on condition of a permanent position and finally returned home just before the 
breaking out of the war. He enlisted in 1862 in Co. H, 3d Massachusetts Vols., and 
served in the 18th Army Corps under General Foster and was nine months in the 
field in North Carolina; he re-enlisted in December, 1864, and was hono'rably dis- 
charged in 1865. After the war Mr. Bliss engaged in farming in Massachusetts until 
1872, when he came to Buffalo and went to work for Pierce & Co. In 1874 he came 
l<> North Tonawanda, and embarked in the saw log and shingle business, in which 
he continued until 1894. He lived in Buffalo from 1890 until 1894, being president 
of the Union Bank during that time. In 1894 he became president of the Lumber 
Exchange Bank of North Tonawanda, which office he still holds. Mr. Bliss married 
Nancy E. (ioff. His ancestors came to Massachusetts in 1630. 

Ostwald, William, was born in Germany, Octobers, 1864, and landed in America 
in the spring of 1870, after a voyage begun in the latter part of 1869. His parents, 
who brought him to America, settled in St. Johnsburg, Niagara county, and he was 
reared on a farm in Wheatfield. Mr. Ostwald has been a carpenter since he was ten 
years of age, and eight years ago embarked in business as a contractor and builder. 
The growth and development of any community can always be accurately estimated 
by the building interests, and upon the contractor the value and permanence of a 
city's edifices depend ; the builder is, therefore, a most important factor in every 
community and his work is inseparably interwoven into the history of the place. In 
the case of Mr. Ostwald this is peculiarly true, for he has built two churches in 
Gratwick, one of them St. Paul's German Lutheran church; a school house in 
Wheatfield, and is building the Parochial School at St. Johnsburg for the German 
Lutheran church, besides many substantial residences and mercantile buildings. 
His honorable business methods and upright dealings are also as well known as his 
ability and success as a builder. Mr. Ostwald is well known in both social and 
public life; he is a member and trustee of the German Lutheran church of Gratwick 
and also a member of the Y. M. C. A. ; in the spring of 1897 he was elected a trustee 
of the village. In 1886 he married Augusta Stange, and they have a family of 
seven children: William, Walter, Arthur, Minnie, Freda, Martha and Amanda. 

Whitlam, John, Somerset, was born in England in 1831, and is a son of William 
and Margaret Whitlam, both of whom died in England. He came to America in 
18.')2, settling in Somerset, where he resided for about ten years, and then bought the 
fami where he now resides. He was married November 9, 1854, to Emma Bur- 
lel, daughter of Mrs. John Kellam, who is now living in Lyon City, Iowa. Mr. and 
Mrs. Whitlam had three children: Albert, who died when eighteen months old; 
Emma, who died at nine months old, and Lennie, who married William Murdock 
on November 20, 1895, and now resides in Yates, Orleans county. Mrs. Whitlam 
died April 25, 1893, and on January 22, 1896, he married Ambra Thomas, daughter 
of Orman John Hazelton and Phebe Hazelton, both of whtmi are dead. Mrs. Whit- 
lam was educated in Waukesha, Wis., where they resided about nine years. Mr. 
Whitlam is a member of Somer.set Lodge, F. & A. M., and is a strong believer in 
the order. 



1 86 

Oelkers, J. E., was born in Germany, February 8, 1851, and came to America in 1870. 
He traveled over the country for a year before selecting a permanent place of resi- 
dence, and in 1871 came to North Tonawanda and decided to make it his permanent 
residence. The same year he began his business life as a clerk in the grocery estab- 
lishment of F. Sommer, and after a clerkship of three years he embarked in the gro- 
cery business for himself and has conducted it up to the present time with great 
success, building up an establishment equal to any in the country. Not only on ac- 
count of his honorable business record, but also because of his able public services, it 
is but just to say that the history of Tonawanda could not be fairly written without 
making special mention of Mr. Oelkers, for in the line of his successful business ope- 
rations he has done much to develop the place and he has given considerable of his 
valuable time to pubUc affairs. He has long been connected with the Savings Asso- 
ciation ; was one of the organizers of the German American Bank and was its vice- 
president from the time of its organization until March, 1897, when he became 
cashier, undoubtedly re-establishing the bank in its former excellent standing, his 
name alone restoring public confidence; he is also vice-president of the Niagara 
Cider & Vinegar Company, and also conducts the leading grocery busmess of the 
Twin Cities. As a public man Mr. Oelkers has been trustee of the village of North 
Tonawanda, also its treasurer and president for two years. He served in the Fire 
Department for ten years, and was one of the organizers of the first fire company. 
Although Mr, Oelkers has accomplished much more than is attained during the 
whole life of the average business man, he is still but in his prime and is therefore 
justly rated as one of the leading business men of this county. He is also well 
known in social circles and is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the D. 
O. H., a German society. In 1871 he married Margaret Dodenhoff, who died in. 
1883, and on February 8, 1883, he married for his second wife, Ella Sommer, and 
they have a family of five children: Carl, Hedwig, Eveline, Dorothea and Elsie. 

Krull, William C, was born at Martinsville, May 10, 1864, a son of William and 
Wilhelmina Krull. He was educated in the German school and when sixteen years 
of age began his business career as a clerk for J. E. Oelkers and remained with him 
for five years. He then spent four years in the shoe business in North Tonawanda, 
but sold out in October, 1891, and came to St. Johnsburg, where he conducts a gen- 
eral store and is an enterprising and successful business man. February 15, 1894, 
he was appointed postmaster at St. Johnsburg, which office he stills retains. Octo- 
ber 24, 1889, Mr. Krull married Ernestina Schultz and they have four children ; Elsie, 
Annie, Gertrude and William. 

Heim, Mrs. Eva E., wife of the late Peter G. Heim, was born in Baden, Heidel- 
berg, April 23, 1835. Mr. Heim was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, February 1, 1828. 
and came to America in 1855. They were married January 1, 1856, at Suspension 
Bridge, and had a family of seven children, namely, George Adam; Mrs. Warner, of 
Buffalo; Emelia Urban (deceased); Maggie A., wife of Ernest Frank; Mary A., wife 
of Uriah Straight; Lizzie, married Fred Weinheimer; Eva, married Charles Har- 
mon. Mr. Heim was a prominent man in Wheatfield and was commissioner three 
years and supervisor six years. He was trustee of the Lutheran church in Shawnee 
and one of the committee that organized and built it. He was a firm Democrat in 
politics. He died April 17, 1889. Mrs. Heim has several grandchildren. The chil- 



18/ 

dren of Mrs. Weinheimer are Charles, Fred aud Raymond; of Mrs. Frank, Robert; 
and of Mrs. Warner, Clara and Agnes. Mrs. Heim owns a fine farm and is a most 
estimable lady. 

Compton, James, was born in the town of Royalton September 16, 1846. His father, 
James Compton, was a native of Newark, N.J. aud with his parents, Samuel and Mary 
Complon, moved to the town of Ovid, Seneca county, N. Y. He married Caroline, 
daughter of Abijah Bailey, and they moved to Niagara county in 1839, where he 
was identified as a farmer and died in 1881. He was one of the conservative men 
of his town, of sterling integrity, whose judgment was sought and respected by all 
who knew him. James Compton, the subject of this sketch, is one of the leading 
business men of Niagara county, serving as county clerk in 1893, 1894 and 1895, and 
being the only Republican on the county ticket elected that year. Mr. Carson, 
Republican candidate for overseer of the poor, who was first counted as defeated, 
was afterwards declared elected, and his election was contested by his opponent, 
but Mr. Carson held the office until the end of his term, notwithstanding such 
contest in the courts. He has done as much, or more, to build up his town than any 
other one of its citizens. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. D, 129th Regiment, which was 
afterwards made into the 8th Heavy Artillery, and was wounded at Cold Harbor, 
a shot passing through his right lung and left leg. The battle occurred June 3, 1864. 
After falling on the battle field, within about eighty feet of the enemy's breastworks 
he was shot at by a sharp-shooter, the ball striking the center of a Testament in 
his pocket, thereby saving his life. The book was found in his pocket by the ladies of 
the Christian Commission, at the Hospital at White House Landing. The circum- 
stance became the subject of much newspaper comment. His recovery was owing 
largely to his indomitable will power and fine constitution. As soon as possible after 
his recovery, he began his active business career which he still continues. He mar- 
ried Miss Minnie L. Mather, daughter of James P. and Sarah (Houghton) Mather, 
of Marlborough, Vermont. Mr. and Mrs. Compton had four children, two deceased; 
Lester and Satie. Those living are Bruce H. and Lizzie C. In politics he is a 
staunch Republican, and for years has been recognized as among the leaders of the 
party in the county and this portion of the State. 

Dickinson, James A., was born in the town of Newfane in 1843, a son of Hosea 
and Johanna (Lindsay) Dickinson. His father was raised in Eastern New York and 
came to Niagara county in a very early day, locating in Newfane, where he bought 
a farm and died in 1848. His mother was born in Cayuga county in 1821 and came 
to Niagara county with her parents in a very early day. His grandmother was born 
on shipboard just outside of New York; she was of Scotch ancestry. Mr. Dickin- 
son's mother died in 1888; there were three children in this family: (ieorge (de- 
ceased), born in 1837, and died in 1861; James A. and Adelaide (twin^). His sister 
married S. S. Wilson of Appleton. James A. Dickinson recieved his education in 
the public schools of his county and after finishing his schooling engaged in farm- 
ing. August 4, 1864, he married Harriet J. Branch, a daughter of Jefferson and 
Sarah (Meader) Branch. Mrs. Dickinson was born June 15, 1846, and came with 
her parents to Niagara county, first locating in Cambria, where they remained for 
about two years, then came to Newfane, and located permanently. Her father died 
in 1872 and her mother in 1876. There were nine children in this family: James 



Branch, who resides on Hess road; Viola C, died July "27, 1896; Harden, died in 
August, 1895; Julia, died in May, 1852; William D., resides in Newfane; Clarissa A. 
resides in Lockport; Calvin D., resides in Tonawanda; Andrew J., resides in New- 
fane, and Mrs. Dickinson. Mr. and Mrs. Dickinson have one son, Jay, who was 
born in 1867; he married Mary J. Frost, and they have three children; Clara, Ray- 
mond and Dorathy. Mr. and Mrs. Dickinson spent the wmter of 1896-97 in Cali- 
fornia; he is engaged in fruit and grain growing and is a successful farmer, his 
farms in the county comprising about 180 acres. In politics he is a Democrat. 

Ferguson, Fred H., was born in the town of Newfane March 25, 1852, a son of 
Hiram and Lucretia Ferguson. His father was born in Vermont, November 11, 1811, 
and came to the town of Newfane in 1822, he being the only man at the time of his 
death who held an original deed of land in Newfane, from the Holland Prrchase. The 
deed was given January 30, 1838, and is now in the hands of our subject, who owns the 
homestead at Appleton. When his father bought this farm there had not been a 
stick cut on it and by frugal industry he cleared the farm and hewed a home oiit of 
the wilderness. His mother, Lucretia (Woodward) Ferguson, was bora in Phelps, 
Ontario county, November 29, 1815, and came to Niagara county in 1831 ; she was 
married in 1833, and had six children: A. M., resides in Lockport; D. M., in 
Osage, la.; Mrs. M. J. Goodspeed, in Waveiiy, la.; N. P., in Nashua, la.; F. H., 
and Mrs. A. F. Outwater, in Rochester. Hiram Ferguson died in February, 1890, 
and his widow in 1896. F. H. Ferguson received his early education in the schools 
of his town and finished at Lockport Union School, after which he engaged in farm- 
ing. In 1884 he engaged with E. P. Haynes in the produce and commission busi- 
ness at Appleton and they continued together for two years, when Mr. Haines re- 
tired from the firm, and since then Mr. Ferguson has conducted the business alone. 
He is one of the largest dealers in the county and has handled nearly 60,000 barrels 
of apples and pears during the past season ; he also handles grain and agricultural 
implements. In 1879 Mr. Ferguson married Bertha E. Maxwell of Newfane, and 
they had four children : Fannie, born May 17, 1880; Effie, born in July, 1883; Floss E., 
born in July, 1884, and A. Maxwell, born in 1887. Mrs. Ferguson died in Novem- 
ber, 1894, aged thirty-nine years. She was a Christian lady and with her family 
was a member of the Baptist church. Mr. Ferguson is a Republican and served as 
p</stmaster at Hess Road (now Appleton) under President Grant and President Har- 
rison. He is also a Mason, being a member of Somerset Lodge No. 281, F. & A. M., 
of Somerset. 

Rosebrook, Herman, Wheatfield. was born in Hanover, Germany, February 7. 
1851, and came to America in 1868. He followed railroading for some time and was 
conductor on the New York Central for three years. He was the first yardmaster at 
North Tonawanda and one of the first at Black Rock. In 1876 he engaged in farm 
ing in the town of Wheatfield, which is still his occupation. He married Annie 
Rosebrook, and their children are Frederick, William, Herman, Albert, Edwin, and" 
Matilda and Paul, who died in April, 1897. Mr. Rosebrook isoneof the leading men in 
the town and city. He was collector for Wheatfield in 1893 and has been trustee of 
North Tonawanda for two years; he was nominated by the Democratic party for 
president of the village in the spring of 1897. April 13, 1897, he was elected super- 



I §9 

visor of the town of Whealtiekl on the Democratic ticket. Mr. Rosebrook and his 
family are members of the (German Lutheran cliurch of North Tonawanda. 

Morgan, John C, was born at Fairview, Erie county, Pa., August 8, 1855, and re- 
ceived his education in the public schools of his native town and for a short time at- 
tended a business college in Michigan. At the age of twenty-three he entered into 
a partnership with IT. F. Watson, a paper manufacturer at Erie, Pa. At the end of 
three years he removed to Battle Creek, Mich., where he erected a paper mill and 
continued in business until 1889, when he sold out to the American Strawboard 
Company of Chicago, remaining with them under contract for two years as assistant 
general manager of their twenty-eight paper mills In March, 1892, Mr. Morgan re- 
moved to Niagara Falls, N.Y., and commenced the construction of the plant of the 
Niagara Falls Paper Company, of which company he is secretary and general man- 
ager. The mill was completed in May, 1893, and run by steam power until January, 
1894. Upon the completion of the big plant and tunnel of the Niagara Falls Power 
Company the works of the paper mill were operated by that power. Mr. Morgan is 
a man of sterling worth, of liberal education and of wide experience and influence, 
and is highly honored and esteemed by all. He is a director of the Electric City 
Hank of Niagara Falls and is otherwise identified with the business interests of the 
city. December 22, 1881, Mr. Morgan married Hattie, daughter of George Dewey, 
of Ashtabula, ()., and they have one daughter, Gladys. 

Hays, Otis B., was born in the town of Somerset, February (i, 1835, a son of James 
and Olivia (Brown) Hays. Olivia Brown Hays was born January 4, 1803, in Hadley, 
Massachusetts, and came with her parents, Otis and Lydia Brown, to Somerset. 
James Hays was born in 1800 in Pennsylvania, and came to Somerset about 1824, 
and married in 182(5, settling on the farm now owned by George Higgs, and where 
OtisB. Hays was born. There were eleven children in this family : James (deceased), 
died in 1896; Lemuel, resides in Somerset; Lydia Ann, widow of Amos P. Kelsey. 
resides in Michigan; Albert, resides in North Hartland; Edwin (deceased), killed 
in September, 189(5. by being thrown from a wagon; Otis B. ; Sidney, killed at Sail- 
or's Creek, April 6, 18(55; he was in the 151st Regt. N. Y. Vols.. Co. K. ; Aurelia, 
married John Garbutt; Martha, died in 1870; Emma, Mrs. Andrew Armstrong; 
Alice, died about about 1884 at Sheldon, Iowa. Mr. James Hays died April 28, 1863, 
and his widow is living at this date, aged ninety-four, and resides with her daughter, 
Mrs. Armstrong, Mr. Otis B. Hays enlisted in Co. H, 49th N. Y. Vol. Infantry, in 
.September, 18(51 ; after being furnished with equipments, the regiment went to 
Washington, where they remained one night and then crossed over into Virginia. 
On February 24, 18(51, Mr. Hays was made second lieutenant, and October 18, 18(54, 
Major A. W. Brazee's term having expired, Mr. Hays took command of the Provost 
Guard, 2d Division, 6th Corps, and was staff officer of Gen. George W. Getta, com- 
manding division. The regiment remained in service until June 27, 1865, when it was 
mustered out; they took part in about forty battles including the following: Gettys- 
burg, Wilderness, Petersliurg. Cold Harbor, Fredericksburg. Antietam, Cedar 
Creek, Siege of Yorktown, and the defense of Washington. March 22, 1869,Mr. Havs 
married Grace M., daughter of Jonathan and Martha (Wood) Fuller, born in Massa- 
chusetts. Mr. Fuller was born in 1800, and Mrs. Fuller in 1805. They were mar- 
ried in 1830, and came immediately to Saratoga county, where he engaged in a 



190 

woolen factory. He died in 1871, and his wife in 1869. There were eight children 
in this family: Lydia Ann, died in 1854; Emeline Coolidge, died in 1867; Thomas 
Scott, resides in Gansevoort, Saratoga county, enlisted in 1862 in 77th N. Y. 
Vol. Infantry and was mustered out in July, 1865; he was wounded and taken 
prisoner at the battle of the Wilderness, and was confined in Andersonville prison 
for six months, when he was discharged; Helen Sophia, died in 1852; John Henry 
(deceased); David Addison (deceased) and Grace Maria, Mrs. O. B. Hays. Mr. and 
Mrs. Hays have five children living: Norman Samuel, born October 30, 1870, mar- 
ried to Miss Florence A. Brownson, and resides at Middleport, is proprietor of 
the Crayon Portrait Co. ; John Garbutt, born December 22, 1873, died March 6, 1874; 
Marian Aurelia, born July 6,1876; Charles Otis, born November 6, 1877; Ella Watts, 
born March 17, 1882 ; Leslie Scott, born April 4, 1884, and Ralph Stanley, born Jan- 
uary 19. 1891, died September 1, 1891. Mr. Hays is a member of C. L. Skeels Post 
No. 349, G. A. R. of Hartland, and has filled all the positions of the post. Mrs. 
Hays, two daughters, and one son, Charles, are members of the Methodist Episcopal 
church at Hartland, and Marion. Charles and Mrs. Hays are members of the Christian 
Endeavor. Norman and wife are members of the Presbyterian church, and now re- 
side at Jamestown, N. Y. 

Gardner, Hon. Hiram, was born in Dutchess county, N. Y., January 8, 1800. As 
a young man he began the study of law in the Rensselaerville(N. Y.) Academy, later 
in New York city, and was admitted to the New York State bar in 1822, then came 
to Lockport and practiced his chosen profession, being called to Mil the position of 
county judge of Niagara county. He married Sarah A., daughter of Asahel 
vScovell, of Orwell, Vt. Returning to Lockport, he resumed the duties of his large 
practice and was afterwards elected to the Assembly and served a term as canal 
commissioner of the State of New York. He was afterward re-elected to the office 
of judge of Niagara county, resigning that office in January,. 1874. Mr. Gardner 
was one of Lockport's representative citizens, a man who through life ever ad- 
vanced the best interests of his fellow men. At his death, March 13, 1874, all bu.si 
ness places were closed, an honor which has occurred but twice m the history of the 
city. Of him it may well be written "An honest man is the noblest work of God." 

Clifford, Martin, junior member of the lumber firm of James Clifford, jr., & Broth- 
er, IS a native of Lockport, was born December 27, 1854, and has always resided in 
the city of his birth. After attending the public schools he was variously employed 
until 1888. when he engaged in the manufacture of shingles at Gasport, Niagara 
county, in which he was very successful for six years. In 1894 he formed a copart- 
nership with his brother, James Clifford, jr., and they now own and operate one 
of the leading lumber industries in this section of the country. Mr. Clifford is a sou 
of James and Margaret (Carney) Clifford, who came to this country from the north 
of Ireland in 1832 and settled in Niagara county, N. Y. Mr. Clifford has always 
been identified with the Democratic party and in 1887-88 represented the Fourth 
ward of Lockport as its alderman. He is an honored and respected citizen. Mr. 
Clifford married Mary J. Flynn June 19, 1893, and they have three children, Martin 
J., Lorretto and Louis C. 

Clifford, James, jr.— Among the native born residents of Lockport, who have spent 



191 

their lives in the city of their birth, and who have always been active in the affairs 
of the city, may be mentioned Mr. James Clifford, jr., who was born August 30, 
184(5, and whose first schooling was obtained from the public schotjls of that city. 
The first position Mr. Clifford ever held was that of lumber salesman, with Mr. Rob- 
ert James, in who.se employ he remained for five j'ears, when he entered the employ 
of P. M. Ranney, who was also in the lumber business. In 1883 he formed a 
copartnership with Mr. S. B. White, under the firm name of White & Clifford, deal- 
ers in timber, shingles, etc., and was succeeded by James Clifford, jr., <fe Bro. in 
1894, which is now one of the largest lumber firms in Niagara county. Mr. Clifford 
has always been identified with the Democratic party and was one year chief of 
police, two years on the Board of Alderman and three years water commissioner, 
and is now on the special water committee. He has been for many years a member 
of the Fire Department of Lockport, and is now on the exempt list and a member 
of the Exempt Firemen's Association. He is a son of James and Margaret (Car- 
ney) Clifford, who came to this country from Ireland in 1832. Mr. Clifford was mar- 
ried to Mary A. Smith of the town of Royalton, Niagara, county, May 28, 1874, 
and they have four children: Anna J., Margaret E., James E., and John F. 

Daniels, Willard, J., was a native of Whiting, Addison county, Vt., and was 
born May 21, 1813. He as a 3'oung man settled at Toledo, Ohio, at the age of 
eighteen, where he was actively engaged in the real estate business, afterwards 
coming to Lockport in the fall of 1853 and continuing in the same business. In 1838 
he married first, Caroline Walbridge; they had four daughters, all of whom are still 
living. Mrs. Daniels died in the fall of 1849. December 31, 1855, he married 
Isadore E., daughter of Otis Ransom Hopkins of Clarence, Erie county, N. Y. 
Mr. Daniels was one of Lockport's conservative business men, taking an active in- 
terest in the development of his city and ever ready to aid the best interests of relig- 
ious and educational institutions. At the time of his death he was probably the 
largest property owner in Toledo. His death occurred November 20, 1877, 
and was a loss not only to his family, but to all who knew him. Politically Mr. 
Daniels was a Democrat. His brothers, W. P. and S. Rollin, were also actively 
identified in the development of the city of Lockport, where S. Rollin Daniels set- 
tled in 1825. 

Moore William K, was born in (Jrimsby, Upper Canada. February 22, 1821. His 
father (Pearce Moore) and mother were natives of Hunterdon county, N. J. He 
married Orpha, daughter of Jonathan Wolverton, both families being among the 
pioneers of New Jersey. Pearce Moore and his family moved into Canada in 1800. 
He was a hatter by trade and died in 1831. In 1837 his widow with her family came 
to Lockport, where William K. was educated. He erected the Pine street flouring 
mill in 18(50, which he carried on until 1887; it is now occupied by the Lockport 
Water Works. In 1843 he married Sabrina Glass, who died in 1871, leaving four 
daughters, once since deceased. Mr. Moore is one of the conservative men of his 
town, and has ever received and merited the respect of his associates. In politics 
he has always been a Republican. 

Buck, Champlin Fletcher, M. D. — This eminent physician and surgeon was born 
in Lockport, Niagara county, N. Y., October 3, 1861. The foundation of his educa- 



192 

tion was laid in the public schools, supplemented bj- a thorough course at the De 
Veaux College in 1879. He began the study of medicine at the New York Homeo- 
pathic Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1885 with the degree of M. 
D. He then spent one j^ear at Ward's Island Hospital, after which he removed to 
Buffalo and began the jaractice of his profession. In June, 1893, he removed to 
Lockport, where he has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. He is 
a member of the Homeopathic Medical Society of Western New York, the Lockport 
Wheelmen, of Red Jacket Lodge, No. 64fi, F. and A. M., and the Country Club. 
June 15, 1896, Dr. Buck was appointed city physician and health officer. Dr. Buck 
has a collection of some very rare implements of war, which he has displayed in his 
office, some of which is very valuable. Among the most noted ones, and one that is 
most prized by him, is an old English shot gun, which is six feet eleven and a half 
inches in length. There are others from the interior of Africa and the most remote 
parts of Asia, all of which are very interesting to see. 

Bradley, Artemas A., is one of the leading attorneys of the Niagara county bar. 
He was born in the town of Lockport, Niagara county, N. Y. , March 29, 1857, a son 
of Alanson and Nancy (Carlton) Bradley. He was educated at the public schools 
and the Lf)ckport Union School, from which he was graduated in 1879. In Septem- 
ber of that year he entered the law office of Joshua Gaskill as a student, where he 
remained until he was admitted to the bar Januarj' 12, 1883. He immediately began 
the practice of his profes.sion in the city of Lockport and in 1890 formed a copartner- 
ship with Hon. John A. Merritt, which firm has since conducted a large and growing 
business in the general practice of the law. July 9, 1885, he married Mattie E. Vicary 
of Lockport, and they have one son, Harold. Mr. Bradley has always taken an 
active interest in municipal affairs. In politics he is a Republican, and is widely 
known as a fiuent and forcible campaign speaker. He has been active in the Y. 
M. C. A. Association, is interested in the educational institutions of the city, and is at 
present a member of the Board of Education. He and his wife are members of the 
Baptist church. 

Richardson, H. Gardiner. — Among the younger members of the Niagara county 
bar, none are more prominent than H. G. Richard.son. He is a native of Lockport 
and has spent his entire life in the citv of his birth and was educated in the public 
schools of that city, graduating from the Union School with high honors in 1890. He 
at this date determined to study law and accordingly entered the office of Joshua 
(ia.skill as a student, and in 1893 was admitted to the bar. Mr. Richardson has al- 
ways been identified with the Republican party and in the spring of 1897 was elected 
justice of the peace. Although he is comparatively a young man, he has the respect 
and confidence of his fellow townsmen and has before him, apparently, many years 
in which to develop the prosperous career he has started upon. He married, June 
4, 1895, Miss Maud Durston, daughter of Charles F. Durston of Auburn, N. Y. They 
have two sons. Mr. Richardson is a member of the East Avenue Congregational 
church, Lockport. 

Matthews, Richard, was born in Wiltshire, England, May 17, 1823, a son of 
Thomas and Priscilla Matthews. Mr. Matthews married in England, Eliza Shipp, 
June 4, 1854, and they immigrated to America in 1857, settling in Eagle Harbor, 



"93 

where they remained seven years, and then removed to Olcott, where he was ap- 
pointed Hghthouse keeper in 1873. The lighthouse is a pyramidal wooden tower, 
square in plan with an elevated walk connecting the tower with the shore; they use 
the sixth order Hams round wick mineral lamp, which can be seen at a distance of 
eleven miles. Mr. and Mrs. Matthews have five children, two of whom Were born 
in England: Eliza J, born July 6. 1855, a widow of Eugene Stout, and has two 
children, vSeymourand Seba; Richard vS., Viorn February 11, 1857, married Ella May; 
William T.. born August 25, 1858, resides in Rochester and married Cora Barron; 
(.ieorge H., born October 12, 1861, married and lives at Topeka, Kan., and Lora M., 
born July 4,1868, now Mrs. William S. Parsons of Montrose, Col. Mr. Matthews 
and his wife are members of the Methodist Wesleyan church of Olcott, of which the 
former is a trustee. 

Evans, Edward, was born in Haldimand county, Ontario, Canada, September 14, 
1880. At the age of sixteen he went upon the lakes and continued his connection 
with them in the timber business for many years. He has transported as much as 
200,()0n,0()<) feet of timber from the northwest for eastern markets. He has done a 
great deal to develop and build up North Tonawanda, and is a large owner of real 
estate in the corporation. He was instrumental in opening the first bank in Tona- 
wanda, the banking house of Evans, Killma.ster & Co., in 1872, which became a de- 
pository of State funds and which was succeeded in 1877 by the house of Evans, 
Schwinger & Co. In 1883 he was one of the organizers of the State Bank. Three 
years later Mr. Evans organized and became president of the Lumber Exchange 
Bank. But it is as a political reformer that Mr. Evans has achieved the broadest and 
perhaps the most enduring fame. In the early '50's, while yet in Canada, he es- 
poused the cause of William Lyon McKenzie, and his early advocacy of the princi- 
ples of that great reformer evinced his political sagacity, for the Reform party is to- 
day in power in Canada. In 1887 the National Reform party held its first conference 
in Buffalo. Conferences have been held since in Syracuse, Chicago, St. Louis and 
I'ittsburg (its headquarters being now in the latter place) and Mr. Evans has been 
prominent both in its counsels and its offices since its first conference in 1887. It is 
his unfaltering belief that this party is destined to become great, because of its aims 
and principles which are certain to attract all fair-minded, intelligent men, when they 
become familiar with them. In 1884 Mr. Evans was nominated for Congress on the 
Prohibition ticket, and ran ahead of the rest of the Prohibition candidates in the 
United States. The folio sving year he was nominated for secretary of state by the 
Prohibition party, and ran ahead of his ticket. Mr. Evans was formerly chairman 
and is now first vice-president of the National Reform Party, of which Prof. William 
J. Seeley, of Wooster, Ohio, University, is chairman, and it is not saying too much 
of him to assert that he is capable of filling any office with ability and distinction. 
December 29, 1851, Mr. Evans married Nancy Campbell Bissette, of Trafalgar, Ontario, 
Canada, and they have six children living, four .sons and two daughters, and four de- 
ceased. Mr. Evans and his family are connected with the First Christian church of 
North Tonawanda. 

Stocum, Hector M., Wheatfield, was born at Hurd's Corners, Yates county, N.Y., De- 
cember 13. 1835. When he was three months old his parents removed to Elmira. 
N. Y. , and in 1852, he removed to New York city, where he lived until 1857, when he 



•94 

returned to Elmira. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. D, 107th Regt., N. Y. Vols., which 
served with the 12th Corps in the Array of the Potomac. He was in the field until 
the fall of 1863, participating in the battles of Antietam, South Mountain, and 
Chancellorsville, when he was transferred to the department of the Cumberland, 
Louisville, Ky., where he remained in the pay department until the close of the war. 
After the war he returned to Elmira and embarked in the lumber business. In 1867 
he removed to Corning and in 1869 to Painted Post, still continuing in the lumlier 
business. August 23, 1873, he came to North Tonawanda and established himself in 
the lumber business, which he continued up to 1888. Since that time he has given 
his attention to the affairs of the Gas Light Company, of which he is manager. He 
has long been prominent as a business man in this part of the State and was presi- 
dent of the Lumbermen's Association for two years and president of the Busine.ss 
Men's Association for two years; he has also been president of the Union Repub- 
lican Club. He has been a Republican since that party was formed in 1856, in which 
year he cast his first vote on Duane street. New York city, and he was a member of 
of the Republican County Committee for Wheatfield, Niagara county, five years. 
March 17, 1897, he was elected village treasurer, and upon the incorporation of the 
city became city treasurer. In 1863 he married Ann E. Bennet, and they have 
two sons; Solomon Bennet and Thomas Edward. His parents were Eliphalet 
Miller and Emily (Hurd) Stocum. 

Tompkins, James S. , was born in Niagara count}', September 18, 1830; he was 
reared on the farm and followed that occupation for a great many years. He also 
deals in timber to some extent. He came to North Tonawanda in 1890 where he 
still resides. In 1889 he married Sarah J. Humphrey of Erie county. They have 
an adopted son, W. Tompkins, superintendent of the poor of Niagara county. Mr. 
Tompkins's father, James, was one of the early settlers of Niagara county. His 
father went to Canada in the early part of the nineteenth century and when the war 
of 1813 broke out he was pressed into the British service. Refu.sing to fight against 
his native land, he was ordered to leave the country, so returned to the United 
States and settled in Niagara county. Mr. Tompkins was for two years, 1884 
and 1885, in the United States Custom service. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. 
and a popular and public spirited man. 

Sweeney, James, jr., Wheatfield, was born in Buffalo, October 28, 1866, and was 
educated in Buffalo. He read law for four years with Sprague, Mercy, Sprague & Moray, 
and spent a year traveling in Europe. He has since been engaged in the real estate 
business and in the management of the extensive Sweeney estate. He al.so does a 
large business in handling investments for clients. Mr. Sweeney is a member of the 
Saturn Club of Buffalo, the Yacht Club and the Buffalo Republican League. Mr. 
Sweeney's parents are James and Kate (Ganson) Sweeney, both of whom ate liv- 
ing. The Sweeney estate owns a great deal of valuable property in North Tona- 
wanda and Tonawanda, including Sweeney park, which comprises about fifty acres 
of ground, and much of this property has been in the Sweeney family .since 1824. 
They also own the Sweeney dock, and are doing much toward the development of 
North Tonawanda and Tonawanda by building houses and selling them on the in- 
stallment plan. They also have several fine factory sites. 



195 

Jeffeiy, D. Elwood, lawyer, was born iu Ihv town ol" Wilson, Niagara county, N. 
Y., June 5, ]S5"». son of David A. and Mandana(Tuttle) Jeffery. His education was 
obtained at the public schools and the Lockport Union School. After completing 
his preliminary education he entered the law office of Holmes & Fitts as a student, 
where he remained for a short time, when he accepted a position iu the surrogate's 
•jffice as a clerk and remained there for five years, durmg which time he was admitted 
to the bar. He at this date formed a copartnership with his brother, Mr. E. L. 
Jeffery, which continued for five years, when he conducted the business alone for a 
period of four years. During this time he was assistant district attorney, and in 
1893 formed a copartnership with Mr. D. E. Brong, under the firm name of Brong & 
Jeffery, which partnership still continues. Mr. Jeffery is a member of the Masonic 
fraternity and the Knights of St. John and Malta, also the Ancient Order of For- 
esters and Lockport Hook and Ladder Co. No. L He married in 1886, Miss 
Kate M. Beckett of (Geneva, N. Y. ; they have two children, Mary Grace and David 
K. Politically Mr. Jeffery is a Republican. 

Pound, Hon. John E. — One of the most prominent men of the Niagara county bar, 
and of the city of Lockport, is Mr. John E. Pound. He was born in Lockport, N. 
Y., August 33, 1848. After attending the public schools, he was graduated from the 
Union School in 1862. and for two years was in the quartermaster's department dur- 
ing the war of the Rebellion. After the war was over he began the study of law in 
the office of L. F. & G W. Bowen, and in 1867 w^as admitted to the bar and has 
since been engaged in the practice of his profession. Mr. Pound has been a mem- 
ber of the State Legislature, assistant United States attorney and twice mayor of 
the city of Lockport. He is president of the Lockport Home for the Friendless, 
vice-president of the State Bar Association and a warden in the Grace Episcopal 
church. He has just completed a term of two years as supreme regent of the Royal 
Arcanum ; was. a delegate to the Republican National Convention held at Chicago iu 
1880, and is one of the survivors of the "old guard 300." He is vice-president of the 
board of managers of the Buffalo State Hospital for the Insane; is United States 
Commissioner, and a member of the Board of Education. He was twice president 
of the Lockport Business Men's Association. 

Pettit, Samuel H., a son of Alexander and Mariah B. Pettit, was born in the town 
of Wilson, Niagara county, N. Y., February 28, 1844. He was educated in the 
Collegiate Institute at Wilson, and was graduated Irom Bryant & Stratton's Busi- 
ness College of Rochester in 1864. He is a Republican in politics and takes a deep 
interest in the advancement of his party's principles. He served four consecutive 
terms as supervisor of his town ; two years later was again elected and served two 
years, and was a candidate for assemblyman in the Second district of Niagara 
county in the fall of 1890, being defeated by only a small majority. September 13, 
1864, he married Mary E. Case of Wilson, who died April 7, 1888, and on November 
13, 1890, he married Hattie E. Quick. In 1895 he was nominated by the Republican 
party for the office of county clerk and was elected and took charge of the office 
January 1, 1896, and, as in all his official work, is giving entire satisfaction. 

Kill. Hon. Ruthven, was born in the town of Van Buren, Onondaga count}', April 
2, 1834. His father, Jasper Kill, was one of the pioneer settlers in the town of New 



\g6 

fane ; he married Miriam Jones, and they came to town of Newfane in 1835, where 
he was identified as a farmer. He died April 26, 1871. Ruthveu Kill was educated 
in the common schools; in 1867 he married Lydia J., daughter of James H. Man- 
chester, and they are the parents of two sons, Fred M. and James R. Mr. Kill has 
served his town as highway commissioner for four years, assessor three years, super- 
visor two years, and in 1889 was elected to the Assembly, declining to be a candi- 
date for renomination for second term. He was president and vice-president of the 
Agricultural Society two years each, and it was at his suggestion that a public wed- 
ding be held on the grounds during the fair, provided the subjects therefore could 
be found; this was done, proving a drawing card and financial success. Mr. Kill has 
resided for the past forty-eight years on his farm on the Slayton Settlement road in 
the town of Royalton, and while he has always taken an active part in politics, he 
being a Democrat of the Jeffersonian school, yet he has never neglected his business, 
as his fine residence and well cultivated farm bear witness. 

Holzer, Andrew, a native of Rhine, Germany, was born January 80, 1860. He 
attended the German schools and in 1881 immigrated to America and entered the 
employ of John Schuesler of Buffalo, and was afterward employed by the East 
Buffalo Brewing Company for eight years. He removed to Lockport in November, 
1895, and in company with John G. Baer established the Union Brewery of Lock- 
port, which has grown to be one of the leading enterprises of the city. Mr. Holzer 
married Katie Grim of Buffalo in October, 1886, and there have been four children 
born to them: Mary, Andrew, John and Joseph. Mr. Holzer has never taken an 
active interest in political affairs, although he is interested in all good moves to 
benefit the community in which he lives. He is a member of the C. M. B. A. and 
he is respected by all who know him. 

Nielson, Hans, one of the best known and most popular business men of the vil- 
lage of Niagara Falls, is a son of Christian and Anna Dorthea (Helgosen) Nielson, 
and was born October 16, 1821, in Veile, Denmark. His ancestors on both sides were 
natives of Denmark for unknown generations, his father being born there about 
1791. All of his ancestors we: e Lutherans; his father was proprietor of aTarewery 
and distillery. He married and raised a family of seven children. Hans Nielson 
was educated in the common schools of Denmark, and after leaving school learned 
the trade of tobacco manufacturer. He went to Norway where he was engaged for 
six years in the manufacture and sale of tobacco. In 1850 he emigrated to America, 
settling at Niagara Falls, where for two years he was a tobacco merchant. He then 
removed to Plattville. Illinois, and in company with Frederick Gluck, a native of 
Germany, went into the brewing and distilling business. After they had conducted 
this a short time their plant was accidentally destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of 
several thousand dollars. They having no insurance on their plant this untoward 
event left Mr. Nielson again at the foot of life's ladder wnth no capital but his native 
energy and strong will power. He began again as a tobacco merchant at Niagara 
Falls, and shortly afterward went into the grocery business, and in 1860 added the 
lumber business in company with Jeremiah Binkley. For eleven years he conducted 
this combined business and then sold out. In 1873 he was made president of Pros- 
pect Park, in which he had an interest, and served as president and manager of the 
company owning Prospect Park, and served in this capacity until the purchase of 

« 



197 

the park by the State in July, 1«85. Prospect Park is uow included in the Niagara 
Falls Reservation, and commands one of the finest views of the great falls. In 1887 
he, in connection with his son, embarked m the dry goods business, in property 
owned by him on the corner of Main and Fall streets. This business is chieflv con- 
ducted by his son, Mr. Nielson giving his own attention to handling real estate in 
Buffalo. On September 18, 1857, Hans Nielson was married to Louisa KruU, a 
native of Mecklenburg, Germany, and to this union have been born four children, all 
engaged in business. Hans Nielson is a member of Franklin Lodge No. 132, Free 
and Accepted Masons, and has been a Knight Templar for over a quarter of a 
century. For many years he has-been a member of the Board of Education of 
Niagara F'alls trustee of Oakwood Cemetery, and trustee of the Niagara County 
Savings Bank, and vice-president of Power City Bank. Starting without capital 
and depending alone on his inherited talent and force of character, Mr. Nielson has 
attained a ptjsition of honor and influence in the community and is now reaping the 
reward which should crown an active and busy career. 

Cooke, W. J., was born on the homestead where he still resides, in the town of 
Lewistown, December 7, 1829. He was the oldest son of Isaac C. and Catherine 
(Jones) Cooke, and has j)ursued the occupation of farming all his life. Mr. Cooke is 
one of the old native residents of the town and has always enjoyed the highest 
respect and confiderce of his fellow townsmen. He was supervisor of the town of 
Lewiston five years in succession from 1886 to 1891, and has held other public offices. 
The Cookes are an old New England family and Mr. Cooke's grandfather, Lemuel, 
came from Connecticut to Fort Niagara in 1796 with the American troops sent 
thither to take possession of the fort upon its surrender by the English. About 18U0 
he removed to Lewiston village, and about 1808 settled upon the present Cooke farm, 
which he cleared up. There were originally a family of eleven children, eight sons 
and three daughters, of whom four are now living, namely, Lemuel Isaac, Emily, 
W. J. and Amelia. 

Sage, Franklin S., was born on the farm where he still resides, February 26, 1827, 
a son of Sparrow S. and Sarah (Williams) Sage. His father was a native of Con- 
necticut and came to Lewi-ston when a young man. His mother was a native of 
Manlius, Onondaga county, N. Y. F. S. Sage has pur.sued the occupation of farm- 
ing all his life, excepting when serving his country in the war. He enlisted Decem- 
ber 26, 1863, and served until February 13, 1865, with Co. L. 8th N. Y. Heavy Ar- 
tillery, when he was honorably discharged from the service. He participated in the 
l)attles of Spotsylvania, North Ann River, Cold Harbor and the fighting around 
Petersburg. He is a member of Mabon Post, G. A. R., Sanborn, N. Y. Mr. Sage 
was formerly an extensive fruit grower before selling most of his farm to the found- 
ers of the Model City. In 1859 he married Elizabeth A., daughter of Col. Arthur 
(iray, and they have four children; Frank L , a graduate of Mount Union College 
of Alliance, O., who is principal of the High School, Saginaw, Mich. ; Arthur G., a 
medical student; Eugenia E. and Cornelia M. Eugenia E. is a teacher in the home 
district in Lewiston. Mr. Sage and his family are members of the Presbyterian 
church at Lewiston, excepting Frank L., who is a member of the Presbyterian 
church at Saginaw. He is a staunch Republican and has served as assessor three 
years. He was originally a Whig and helped organize the Republican party. 



19^ 

Meacham, George, was boru iu Claremout, N. H., February (i, 1824, a son of Asa 
and Margaret (Farwell) Meacham. His father was a dyer and dresser of cloth and 
his grandfather, Asa Meacham, was a patriot in the Revolutionary war. At twelve 
years of age George Meacham moved with his parents to Springfield, Vt., where he 
resided until 1847, when he moved to Abington, Mass., and remained there eight 
years. He then settled in Buffalo, where he engaged in the undertaking business 
and so continued until 1884, when he came into the town of Lewiston and engaged 
in farming, which he has since pursued. Mr. Meacham married Carohne H. Farwell 
in 1852; she died in 1863 leaving one son, Henry, who resides on the farm and prac- 
tically conducts all the business. He married Susie Hull and they have two chil- 
dren, Henry G. and May Hope. George Meacham has built a fine residence, one of 
the best in the town, upon his farm adjoining the village of Lewiston. Mr. Meacham 
has been a member of Hiram Lodge No. 105, F. and A. M., of Buffalo, since 186:^. 
He has also been for the larger portion of his life a member of the Swedenborgian 
church. 

McHale, The Very Rev. Patrick, C. M., was born in Ireland in 1854. and was 
partly educated in that country. He attended St, Mary's College at Montreal, Can. ; 
.St. Vincent's at Cape Girardeau, Mo., and later St. Vincent's Seminary, at German- 
town, Pa., where he was ordained by the late Archbishop Wood. His first assign- 
ment was to St. John's College at Brooklyn, N. Y. , and from there he went to the 
Scholasticate at Germantown, Pa., as a professor, remainmg for several years; when 
he was chosen as president of St. Vincent's College at Cape Girardeau. He later 
became pastor of the Church of the Immaculate Conception at Baltimore, Md., 
where he remained for .seven years. He was then chosen (in 1894) as president of 
the Niagara University, and still remains in that capacity, this (1897) being the third 
year of his office. 

Armstrong, Andrew M., Somerset, one of the enterprising farmers of Somerset, 
was born on the west shore of the west branch of Keuka Lake in the town of Pult- 
ney, Steuben county, July 14, 1839, and is a son of Andrew and Eunice Armstrong. 
His father was born in Ireland and came to America in an early day and died when 
Andrew was quite young. His mother was born in Benton, Yates county, N. Y., 
and died August 7, 1883. Mr. Armstrong clerked in Middleport for William Van 
Horn for two years, and when eighteen years of age moved on to the farm he now 
owns, and where he has since resided. December 25, 1872, he married Emma J. 
Hays of Hartford, and they had two children : Edith M., born April 26, 1875, and 
Hugh, born December 19, 1884, died May 30, 1891. Mr. Armstrong was elected 
supervisor of his town in 1883, and served seven years — 1883, 1889, 1890, 1893, 
1894, 1895 and 1896. He is a successful farmer, raising grain, fruit, chickens, 
blooded cows and horses. Mrs. Armstrong's father died in 1862, aged sixty-two 
years. Her mother, who is living with her daughter, was born in the town of Hat- 
fi;eld, Hampshire county, Mass., in 1803, and is probably the oldest living person in 
Somerset, if not in Niagara county. She is yet hale and hearty, and aside from be- 
ing slightly deaf, is in full possession of all her' faculties. She is the mother of 
eleven children, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. One son, Sidney 
C. Hays, was a member of the 151st N. Y. Vol. Infantry and was killed at Sailor 
Creek. The G. A. R. Post at Barker is named after him. The famous Jug Tavern, 



199 

the first in Somerset, was on Mr. Armstrong's farm, a hollow tree with a five-gallon 
jug of whiskey. Mr. Armstrong has been a member of Hattland Lodge No. 218, F. 
and A. M., since 1864. 

Darrison, John T., ex-mayor of the city and one of Lockport's most respected 
citizens, was born in Lockport, N. Y., October 20, 1855. He was educated in the 
l^ublic schools of his native city and at an early age was apprenticed at the printer's 
trade and was employed on the Lockport Journal as a compositor for a short time. 
He next embarked in the flour, grain and seed business in a small way, and by hard 
work, economy and strict attention to business, has built up a trade that is a credit 
to the community in which he lives. Aside from his grain business he has interests 
in a number of enterprises, being a stockholder in the Thompson Milling Company, 
the United Indurated Fibre Company and other ventures of some importance. It is 
usele.ss to say that Mr. Darrison is a very popular man, having been elected alder- 
man in 1885, appointed supervisor in 1886, made a member of the Board of Health 
in 1889, civil service commissioner in 1890, elected mayor of the city in 1892, railroad 
commissioner in 1894, and school trustee in 1895. He has also been identified 
officially with the Niagara County Agricultural Society and many other local insti- 
tutions. September 29, 1880, he married Laura A. Lambert and they have two 
children, Ralph L. and Miriam L. Personally Mr. Darrison is very social and en- 
joys the respect and confidence of all who know him. 

Bailey, Perrin C, was born in Wyoming county, N. Y. , May 4, 1836, a son of 
Aaron and Maria (Braman) Bailey. Aaron Bailey was born in New Hampshire and 
came to Wyoming county in 1806, where he married and lived until his death. May 
27, 1876, aged seventy-five years; his wife was born in Connecticut and died in Jan- 
uary, 1880, aged seventy-five years. Perrin C. Bailey was reared on a farm and 
educated in the common schools and Middlebury Academy. With the exception of 
eight years spent in Iowa, he has always lived in New York State and now has a 
farm of 140 acres of land. He is a Republican, and was once a candidate for mem- 
ber of assembly, but was defeated by a small majority. In 1859 he married Eloise, 
daughter of Stephen Millard, an early settler of W^ilson ; to Mr. and Mrs. Bailey 
have been born two children, Francis, wife of Dr. Campbell of Detroit, Mich., and 
Addie, wife of L. R. Root, a bank cashier of Sioux Falls, Dak. Mrs. Bailey died in 
1880 and Mr. Bailey married Mary Peek in 1887, and they have one child, Merritt. 
Mr. Bailey is a member of the G. A. R. in Iowa. In September, 1861, he enlisted in 
Company H, 9th N. Y. Vols., and served for three years; was all through the service 
of the Army of the Potomac, at the battle of the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Gettys- 
burg, Winchester and Chancellorsville, and other engagements of the Army of the 
Potomac. He was promoted to first lieutenant and then to captain, commanding the 
company most of the time. Mr. Bailey has been a Baptist since 1856 and deacon of 
the Baptist church at Wilson for about seventeen years. 

Draper, W. Levell, M. D., was born in Jeflr'erson county, N. Y., February 24, 1865, 
a son of Philorus and Emaline (Cowan) Draper, both born and reared in Jefferson 
county, where she died in May, 1872. The grandfather of W. Levell was a native of 
Rhode Island and was one of the first settlers of Wilna, Jefferson county, where he 
lived and died. He built the first log and first frame house in that section and 



200 

owned about 1,000 acres of land. He was a prominent man of the place and left a 
large famil^^ W. Levell Draper, was reared on a farm and educated in Ives Semi- 
nary, Antwerp, N. Y ; he began the study of medicine with Dr. F. L. Santway, of 
Theresa, N. Y., in the mean time teaching at Natural Bridge and Carthage. He was 
graduated from the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago in 1890, and was with 
Dr. J. E. Oilman of Chicago one year, when he came to Wilson where he has since 
had a successful practice. Dr. Draper is a member of the Western New York Ho- 
meopathic Society, and is also a member of the Masonic order, the I. O. O. F., the 
I. O. F., the F. M. C. and K. O. T. M. In February, 1896, he married Anna Shoelles, 
of Wilson, N. Y. 

Young, Henry C, was born at Niagara Falls, N. Y.. April 29, 1888, a sou of the 
late Jonas Young, who was a prosperous farmer of that section. He was educated 
in the public schools of his native town. Fort Edward (N. Y.) Institute and East- 
man's Business College, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. For a number of years following 
his graduation from the latter institution he traveled through Europe as the repre- 
sentative of .several large American manufacturing concerns. In 1875 he was ap- 
pointed vice-consul of the United States at Moscow, Russia, and served in that 
capacity until 1878. In 1880 he returned to the United States and located at Phila- 
delphia, Pa., where for a number of years he was engaged in busmess, .shipping- 
machinery to Europe and other foreign ports. In 1890 he returned to the old home- 
stead at Niagara Falls, where he has since resided, a gentleman farmer. The 
Young farm was puixhased from the Holland Land Co. early in the present century 
(in 1810) by the paternal grandfather of Henry C, who lived and died there, as did 
his father, Jonas, and originally contained over two hundred acres; his son Jonas 
added by purchase to the original tract making over 800 acres, all of which is still in 
the Young family. By her union with Jonas Young, Lydia Hittel, who died on May 
8, 1897, at the advanced age of ninety-two years, had six children, four of whom 
survive, viz., Jonas, jr., Samuel, Maria and Henry C. 

Tower, Peter S. , was born on the old homestead, at Tower's Cornel's, two miles 
east of Youngstown, March 22, 1843, a son of Peter Tower, who settled on that farm 
in 1815. He was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools and Lock- 
port Union School, and was graduated in 1866 from Eastman's Business College. 
August 11, 1862, he enlisted in Co. F. 129th N. Y. Vol Infantry, after which the 
regiment organized as the 8th N. Y. Heavy Artillery and served until the close of 
the war, being mustered out June 10, 1865. September 26, 1868, he married 
Elizabeth McConkey, and they have live children: Mary B., Victorine M., Dan P., 
Ray C. and Nellie E., all living. Mrs. Tower died July 18, 1888, and Mr. Tower 
married, January 2, 1890, R. Adelle Shaw. Mr. Tower is a Republican and has 
been supervisor three terms, district clerk in school district for years, and has 
since June 1, 1891, been deputy collector and inspector of U. S. customs at Youngs- 
town, N. Y. He is a member of the A. O. U. \V., and of McCollum Post No. 228 
G. A. R. at Ransomville; he is a member of St. John's Episcopal church and has 
been vestryman and treasurer for several years. He and his brother, Luke Tower, 
have the homestead of 212 acres and have added 120 acres more, and carry on gen- 
eral farming and fruit growing; they also keep a large number of sheep. He has 
always taken an active part in politics, being one of the leaders in the town for years. 



20I 

Mr. Tower on account of being unable to work on the farm has looked for other em- 
ployment and was appointed deputy collector of customs. Peter S. Tower has 
always been an active Republican and has taken a prominent part in the various 
conventions of his party as a representative of his town. 

Tower, Luke, was born in Porter, in the house he lives in, May 24, 1834. He was 
reared on the farm and educated in the common schools and has always been a 
farmer. He is in partnership with his brother, Peter S., owning the homestead of 
212 acres, to which has been added 120 acres more (see sketch of Peter S. Tower). 
December 15, 1868, he married Bessie liosmer, and they had three children: 
Luke, jr., Paul (deceased), and Jennie C. Mr. Tower is a Republican and has been 
pathmaster forty years in succession. 

Steele, Frank C. , was born in Youngstown, N. Y., September 28, 1851, a son of 
William and Amanda (Clark) Steele. William Steele was born in Castleton, N. Y., 
and came to Youngstown about 1844, and was a blacksmith by trade. He and his 
wife reside with the subject and they had four children, Minnie and Lizzie (both de- 
ceased), and F. C. and Josephine living. F. C. Steele was educated in the 
schools of Youngstown and graduated from Empire State Business College in 
1S67. He began life as a clerk in Youngstown and went to Rochester as book- 
keeper for some years in Levi & Svvarts's wholesale clothing house. In 1891 he built 
the Eldorado House at Youngstown and has since been proprietor. July 21, 1883, 
he married Ada, daughter of Dr. Havill of Rochester, and they have three sons, 
Frank A., (Jeorge C. and William T. Mr. Steele is a Democrat and president of the 
village for the last two years. The Eldorado Hotel is open the year round, with 
special attention given to summer guests. It is modern in architecture and suj)- 
plied with gas, running water, bath rooms, etc., and commands a fine view of old 
Fort Niagara and the mouth of the river. 

Ripson, William, was born in Porter, September 15, 1884, a son of Tice and 
Sophia (Giddings) Ripson, who came to Porter in a very early day and here lived 
and died. William Ripson was reared on a farm and educated in the common 
schools. He was a manufacturer of agricultural implements and foundryman and 
also owned thirty acres of land near Youngstown. He carried on business until 
his death, October 30, 1898, and the firm is now under the same name, William 
Ripson & Son. In politics he was a Democrat, and he and wife were Episcopal- 
ians, he being one of the officers and builders of the church and held oflfice until his 
death. He was married in 1858 to Marcelia Lloyd, daughter of John Lloyd, who 
came to Porter in 1800 and had one of the first deeded farms from the Holland pur- 
chase. To Mr. and Mrs. Ripson was born one son, Julius M., born December 28, 
1858. Julius Ripson carries on the business of his father in partnership with his 
mother. 

Mann, Willis T., Somerset, was born in Somerset, January .3, 1857, and is a son 
of Oscar H^. and Hannah E. (Merritt) Mann, both natives of New York. His father 
was born in Oswego, N. Y., and came with his parents to Somerset, when two years 
old, in 1835. Mr. Mann was educated in Lockpoi't, and at Cornell University, where 
he took a course in agriculture and horticulture in 1877 and 1878. Mr. Mann was 
among the first to recognize the relation of fungus diseases to the failure of fruits, 



202 

and in a report before the Niagara Count}' Farmers' Club in Julj', 1890, explained 
the relation of such diseases to fruit failures and recommended the spraying of trees 
for their prevention. The experience of the past six or seven years has demon- 
strated the truth of his conclusions, and the methods he advised have since become 
generally recognized as essential to successful fruit culture. He has been called to 
address meetings of different farmers' and fruit growers' conventions, and his hear- 
ers have profited largely by following his advice. He is scientific authority on all 
subjects pertaining to horticulture. April 10, 1879, he married Carrie R. Townsend, 
daughter of Eli-sha C. and Ann Eliza Townsend, and they have two children ; Ger- 
trude E., born June 6, 1880, and Horace T., born November 13, 1884. Mrs. Mann 
was born November 1, 1859. Her father was born in Somerset and died in January, 
1863. Her mother died March 24, 1897. 

Corwin, Phineas H., was born in the town of Newfane, March 9, 1835, a son of 
Phineas H. Corwin, sr., who was born in Orange county, N. Y., and came to Niagara 
county in a very early day, when the country was entirely new, and engaged in farm- 
ing on the Hess Road, where all was a wilderness. Mr. Corwin, sr., married Elvira 
Sawyer, and they had five children : William V., resides in Newfane/ Phineas H., 
jr., Mary F., married Mr. Brown and lives on the Hess Road; Orlando D. , died 
March 17, 1854, on his seventeenth birthday; and Adaline R., who died December 
13, 1858. Mr. Corwin died at the age of fifty-eight years and Mrs. Corwin at the age 
of seventy- eight. Mr. P. H. Corwin received his early education at the Newfane 
schools, finishing at the academy at Lima, after which he engaged in teaching win- 
ters and farming summers. He has been engaged in the piano and organ business 
in Newfane, also in the fruit evaporating business. He has a section of land in Ne- 
braska, and a farm in Michigan, eighty-four acres in Newfane where he resides, 
fifty-two northeast of his home and property in the city of Lockport; he has sixty 
acres of fruit on his home farm and has a fine nursery of peach trees. Mr. Corwin 
was a director of the Orleans and Niagara County Insurance Company for several 
5'ears, for six vears was a director in the Niagara County Agricultural Society, vice- 
president two years and president for two years ; during his administration the so- 
ciety was in a flourishing condition. On January 1, 1861, he married Mary A. 
Phillips; she is the daughter of James C. Phillips who was a soldier during the Civil 
war and held the rank of lieutenant. They had nine children: Charles D., William 
H., Burt, Arthur, Norton (deceased), Leighton, Sarah E., wife of Twiston Burgess of 
Lockport, May and Ray. Mr. Corwin has been assessor of his town for three years, 
served two years as supervisor and was the nominee of the Republican party for 
school commissioner in 1882. He is a third degree Mason, joining in 1863. Mr. 
Corwin is a member of the Baptist church and for nine years was clerk of the Niag- 
ara Baptist Association. His wife is a member of the Methodist church. 

Hatch, Charles W., one of the enterprising and successful men of Lockport, was 
born in the town of Murray, Orleans county, N. Y., January 13, 1851. Mr. Hatch, 
received his education from the Holley Academy and the Brockport Normal School ; 
he then engaged in teaching for a number of years and after this service embarked 
in the flour, gram and produce business, and in 1882 removed to Lockport to take 
charge of the Niagara County Fruit Company's extensive business, and has since 
resided in that city. This company was organized and incorporated under the laws 



203 

of New Jersey, with headquarters at Philadelphia, Mr. Hatch being the manager of 
the Lockport branch. He has always taken an active part in politics and in 1888 
was elected supervi.sor of his ward; was a member of the city Board of Health for 
four years, chairman of the Republican County Committee for two years and its sec- 
retary for one year, and takes an active interest in municipal affairs. He is a mem- 
ber of the Anglers' Club and was its president for two years. He is also a member 
of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, of the Royal Arcanum and of the Lock- 
port Fire Department. June 5, 1872, he married Avis, daughter of Hon. John Berry 
of Holley, Orleans county. 

Pierce, John S., was born at Niagara Falls, N. Y., March 10, 1827, a son of the late 
Sullivan Pierce of that place. John S. Pierce was educated in the public schools of 
Niagara Falls, and at Rochester; at the age of seventeen he began an active busi- 
ness career which has e.xtended over nearly forty years. He has been engaged in 
numerous business enterprises, the most important among them being the building 
of the inclined railway at Suspension Bridge, which descends the river bank at the 
Whirlpool Rapids. He was for three years a depuly collector in the United States 
C«stom House and served the village of Niagara Falls as chief of the police depart- 
ment for ten years, as well as having been superintendent of the village for a num- 
ber of years and trustee for two years. He is an extensive property owner and a 
highly respected and honored citizen. In 1854 Mr. Pierce married Laura Smith of 
Rochester, and they have had five children, only two of whom, Maurice H. and 
Carlton Pierce of Niagara Falls, survive. Mr. Pierce is the second oldest native 
citizen of Niagara Falls and is now retired from business. He has always been a 
staunch Democrat. He is a member of Niagara Frontier Lodge No. 132, F. & A. M., 
and is one of the oldest Masons in the county. 

Robson, John B., was born in the town of Hartland, October 11, 1833, and is a 
son of Kendrah and Ruth (Breckon) Robson, natives of England. His father came 
to America with his parents in 1820 and his mother in 1830. His grandfather owned 
the first nursery in Niagara county, the orchard on the old homestead being of stock 
from that nursery. Mr. and Mrs. Robson had thirteen children: James, John B. 
(as above), Mary A. and Elizabeth (deceased), Rachel (deceased), Christie (matron at 
Union Springs Friends School), William D., Charles M., Eliza J. (married James 
Garbutt), Alice. Henry (deceased), Francis (died in infancy), and Ella. John B. 
Robson was married twice, first to Mary J. Sturtevant, who died in October, 1872, 
and second to Mary E. Foote in 1883. Mr. Robson was a member of the 8th N. Y. 
Cav., enlisting August 12, 18G2, and was engaged in the following battles: Loudon 
Valley, Barber's Cross Road, Fredericksburg, Gordenville, Chaacellorsville, Beverly 
Ford and many others, serving until July 7, 186"), when he was discharged. He is 
now a member of Willis S. Hinmau Post No. 178, G. A. R. 

Kinyon, John, jr., one of the most enterprising and successful farmers of Hart- 
land, was born in Onondaga county, N. Y., in 1832, and is a son of John and Lydia 
Kinyon, natives of Chenango county. In 1835 his parents moved to Orleans 
county on the county line between Orleans and Niagara counties, thence to 
Hartland, Niagara county, settling one mile north of Middleport, where John 
Kinyon, jr., now resides. They gave each son a farm and removed to what is 



204 

now North Middleport. Mr. Kinyon, sr., died in 1885 and his wife in 1882. They 
were both active in the development of their section of the county and endured 
the trials and hardships incident to the settlers of a new country. They were 
Universalists, and did much to aid in building up their chosen church. There were 
seven children born to this union : A child who died in infancy; Charles, a farmer 
in Hartland; George (deceased), lived in Sycamore, 111., died in 1896; Israel (de- 
ceased), died about 1840, in Hartland; Albert a retired farmer, resides in Middle- 
port; and Betsey Ann, who died when ten years of age. In 1855 John Kinyon, jr., 
married Editha H. Sheldon, and they have six children: George, married and re- 
sides in Orleans county on one of his father's farms adjoining the homestead; 
Charlie, married and resides on his farm of eighty acres, which joins his brother's; 
Martha (Mrs. Charles Spalding), resides in Shiawassee county, Mich. ; Addie (Mrs. 
(irant Clark), resides in Orleans county, at County Line Corners; Flora (Mrs. 
Verne Shedbolt), resides in Genesee county; and Came is at home with her parents. 
In 1845 Mr. Kinyon went to Iowa and bought a farm of 160 acres, which he disposed 
of in war times. To his untiring efforts the public is indebted for the crushed stone 
road extending from the Ridge Road to Middleport. He is a prominent member of 
the A. O. U. W. at Middleport, is a lifelong Democrat, and joined the Silver 
Democratic party at its organization. He has served his town as highway commis- 
sioner for two 3'ears. 

Wilson, S. S. , was born in the town of Wilson, Niagara county, N. Y., April 17, 
1840, a son of Stephen and Eleanor Wilson. Stephen Wilson was born in Saratoga 
county, September 33, 1800, and removed to Niagara county, settling in Somerset, 
where he remained twelve years and then moved to Wilson, where he remained six- 
teen years and then moved to Newfane, where he died in 1881, and his widow in 
1896. They had these children: Elizabeth, Matilda, John A., Charlotte, Eunice, 
lives in Pontiac, Mich. ; Harvey, S. S., Hezekiah, lives in Binghamton, N. Y. ; Mary, 
lives in Lockport; Martha (deceased), and William, who lives in Lockport. S. S. 
Wilson married Adelaide Dickinson of Newfane, December 24, 1873, and they have 
three children: Emma, born December 19, 1874, married George D. Linsey; Allen, 
born March 19, 1867, married and resides at home, and Burt, born July 17, 1871, 
lives at home. Mr. Wilson is engaged in fruit and grain growing and stock 
raising. He is an ardent silver man, is well read and keeps abreast of the times. 
He is meeting with the success of an untiring business man and is apparently in a 
prosperous condition. 

Wilson, William T. , was born in the town of Newfane in 1846, a son of Daniel and 
Elizabeth (Temple) Wilson, natives of Yorkshire, England. His father came with 
his parents to America in 1833, and located on the Erie Canal, two miles east of 
Lockport, where the subject's grandparents died. Daniel Wilson came to Newfane 
in 1849 and located east of Wright's Corners, where he remained until his death in 
1884. His mother resides with her son, Robert D. Wilson. William T. Wilson re- 
ceived his education in the common schools of Newfane, after which he engaged in 
farming. He has married twice, first to Martha H., daughter of Stephen Wilson, 
and the}'- had four children: Raymond, born in 1878; Robert, born in 1879; Lester, 
born in 1881, and George, born in 1884. Mrs. Wilson died in 1889, and in January, 
1895, he married Mary B. Adams, and has one child by this marriage, Eugene, born 



205 

September. 1895. Mr. Wilsou moved on to the farm he now owns in the spring of 
1878 and is engaged in fruit and grain growing. He has twelve acres of peach 
orchard, four of pears, four of plums and sixteen of apples. 

Worden, Paul B., was born in the town of Wheatfield, Niagara county, N. V., 
April 30, 1835, a son of Isaac and Martha Worden. Mr. Worden was reared on a 
farm and has always followed farming as his life occupation. In 18G6 he located on 
his present place, where he makes a specialty of gardening and growing plants for 
market, which he has followed exten.sively for twelve years; furnishing dealers in 
Buffalo, Tonawanda and Niagara Falls. In 1860 he married Angeline Pool of Halls 
Station, and they have two children: Eugene, a Postal telegraph operator at North 
Tonawanda and who was a candidate for town clerk on the Republican ticket, and 
Nellie, teacher at La .Salle, was educated at Lockport Union School under Brown- 
ing- 
Wilson, Charles, was born in the town of Lockport, July <i, 1845. Ilis father, 
Joseph Wilson, a native of York.shire, Eng. , came to the United States in 1840 with 
his parents, Daniel and Martha Wilson, who settled near Wakeman's Bridge, taking 
up their land from the Holland Land Company. Joseph Wilson married Caroline 
Hampshire, and through life has been identified as a farmer. Charles Wilson was 
educated in the common schools and in 1866 married Betsey A. Dale, who died in 
1868, and later he married Mary (VBrien, and they have three children ; Ray, Caro- 
line and Edith. Mr. Wilson is one of the oldest hotel proprietors in Niagara county ; 
in 1891 he came to Gasport and purchased the hotel which bears his name and which 
he rebuilt and refurnished. 

Walker, Charles M., was born at Ayr, Ontario, Canada, December 22, 1845, and 
came to the United States when young. He started out in the busine.ss of life as 
collector for Brinston & Co. and remained with them three years, when he entered 
the drug trade and continued for fifteen years in Lewiston. He was postmaster 
from 1869 to 1879, president of the village for a term and trustee for three terms; he 
was alsoone of the county coroners for two years. Mr. Walker has long been iden- 
tified with the agricultural and fruit growing interests of Lewiston and is one of the 
leading and most enterprising men of this part of the county. He is a Republican 
in politics and has been delegate to many conventions. In 1868 he married Laura 
A. Walker, and they have three children: Mrs. Harry Hull, Mrs. George Carter and 
Jessie Walker. Mr. Walker's parents were John and Hannah (Hungerford) Walker. 
His father was a participant in the Patriot war of 1837 in Canada and fought on the 
Patriot side with William Lyon MacKenzie. He wasa native of Washington county, 
N. Y. , but died at Ayr, Can. The Hungerfords are an old American family and of 
historic celebrity. 

Wilkeson, "William, was born in Buffalo, N. V., June 17, 1846, a son of Eli and 
Julia (Allen) Wilkeson. Eli Wilkeson was a son of Judge Samuel Wilkeson, one of 
the founders of the city of Buffalo and also one of the bondsmen for the completion 
of the Erie Canal, and was instrumental in the construction of the Buffalo break- 
water and harbor, thereby locating the city of Buffalo at present site instead of Black 
Rock. He .served in the war of 1812 and died at Tennessee. He was a large prop- 
ertv owner in Buffalo, also large iron manufacturer and real e.state dealer ; he served 



206 

one term as mayor of the citj' also. William Wilkeson was reared in Buffalo b}' an 
uncle and educated in a college in Pennsylvania. He enlisted in 1863 in Co. E, 15th 
Pa. Cavalry, and served until almost the end of the war. He located in Porter, on 
River avenue, and purchased 125 acres of land, and is engaged in fruit growing, 
having sevent}^ acres of fruit. In 1867 he married Ellen Osborn, and they had two 
children, Mary and Louise. Mr. Wilkeson has always been a Republican, but not 
an aspirant to office. He is a member of the F. & A. M., and of the Universalist 
church. Mary married John J. O'Connell. 

Williams, Roderick Norton, was born in Chestnut Ridge, town of Lockport, Oc- 
tober 8, 1823. His father, John Williams, was a native of Connecticut and came to 
Niagara county m 1817, buying his land of the Holland Land Company and through 
life was identified as a farmer. He married Catherine, daughter of Henry Norton, 
sr. He was an upright, conscientious man who ever advanced the best interest of 
his town and townspeople. Roderick N. Williams was educated in Lockport, and 
there engaged in the drj^ goods business for thirty-one years. In 1880 he retired and 
engaged in farming. In 1852 he married Minerva, daughter of Abram L. Jones. 
Mrs. Williams died in 1883, and he married Lizzie, daughter of Gottlieb Holland, 
and they have two children, E. John and Catherine Irene. Mr. Williams is one of 
the representative men of the town, taking an active interest in educational and re- 
ligious institutions and is recognized as a man of sterling integrity who has ever 
received the respect of his associates. 

Wilson, John H., was born in the town of Lockport, April 10, 1843. His father, 
Joseph Wilson, was a native of Yorkshire, England, and came to the United States 
in 1829, at the age of twelve years, with his parents, Daniel and Martha Wilson. 
They bought a farm in the town of Lockport, where they have been identified for 
five generations. Joseph Wilson married Caroline, daughter of John Handshire, 
who came to Lockport in 1825, and who was one of the leading farmers of Niagara 
county. Thoroughly interested in educational and religious institutions and in the 
development of his town, Joseph Wilson also has been one of the representative 
farmers of the town and at eighty years is still active. John H. Wilson was educated 
in Lockport, and in 1864 married-Alice, daughter of Edward and Elizabeth Calvert, 
and they have two children : Edward C. and Olive. Mr. Wilson is recognized as one 
of the conservative men of his town, taking an intelligent interest in school and 
church work, and has ever been recognized as a man of sterling integrity whose 
word is as good as his bond. 

Wendt, A. M., was born in Martinsville, December 4, 1854, a son of Frederick and 
Louise Wendt, natives of Germany, who came to America in their youth. When ten 
years of age Mr. Wendt moved to Illinois with his parents, where he remained four- 
teen years; he then returned to Martinsville and purchased a farm which he sold in 
1893 and started his grocery business at No. 317 Schenk street, which he still con- 
ducts. Mr. Wendt is not only a thorough business man, but is also prominent in 
local politics; he is a prominent Democrat and was elected tru.stee of the village in 
1896, which office he still holds; he is also a trustee of the German Lutheran church. 
Mr. Wendt married li^lizabeth Will and they have two sons, Frederick and William. 

Williams. J. W., was born in Carbondale, Pa., a son of Rev. David and Margaret 




ALLAN HERSCHELL. 



207 

Williams; his father died in Elmira in 1884, and his mother is still living. J. \V. 
Williams has been engaged in the railroad business all his life; he was connected 
with the Erie Railroad for twenty-one years and came to North Tonawanda as agent 
for the Lehigh Valley Railroad, September 21, 1892. He is an efficient railway 
officer and has the reputation of being one of the most reliable and energetic railroad 
men in the county. He is a member of the Foresters and of the Masonic fraternity, 
in which he has passed through the Blue Lodge, chapter and commandery and has 
held nearly every office in the Blue Lodge. In June, 1882, he married Emma A. 
•Kelts, and they have one son, Forrest P. 

Witmer, Elias, was born at Suspension Bridge, October 8, 1816. and was a son of 
Abraham Witmer, a worthy farmer and early settler of that section, now deceased. 
He received his education in the public schools of his native place and early in life 
learned the trade of tailor, which he plied for a number of years. Ill health caused 
him to give up his business and return to the homestead farm, where he has ever 
since resided, following the calling of farmer. Mr. Witmer is a member of numer- 
ous agricultural societies and is held in high esteem by all who know him. 

Williamson, W. F., was born in Hancock, N. Y., November 16, 1872, a son of 
Samuel and Catherine Williamson. He was educated in the schools of his native 
place and began his railway career in North Tonawanda, as bookkeeper in the 
freight office, which position he filled for two and a half years, when he was promoted 
to the position of agent at Akron. This office he filled so successfully that in March, 
1897, he was again promoted and made agent for the New York Central at North 
Tonawanda. Mr. W^illiamson is energetic and enterprising and his duties always re- 
ceive his best attention. He is an active member of the Methodist church and was 
formerly secretary of the Epworth League at Akron. 

Dean, Frederick E., was born at Lewiston, N. Y., January 4, 1859, a son of Ed- 
win Dean, at present a farmer of Youngstown, N. Y. Frederick E. Dean was edu- 
cated in the public schools of Niagara county; he left school at an early age and 
went into business with his father; at his majority entered the employ of the Niag- 
ara Falls and Suspension Bridge Street Railroad, rising through all the grades to the 
position of superintendent, which position he held at the time of his resignation in 
1889. During the following three years until 1892, he was engaged in the livery busi- 
ness which he operated successfully. In 1893 he established the present city 
market of which he became clerk and still retains that position. Mr. Dean has been 
prominent in business circles and as contractor, helped build the Buffalo and Niag- 
ara Falls Electric Railroad; also is interested in the quarries of this section. 

Hcrschell, Allan, vice-president of the house of Armitage-Herschell Co., was 
born in Scotland, Aprd 27, 1851, a son of John and Jessie Herschell, and came to 
America in 1870. He learned the trade of moulder in Arbroath, Scotland, and fol- 
lowed the same business for some years in this country, working in Buffalo, Toronto, 
Chicago and Boston. In 1873 he became a member of the company of Armitage, 
Herschell & Co., and in 1894 he made a trip over nearly all the eastern world for his 
house, visiting British India, France, Egypt, the British Isles and other parts; he 
also traveled over a great part of the United States and in both hemispheres intro- 
duced many of their machines. He was a charter member of Columbia Hook and 



208 

Ladder Co., the first fire company organized in North Tonawanda, serving as its 
secretary for two years and president for one year. He was elected and served as 
trustee of North Tonawanda for three years; is a regular attendant and liberal con- 
tributor to the support of the Presbyterian church; is a member of the Masonic, Odd 
Fellows, and A. O. U. W. lodges, and is a thoroughly reliable and enterprising citi- 
zen in every way. In 1883 Mr. Herschell married Ida M. Spilman, and they have 
three children, Buela C, Raymond Le Roy and Margaret Caroline. 

Herschell, George C, has been a factor in the growth and development of North 
Tonawanda since 1872, and is prominent both in public and business life. He was 
born in Scotland. December 2, 1848, and came to America in 1869. He learned the 
trade of machinist in Scotland and pursued it both in the old country and the United 
States until 1873, when the firm of Armitage, Herschell & Co. was formed. He is 
treasurer of the Armitage-Herschell Co., which was incorporated in 1890, and 
has been extremely successful and which contributes m no small degree to the 
prosperity of the Twin Cities. Mr. Herschell is treasurer of the Board of Water 
Commissioners of North Tonawanda and has been since its organization ; he was 
one of the organizers of the Tonawanda Natural Gas Co. and is its treasurer. He 
is a prominent Republican and his voice is always influential in the councils of 
his party. Socially Mr. Herschell is a member of the Masonic fraternity and a 
member and trustee of the Presbyterian church. July 20, 1882, he married Char- 
lotte B. Wilson of Buffalo, and they have four children: Jessie C, James W., 
Walter G. and Mary Esther. Mr. Herschell's parents were John and Jessie 
(Christie) Herschell, natives of Scotland, who came to America in 1870. Mr. John 
Herschell was for many years a prosperous coal merchant and contractor in Scot- 
land and was also engaged in business in this country for some years before retiring 
from active pursuits. 

Lange, August, was born in (Germany, September 14, 1835, and came to America 
in 1844 with his parents, Christian and Christina Lange. They .settled near Berg- 
holtz and were farmers, which occupation Mr. Lange still pursues, although he has 
been in the mercantile business also since 1882. February 14, 1865, he enlisted in 
the 26th Cavalry and served until the close of the war. He was postmaster under 
Cleveland's first administration for four years and was reappointed under Cleve- 
land's second administration in 1894. In 1866 he married Annie Plaster of Wheat- 
field and they have twelve children: William, born December 12, 1870; Albert, 
born November 2, 1872; Philip, born November 24, 1877; Agnes, born July 23, 
1867; Louise, born August 13, 1868; Lydia, born May 10, 1873: Minnie, born January 
20, 1876; Molly, born July 1, 1879; Mamie, born December 13, 1880; Lena, born 
September 9, 1883; Anna, born December 26, 1884 and Elsie, born April 30, 1887. 
Mr. Lange has been tax collector and was leader of the band for the German church 
for thirty two years. Mrs. Lange was born October 24, 1847, and her parents were 
Henry and Dorotha Plaster. 

Buttery Family, The. — John Milton Buttery, son of John Belden and Mercy 
(Weed) Buttery, was Vjorn in Homer, N. Y., April 23, 1809, and was of English 
descent on, his father's side and Holland Dutch on his mother's side. His father 
died in 1875, aged ninety-three. He received a common school education at Sum- 




GHORGE C. HHRSCHHLL. 



209 

met- Hill, Cayuga count)-, where the family early settled. In 1830 he came to 
Lewiston. N. Y., and there, on April 7, 1835, married Priscilla, daughter of Robert 
and Esther (Pierce) Nichols, and one of the early school teachers of that town. 
[Robert Nichols was born August 2, 1773. in Royalston, Mass., came to Niagara 
Falls on horseback June 6, 1816, and in 1817 located at the Bridge adjoining the 
Whirlpool Rapids, whence he moved in 1830 to a farm in Lewiston, where he died 
December 18, 1834. He followed his trade of stonema.son, and was the builder of 
the fairious Terrapin Tower at the falls, the Lewiston Presbyterian church, etc. His 
children were Esther (Mrs. Asher Williams), born February 21, 1797; Gad P., born 
January 27,1799; and Priscilla (Mrs. John M. Buttery), born March 26, 1813.J In 
1835 John M. Buttery settled on a farm in Lewiston, where his ten children were 
born, and which is now^ owned by his daughter Sarah. Three of his children died 
there. About 1837-39 Mr. Buttery and Capt. Matthias Kline built on contract the 
old horse railroad from Lewiston to Niagara Falls. In 1847 he constructed, alone, 
the first telegraph line between Montreal and Quebec, and in 1853 he superintended 
the excavating of the "through cut" of the Lewiston and Niagara Falls Railroad 
near the Devil's Hole. He was also for several years highway commi.ssioner of 
Lewiston. In 1856 he came to Suspension Bridge and for ten years was engaged 
extensively in dairying. In 1859 he purchased two and one-half acres of land at the 
Whirlpool Rapids, on which stood an old saw mill, and in 1860 opened the place as 
a resort, having a winding stairs leading to the rapids below. Here in 1869 he built 
and on August 29 opened the famous Buttery Elevator, 200 feet in depth, which he 
and his family conducted until about 1890. This was one of the earliest attractions 
on the river below the falls. Mr. Buttery w'as long a member of the Suspension 
Bridge School Board, was always an ardent Democrat, and died April 29, 1872. His 
wife died December 18, 1888 Their children were Sarah, born December 30, 1835; 
Robert, of Niagara Falls; John, a farmer of Lewiston; Earl, of Niagara Falls; 
Addie, a teacher for seven years at Suspension Bridge; Harmon; Emmet; Eugenia; 
Wilber; and Priscilla (wife of Dr. William Dalton McEwen, a dentist), of Niagara 
Falls. vSarah Buttery was graduated from Wilson Academy, and for several years 
taught school in Lewiston. In 1856 she came to Suspension Bridge with her parents, 
where she has since resided. 

Haner, Charles, second son of Daniel and Hannah (Crandall) Haner, was born in 
the village of Wilson, Niagara county, March 3. 1856. Daniel Haner, a son of 
Peter, moved from Pennsylvania into Schoharie county, N.Y., and thence to Marion, 
Wayne countv; from there he came with his wife to the village of Wilson, where 
for many years he was a leading business man and a prominent citizen. He was 
one of the earliest and largest ship builders there, and also carried on a saw mill in 
connection with that industry. A large number of lake vessels were built and 
launched by him. He also conducted a general store, bought and shipped immense 
quantities of grain, and had a farm there. He died about 1861 and his wife a year 
or two later. His sister, Mrs. Maria Johnson, still lives in Wilson. Mr. and Mrs. 
Haner had three sons: Frederick, of Tonawanda; and Charles and William (a 
farmer), of Wilson. Charles Haner was educated at the Wilson Union School and 
at Chamberlain Institute, Randolph, N. Y., graduating from the commercial de- 
partment of the latter in 1878. He was then a clerk in the Bofird of Trade office of 



210 

Detroit, Mich., for one year, and in 1879 returned to Wilson and again engaged in 
farming. In 1884 he became a clerk in the main office of the Pullman Palace Car 
Company, of Pullman, 111., but two years later again returned to Wilson and engaged 
in the grain and produce commission business, in which he continued until August 
10, 1890, when he was appointed by Collector James Low as deputy collector and in- 
spector of customs at Suspension Bridge, which jwsition he still holds, having been 
reappointed by the present collector, William Richmond. Mr. Haner still retains 
his residence in Wilson. He was married in May, 1886, to Carrie L., daughter of the 
late Hon. Benjamin and Lavinia Farley, of Wilson, and they have one daughter, 
Mabel. Mr. Farley, born m Salem, Mass., in 1810, came to Wilson in 1842, pur- 
chased a part of lot 48, Holland Purchase, and resided there until his death April 15, 
1876. He was supervisor of the town in 1865, was elected sheriff of Niagara county 
in 1857, and served as member of Assembly in 1867 and 1868. 

Thompson, James S., sou of Oliver Curtis Thompson, who spent most of his busi- 
ness life in Buffalo, where he conducted a flouring mill, was born in North Tona- 
wanda, Niagara county, October 11, 1855, and was educated in the public schools of 
his native village and at a private school in Buffalo. At the age of sixteen he be- 
came a clerk in the old New York and Erie Bank in Buffalo, where he remained 
about eight years, rising to the position of teller. About 1879 he engaged in the 
manufacture of shingles in North Tonawanda with R. J. Wilder, and later became 
sole owner of the business, which he finally discontinued. Subsequently he formed 
a copartnership with William Gombert, under the style of Gombert & Thompson, 
and this firm still continues under the name of Thompson, Hubman & Fisher. They 
have one of the largest planing and lumber mills in North Tonawanda and carry 
on an immense business. Mr. Thompson has long been one of the leading men in 
the place. He was president of the village for five years, and is now a member of 
the first Board of Public Works of the city and a member of Tonawanda Lodge No. 
247, F. & A. M. In 1882 he married Geneva, daughter of Philip W. Scribner, of 
North Tonawanda. Mr. Thompson's mother was Catherine Sweeney, daughter of 
James Sweeney, who located at North Tonawanda in 1828, built the first frame 
dwelling on the site, donated the lots for the first church and the first .school house, 
and energetically pursued an advanced and patriotic course in developing the village 
until his death, January i;5, 1850, aged fifty-seven. 

Lymburner, Hamilton M., the eldest of three sons and next younger than six 
daughters of Matthew and Marilda (Merritt) Lymburner, was born at Richmond Hill, 
Canada, January 21, 1826. The Lj^mburners and Merritts gave their names to set- 
tlements originally made by them on Chippewa Creek, near Smithville, Ontario. 
Matthew Lymburner, a native of Nova Scotia, served in the British array in the war 
of 1812, and afterward became a pioneer farmer at Richmond Hill, where he died 
aged eighty-five. Hamilton M. attended the common schools, and when sixteen came 
to Buffalo, N. Y. During a part of his first year there he worked for a miller at East 
Aurora hauling flour through to Pennsylvania. Later he entered the employ of 
Gorton & Clexton, proprietors of a woolen at^fl sheepskin factory at Black Rock, and 
remained there four years being a partner during the last year. He traveled through 
Canada buying wool and sheepskins and selling leather. Afterward he prosecuted 
the business on his own account, and in four months realized more profit than h^ 



211 

had accumulated in four years. Me then went to Hamilton, Canada, and 'with his 
brother-iu-law, George C. Torrey, carried on a successful business, of which he later 
became sole owner. In 1859 he sold out and located on a farm near East Aurora, 
Krie county, but in 18(50 came to ButTalo, and with Mr. Torrey purchased of A. B. 
Piatt a sheepskin factory on Granger street and the Hamburg Canal. After the war 
Mr. Torrey withdrew and Mr. Lymburner continued until he was burned out. Later 
he bought a hide house on (ireen street, remodelled it, established himself again in 
the wool and sheepskin business, and for the third time took Mr. Torrey into part- 
nership. After several years the firm failed, but compromised with their creditors 
for fifty cents on the dollar, payable in three, six, and nine months, without endorse- 
ments, and after paying their indebtedness as it became due, dissolved. Mr. Lym- 
burner continued the business for six months, and on November 1, 1877, with Jacob 
F. Schoellkopf, formed the firm of Schoellkopf & Co. They were burned out on 
Green street, and Mr. Schoellkopf purchased a vacant lot on Mississippi street, be- 
tween Scott and Perry, and erected the present brick building, for the purpose of 
handling wool and manufacturing sheepskins and various kinds of leather. This 
building was subsequently enlarged, and finally Mr. Lymburner became an equal 
owner in the plant as well as in the firm. In 1895 Albert Schoellkopf, ason of Jacob 
v., was admitted into partnership. Mr. Lymburner has resided at La Salle, Niagara 
county, since about 1877. and bought a farm there in November, 1885. He was 
married, first, in 1850, to Harriet C. Torrey, of Aurora, Erie county, who died at 
La Salle m 1878, leaving three children: Ella M. (Mrs. Thomas Kean), and Hattie 
Marilda and Cyrena M., both deceased. 

Vroman, Dow, was born in Middleburgh, Schoharie county, N. Y., and is a son of 
Dow F. and Margaret (Smith) Vroman. He is a descendant of Hendrick Meese 
Vroman who came from Holland in 1()80. and settled in Schenectady. Dow Vroman 
was educated in Union College, from which he was graduated in 1887 with the de- 
grees of A. B. and C. E. He then attended the Albany Law School and was grad- 
uated with the degree of LL. B. in 1890; he was admitted to the bar the same year 
and opened an office in Tonawanda. The firm of Patton & Vroman existed from 
1891 to 189G, being Patton, Vroman & Fish for a .short time; on December 1, 189(1, 
the firm of Vroman & Bliss was formed, the junior partner being Hiram (). Bliss. 
Mr. Vroman was a member of the 25th Separate Company for five years, has been 
master of Tonawanda Lodge No. '247, F. H: A. M., and was village attornev for Ton- 
awanda from 1893 to 1895. 

Hotchkiss, Fred P., was born at Williamsport, Pa., March 17, 1861, and is a son 
of M. D. Hotchkiss, . an extensive lumber dealer of that place, now retired. Mr. 
Hotchki.ss attended the public schools at Williamsport, and at the age of eighteen 
went to work for his father, with whom he remained until 1880, when he went to 
Pueblo, Col., and engaged in the confectionery business for two years. Returning 
to Williamsport, he entered the employ of J. A. Otto's Sous, manufacturers of and 
dealers in furniture. In March, 1887, he removed to Lockport, N. Y. , where he 
bought and operated a planing mill for several years. In 1892 he removed to Ni- 
agara Falls, where, in 1893, he bought the planing mill and business of Peter B. 
Secord, which he still successfully operates. December 23, 1887, he married Adele 
J. Thompson, of Fredonia, N. Y. , and they have one daughter. 



2l2 

Granger, Harrison, is a descendant of one of the oldest and most prominent fam- 
ilies in Western New York. Erastus Granger, his grandfather, came to Buffalo in 
1803, as superintendent of Indian affairs for the Six Nations, and soon afterward 
was appointed the first postmaster, and on the organization of the district of Buffalo 
Creek became collector of customs. He was a personal friend of President Jeffer- 
son, was for many years the undisputed leader of the Democratic party on the Ni- 
agara frontier, held the office of judge of old Niagara county, and filled the differ- 
ent positions of trust with distinguished ability. He died December 26, 1820. He 
also led the Six Nations of Indians against the British at the burning of Buffalo in 
1813. His father, Capt. Abner Granger, was a hero of the French Revolution in 
Canada, the American Revolution, and the war of 1812. Warren Granger, son of 
Erastus, was a prominent citizen of Buffalo, where he built the stone mansion on 
Main street, Forest Lawn, in which Harrison was born August 5, 1853. His wife 
was Mary Norton. Col. Warren Granger, another son oi Warren, died in that city 
in 1894. Harrison Granger received a good education, and has traveled all over the 
world. He has crossed the ocean four times; traveled all through England, Ireland, 
Scotland, France, Germany, Russia, Italy and Spain. He has also visited Central 
and South America, Mexico, etc. He is a well-informed man, genial and pleasing 
in manner, energetic, possessing fine business qualifications, and his good, sound 
judgment and sterling character have made for him a host of friends, among whom 
he is very popular. Since returning from Mexico m 1890 he has resided at Niagara 
Falls, where for several years he has been the manager of the firm of Granger & 
Co., real estate and investment brokers, handling stocks, bonds, grain, etc., and 
some of the best suburban properties in that part of the State. 

Gluck, Alva, was born in Wheatfield, Niagara county, March 11, 1824. His father 
died when he was yet an infant, and his education was obtained in the district 
schools of Cambria. In 184G he came to Niagara Falls and worked in the family of 
the late Peter B. Porter, where he met Miss Margaret Frazer, whom he married in 
1851. They soon went to hotel-keeping, first as proprietors of the Western Hotel, 
and two years later as owners of the Franklin House (where the Imperial now 
stands). On January 1, 1800, Mr. Gluck leased the American House, which burned 
January 5, 1863, leaving him practically a poor man. He was afterward the man- 
ager of the Niagara and Clifton Houses, and finally bought the Spencer House, 
which he opened in April 1867, and which he made one of the leading hotels at the 
Falls. This was burned, and on the site the handsome Gluck block was erected re- 
cently by his estate. Mr. Gluck was also at one time one of the proprietors of the 
International Hotel, and for many years was one of the best known and most popu- 
lar landlords in Western New York. He was vice-president of the Cataract Bank, a 
director in the Street Railroad and Water Works Companies, and a man highly 
respected for benevolence and sterling qualities. He died January 23, 1886. Mrs. 
Margaret (Frazer) Gluck was born in Inverness, Scotland, in 1824, came with her 
parents to Canada, where her father died, and in 1848 removed with her mother to 
Niagara Falls, where she died February 27, 1897. She was a member of the Pres- 
loyterian church and a worthy Christian woman. 

Huggins, William Q., M.I)., is a son of William W. and Elmira (Pitt) Huggins, 
and was born at Mount Morris, N. Y., August 9, 1840. He was educated at Xunda, 



213 

Dansville and Temple Hill, and in 1861 was graduated from the Cincinnati Medical 
College. On April 15, 1861, he enlisted as a private in the Ist N. Y. Light Artillery, 
and when his term of ninety days had expired he re-enlisted and served until the 
close of the war. He participated in all the battles of the Peninsula, second Bull 
Run, Antietam, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and Lookout Mountain, was wounded 
five times, and was once taken prisoner, but escaped Irom Cohaba prison and made 
his way back to the Union lines. He was promoted to the captaincy of his com- 
pany, and in 1865, after a long and meritorious service, was honorably discharged. 
Soon after the war he resumed his medical studies, was graduated from the Univer- 
sity of Buffalo in 1870, and in the same year settled in Sanborn, Niagara county, 
where he has ever since resided and successfully practices his profession. Dr. Hug- 
gins became a fellow of the New York State Medical Association November 19, 1885; 
he is a member of the American Medical and Tri-Republic Health Associations, the 
State Board of Health, the A. (). U. W. , and several other scientific, social and 
college societies. He is secretary of the U. S. Pension Board of Examining Sur- 
geons of Niagara county, has served as county coroner for seven years, and for four- 
teen years has been commander of Mabon Post, G. A. R., of Sanborn. He is also 
a prominent 32" Mason and a member of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. 

Hotchkiss, George A., is descended from one of the oldest families of Lewi.ston, 
one. William Hotchkiss, being elected one of the first inspectors of common schools 
April 7, 1818, and the first president of the village May 2, 1843. Mr. Hotchkiss is a 
son of William and Mary (Townsend) Hotchkiss, and was born December 9, 1849, in 
Lewiston, where he received his preliminary education in the public schools. He also 
attended the Brockport State Normal School, and since then has been engaged in 
farming and fruit-growing in his native town. He settled on his present farm a 
little east of Lewiston village about 1887. Mr. Hotchkiss is a substantial, enterpris- 
ing farmer, and a man highly respected and esteemed. He has never aspired to 
public office. December 18, 1877, he married Kate, daughter of Joseph Whitman, 
of Lewiston, and they have four children living: Frank Whitman, Mary Townsend, 
Ralph Atwater. and Joseph Eldred. 

Russell, William P., M. D., was born December 17, 1861, in Niagara Falls, N. Y., 
and is the eldest son of Edward E. Russell, a prominent druggist of that city. He 
was educated in the public schools of Niagara Falls, and when seventeen years old 
entered the drug store of Hiram E. Griffith, with whom he remained five years, 
learning the business and becoming a licensed pharmacist. In 1883 he entered the 
medical department of the University of New York City, from which he received 
the degree of M. D. in 1885, and immediately afterward he took a post-graduate 
course at the same institution. In 1886 Dr. Russell returned to Niagara Falls and at 
once entered upon the successful practice of his profession, and in 1895 built himself 
a handsome residence in the north part of the city. He is a rising young physician 
and surgeon, and has already filled a number of offices under the village and city, 
being health officer of the former in 1888 and 1889 and now (1897) physician to the 
poor in the second district of the latter. He was appointed a member of the first 
board of examiners in midwifery in Niagara county and served two years. He is a 
member of the Niagara Falls Academy of Medicine, of Niagara Frontier Lodge, 
No. 132, F. & A. M., and of several other organizations, and for a number of them 



214 

acts as medical examiner. May 15, 1889 he married Ida A. Fales, eldest and only 
sm-viving daughter of the late Marshall Fales of Cayuga Island, La Salle, Niagara 
county. 

Scovell, J. Boardman, is a son of Oliver P. Scovell, and was born December 1, 1869, 
in Lewiston, Niagara county, where he received his early pnblic school education. 
He was graduated from the Lockport Union School in 1888, being valedictorian of 
his class, and then entered the law department of Cornell University, from which he 
was graduated with the degree of LL. B. in 1891, receiving double honors, both 
forensic and literary. On leaving Cornell he accepted the editorship of "Federal 
Cases." a law work embodying a series of decisions of the United States Circuit and 
District Courts from 1789 up to 1882. May 1, 1894, he opened a law office in Buf- 
falo, where he is now practicing his profession, having offices at No. 910 Ellicott 
Square; he also has an office in Lewiston, where he resides. Mr. Scovell's specialty 
IS corporation and admiralty law, and to say that he is a brilliant representative of 
the bar of this State is making only a conservative statement. 

Scoby, Arch C, was born in Shiloh, Richland county, Ohio, April 15, 1859, and 
when eleven years of age came to Watkins, N. Y., as the adopted son of his mater- 
nal uncle, Andrew S. Scoby, whose name he took. He was the second in a family 
of seven children of Hudson Russell Catlin and Esther Theresa Scoby, the others 
being George S. Catlin, Maud L., Burge D., Wayne, Cora, and May. His father 
served three years in the 123d Ohio Vol. Inf., and died in 1887, and since then Mr. 
vScoby's mother has made her home with him. Arch C. Scoby was educated in the 
district schools and at Cook Academy, and in 1881 came to Wilson, Niagara county, 
where he taught school and also conducted a farm summers. He began teaching at 
the age of sixteen, at Watkins Glen, Schuyler county, and taught in all sixteen 
terms, most of the time in the county of Niagara, and altogether with marked suc- 
cess. In 1887 he removed to North Ridge, in the town of Lockport, where he re- 
sided until 1895, being engaged in mercantile business during the first five years. 
In 1890 he was elected school commissioner of Niagara county on the Democratic 
ticket and served six years, being re-elected in 1893. In 1896 he was his party's 
candidate for sheriff of the county and ran 1,700 votes ahead of his ticket. He came 
to North Tonawanda in the fall of 1895, and has since resided there, and until Au- 
gust, 1897, was engaged in the grocery business. He now devotes his time to his 
varied business interests. Mr. Scoby has been uniformly successful and is recog- 
nized as a popular, influential citizen. He educated and reared four of his brothers 
and sisters. He is a member of the Sons of Veterans, and a prominent Odd Fel- 
low, belonging to Electric City Lodge, No. 663, and Encampment 88. April 8, 188(1, 
he married Mary T. , daughter of Augustus W. Swick, of Wilson, and they have 
lliree children: Vesta N., Celia M., and Hallie A. 

Hildreth, Charles (J., son of the late G. W. Hildreth, was born October 22, 1838, in 
Lockport, N. Y., and died there July 9, 1897. He was educated in his native village ,- 
and in early life was associated with his father in the manufacture of agricultural im- 
plements, as a clerk in the hardware store of Flagler & Pomroy, and as shipping 
clerk for the Holly Water Works Company. He became treasurer of that corpora- 
tion Mav 18, 1868, one of its trustees December 1, 1874, and its seceretary, March 28, 



215 

If^TT, and held the latter position until his death. Mr. Ilildreth was a prominent 
busiTiess man, and a citizen widely respected and esteemed. He was a leading mem- 
l)er of the First Presbyterian church of Lockport from 1858 and was ordained an 
elder in 1865. He left a widow and two children, Thomas and Nellie. 

Rutler, Capt. Mighells B. , was born at Phelps, Ontario county, N. Y., November 
'-':i, 1856, a son of Edgar I). Butler. His early life was passed at Niagara Falls, 
where he attended the public schools and later De Veaux College, from which insti- 
tution he was graduated in 1876. He then took a year's course in Harvard College 
and later became master and commandant of the De Veaux College at Niagara Falls; 
still later he attended lectures in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New- 
York city, and in 1881 was graduated from the New York Homeopathic Medical 
College and practiced medicine in the Hygienic Institute at Geneva for one year 
and afterwards went in the dry goods business in Ithaca, X. Y., being a member of 
the firm of Jackson & Bush. In 1884 he removed to Sus'pension Bridge, where he 
formed a partnership with Martin V. Pearson, as M. V. Pearson & Co. and success- 
fully carried on the wholesale and retail grocery business and in 1890 they opened a 
branch store at Niagara Falls. In 1892 the partnership was di.ssolved, Mr. Butler re- 
taining as his share of the business, the store at Niagara Falls; in 1893 he established 
the large department store (of which he is still manager) and in December, 1896, sold 
out to Hodge Bros, who in turn sold to the present owners, Faxon, Williams tV Faxon. 
In 1881 Capt. Butler married Jessie Jackson of Ithaca, and they have three children. 
Capt. Butler is commander of the 42d Separate Company, N. G. S. of New York and 
a member of Niagara Frontier Lodge No. 132, Free and Accepted Masons and of 
Niagara Falls Chapter No. 346, B. P. C). E. He is also a trustee of De Veaux 
College and a member of the Board of Public Works. 

McComb, George T., son of George and Mary Ann McComb, was born in Lock- 
jKM-t, N. Y., May 1, 1856. His father was Scotch and his mother English. George 
McComb came to Lockport about 1826 and first settled on the Coomer road, and 
later removed to Lockport city, where both he and his wife died in 1881. He was 
an architect and builder, served as alderman for a time, and became a prominent 
Odd Fellow. His children were William E., cashier of the National Exchange Bank 
of Lockport; Frederick J., a wholesale grocer of Denver, Col.; and George T., of 
Lockport. George T. McComb at an early age entered the National Exchange 
Bank of Lockport, and served four years as clerk and eight j-ears as bookkeeper. 
He was then for eight years the paying and receiving teller of the Niagara County 
National Bank of the same city, and later took an extended trip to Europe, Asia 
and Africa and over this country. Returning home he engaged in 1892 in the 
wholesale produce commission business, in which he still continues, having branch 
offices in New York and Boston, and exporting large quantities of produce to 
Europe. He is the heaviest dealer in this line in Western New York. Mr. McComb 
is noted as an antiquarian, and has one of the largest collections of autographic let- 
ters in America. He also has a large collection of relics relating to the wars and 
much history bearing upon Niagara and this part of the State. He is a member of 
Red Jacket Lodge, Ames Chapter, and Bruce Council of Masons of Lockport, was 
for two years vice-president of the New York State Association of Hav and Grain 



2l6 

Dealers, and has always been an active and honored citizen and an influential factor 
in politics. 

Wiedman, Leonard, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in January, 1863, and 
came to America in 1883. He learned the trade of joiner in Germany, and after 
working for W. A. La Deaux for one year, entered the employ of Gombert & 
Thompson, and was in their mill for thirteen years. Mr. Wiedman was second 
assistant chief of the fire department, and was trustee of the village for two years. 
In the spring of 1886 he was again elected trustee by the Democratic party, and the 
village becoming a city, he held the office of alderman of the Third ward. He was 
a member of the Board of Health for two years. Mr. Wiedman is now in the con- 
tracting and building business, and has his residence on Felton street. He mar- 
ried Bertha Gombert, and they have two sons, Edward and George. 

Warren, Charles H., was born in Porter, June 11, 1864, a son of Charles and 
Sophronia (Howder) Warren. Sophronia (Howder) Warren was born January 22, 
1817, a daughter of Jacob Howder, one of the first settlers of Cambria and had one 
of the first grist mills in the county. Charles Warren was a farmer and had 134 
acres of land ; he died May 11, 1872, and his widow in 1891. Charles H. Warren was 
reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He is a farmer hv occupa- 
tion and owns 180 acres in the town of Porter and follows general farming, making 
a specialty of fruit growing. December 8, 1886, he married Mary M. Griffiths, 
daughter of John M. and Isabel (Robinson) Griffiths, he born in Rensselaer county 
and .she in Cambria. John Griffiths came to Cambria when ten years old with his 
parents, Peter and Margaret Griffiths, she a daughter of Herman Robin.son, one of 
the early settlers of Cambria. The grandfather of the subject was James Warren, 
who spent his last days in Michigan. They date their ancestry back to Joseph War- 
ren of Revolutionary fame. To Mr. and Mrs. Warren were born two children: 
Verna S. and Chester A. 

Saddle.son, Ransom, was Ijorn in Cambria, N. Y., December 24, 1835, a son of 
Christopher and Cynthia (Holmes) Saddleson. The grandfather, Michael Saddle- 
son, came to Cambria, bringing his family just after the close of the war of 1812, 
and taking up about 150 acres of land, which is mo.stly owned bj' Ransom Saddle- 
son. Ransom Saddleson was educated in the common schools and has always i-e.sided 
on the homestead farm, making a specialty of grapes. In 1859 he married Laura E. 
Pardee, and they have four children: Loren, farmer at Cambria; Anna Bell and 
Lena Bell, died in infancy, and Sadie E., wife of James Gould of Syracuse, N. Y. 
Mr. Saddleson is a Democrat, but does not aspire to office. 

Holland, Lewis, was born in St. Johnsburg, July 26, 1854, a son of Christian and 
Dorothea Holland, natives of Germany. Lewis Holland learned the harness trade 
and has pursued it up to the present. In 1884 he opened a hotel at St. Johnsburg, 
Avhich he also conducts. He is a Democrat in politics, a member of the German 
Lutheran church, was postmaster under Cleveland during his first term and was 
highway commissioner for three years. During this time he built three iron bridges 
and the large arch bridge at Tremont street over the State ditch. November 9, 1876, 
married Loviisa Vanweir, and they had nine children: Edward, Herman, Lewis, 
William, Grover, Louisa Matilda, Ella and Agatha. 



217 

Rowe, Jay S., was born in Navarino, Onondaga county, N. V., May 11, 1848, and 
came with his father, Gordon (). Rowe, to Johnson's Creek, in 1851. He received a 
good education and in 1877 engaged in the general mercahtile business, in which he 
still continues. He is the leading merchant at Johnson's Creek, and one of the best 
known and most popular citizens of his town and county. In politics he is an ardent, 
active, and influential Republican, and served as supervisor from 1892 to 1896 in- 
clusive. 

Southworth, Edmund Howard, son of Albert H. and Julia M. Southworth, was 
born August 5, 1855, in Lockport, X. Y. His education was received at the old 
Lockport Union School, and at the Hudson River Institute, from which he was grad- 
uated. He studied law with the late Sullivan Caverno, and was admitted to the bar 
in 1879. Soon afterward he became the local correspondent and agent for the Buf- 
falo Sunday Courier, and retained the same until a few weeks ago. His writings 
were peculiarly unlike those of any other person, being grammaticallv correct and e.\- 
tremely clear and interesting, no matter what the subject. Thus he gained much 
prominence in the newspaper profession. Of late years he has handled all the Buf- 
falo Sunday papers sold in Lockport, successfully keeping the field to himself. 

Vandervoort, Levant R., Wheatfield, was bf)rn in North Tonawanda, June 10, 
1860, and educated in the schools of that place. He engaged in the lumber business 
at the age of fourteen and has been connected with it ever since. In 1891 he l)e- 
came a member of the well known firm of Smith, Fassett & Co., one of the most 
prominent lumber firms of the Empire State. He has always taken a lively inter- 
est in the welfare of North Tonawanda, and served three years as village trustee. 
Mr. Vandervoort is a staunch Democrat, and his services as trustee and his well 
known interest in the welfare of the city brought about his election as president of 
the village in 1895 in the face of a majority for most of the nominees on the Repub- 
lican ticket. As president he introduced a number of reforms and village improve- 
ments, and he was especially successful in securing valuable concessions from rail- 
way corporations. Mr. Vandervoort is descended from one of the oldest and most 
influential families in this section of the State. His parents are Jackson D. and 
Sarah (Ransom) Vandervoort. In 1893 he was married to Annie F. Fassett. He is 
a member of the Masonic fraternity. Blue Lodge and Chapter. Mr. Vandervoort is 
a type of the young, progressive, successful American business men, who find time 
to devote to the interests of their home chy, and who are largely responsible for the 
great progress that American municipal government has made in recent years. 

Biggins, Jesse G., was born in Cambria, N. Y. , November 14, 1869, a son of Jede 
diah Biggins, born in Canada, January 1, 1837, and Huldah (Swick) Biggins, born 
in Tompkins county, February 20, 1849. The grandfather of Jesse G., Jedediah 
Biggins, was born and died in Canada. Jedediah Biggins, father of Jesse G., has 
been a blacksmith since sixteen years of age and worked at his trade in the army. 
He enlisted August 25, 1862, in the 23d N. Y. Independent Battery, atfd served three 
years, being discharged July 14, 1865. He is a member of the Ransomville Lodge 
No. 551, F. &• A. M., and Peter A. Porter Post No. 26, G. A. R. Jesse (i. Biggins 
was educated in the common schools and learned the blacksmith trade with his 
father. In 1893 he came to Wilson and in 1894 bought of Mr. Markel the shop he 



2l8 

now owns, where he carries on a very successful business. He is a Republican and 
a member of the A. F. I. U. of Wilson. February 10, 1891, he married Emma Hay- 
ner of Wilson, N. Y., and they have three children. Pearl, Harry and Ralph H. 

Bronson, Noah Lee, son of Lee and Armanda (Upson) Bronson, was born at Litch- 
field, Conn., on February 5, 1814. He had one brother, Sheldon, still living at Niles, 
Mich., and one sister, Armanda, who died during childhood. When Noah was five 
years old he came to Niagara county with his parents and therein resided the re- 
mainder of his life. It may be seen by the dates above that he came to this county 
in 1819, making him one of the very earliest settlers. The family settled.upon a spot 
in the then dense forest about one mile north of what is now Reynales Basin. The 
men folks cleared a good sized farm and built a log cabin in which the family lived 
for nearly three years. From there the family moved to what is now known as the 
Peter Failing farm in the town of Royalton and lived there about two years when 
they moved to the "Tavern" at Reynales Basin. There the senior Bronson died. 
Noah succeeded to the estate and retained the same and there lived until 1886. At 
the age of twenty-four years he married Miss Sophia Worthington, daughter o<" Sam- 
uel and Nancy Worthington, nee Miller, and to them were born a son and a daugh- 
ter, George W., and Helen A., both of whom are now living, the son in Kansas City 
and the daughter, now Mrs. A. S. Gooding who resides in the city of Lockport. 
Noah Lee Bronson was a man most highly respected for his many sterling, manly 
qualities. For honesty, truthfulness, charitableness and morality he had no super- 
iors and few equals. He was a total abstainer from tobacco and intoxicants. For 
twenty-six consecutive years he was postmaster at Reynales Basin, and then volun- 
tarily relinquished the office in 1886 because he had grown feeble in health and with 
his wife went to live with his daughter in Lockport, where he died on March 17, 189;!. 
His widow survived him until December 25, 1895. They lie buried side by side at 
Cold Springs Cemetery. 



4 



INDEX. 



PART I. 



Abbott, Lewis, 6'd6 

Abercrombie, James, Geu., '^3; James, 

Rev., 135, i;{"7, 155 
Acetyline Light, Heut and Power Co., 

Ackerman, Arthur, 311; Edmond T., 
80; Jared H.. 308 

Ackerson, Charles P., 316; Fred M.. 337 

Adams, Charles C, 229; C. Graham, 
Rev., 135; E. A., 297; E. Stanlev, 221 ; 
Marcus, 221; Samuel, 309; William, 
271 

Aiken. Joseph, 305; Peter, 97, 129 

Akley, C. H., 318 

Albany Company, the, in Lockport, 109, 
112 

Alberty, John W., 171 

Albright, Francis N., 98, 317, 329; Jacob, 
316, 322, 326; William, 311; & Wilson 
Chemical Co., 228 

Aldrich, Cyrus, 319; Esek, 251 ; Jared T., 
318; Jesse, 251; Johnson, 316; Jon- 
athan M.. 319; Pamelia, Miss. 158; 
William D.,276 

Allen, A. F., 190; A. W., 182; Barnev, 
267; Hiram, 249, 251 ; Isaac, 114; LW., 
327; James, 250; Lewis E., 346; Nor- 
man O., 171, 384; William, 357; W. 
L., Dr., 357 

Alvord, Daniel, 113, 245; Thaddeus, 104; 
Dr., killed in the raid of 1813, 54, 285, 
291 , 386 

Amberg, Max, 230 

Ames, Anthony, 334; James D. , 384 

Amherst, Jeffrey, Gen., 24 

Amsden, Joel, 267 

Anderson, Charles, 323; Clark, 80 

Andrews, Asa, 333 

Andrus, W. C, George E., Warren, and 
James H., 333 

Angevine, Charles, 246; Ferris, 180; G. 
L., 249, 250; Jeremiah, 327; L. J., 171 



Annin, Joseph, 176, 293 

Anti-Masonic party, the, 69 

Appleton village, 329 

Arbuthnot, William, 257 

Arkush, S. P., 190 

Armington, James, 178 

Armitage, James, 352; -Herschell Co., 

352 
Armstrong Andrew M.. 96, 316; Andrew 

M. and S. E., 318; Thomas, 328 
Arnold, Edwin, Dr., 387, 388; Edwin E., 

318; Henry and Lewis, 318; John B., 

99 ; John Jacob, 99 ; Joseph and George, 

271 
Art, Adam and Jacob, 834 
Asbeck, J. H.. Rev., 238 
Ash, George, 256 

A.shley, Eugene M., 375; Frank M., 383 
Alchinson. Austin, 129 
Atwater, James, 114, 171 ; Stephen, 318- 

William L., 316, 318 
Atwood, A. D., Dr., 390; M. E., Mrs., 

278; T. W., 157 
Averill, Lorenzo, 246 
Ayer, Charles R., 259; Richard, 182, 293 
Ayres. G. W. S., Rev.. 157 

Babbitt, William S., Dr.. 390 

Babcock, E. J., Rev., 151; I. H.. 92. 94. 

99, 127, 171; J. N., 288; jeptha W., 

99, 316, 318; L. P., 263 
Babel. William, 334 
Bachelder, Ozro 308 
Bach man, Peter D., 180, 191 
Backer, Conrad, 345 
Backus, Timothy, 171 
Bacon, A. S., Rev., 237; (iillet, Kts i;;s- 

William, Rev.. 130 
Badgely, George, 318 
Bagley, David. 264; John. 138 
Bailey. John W. , Rev.. 130; Joseph S., 

316', 317; Perrin C, 309; T. R.. 168 



220 



Sairsto, Charles A., 288; Moses, 282; 
Moses, jr.. 241 

Baker, Alden S. , 273. 274, 280 ; Artemas, 
Dr., 244, 389; Asa, 251; Daniel, 251; 
David, 258: Edward, 303; E. H., 168; 
Frank, 78; F. J., Dr., 391: George H., 
268; Joel B., Capt., 86; John, 332.334; 
Joseph, 251; Pierpont, 121; S. Parke, 
150, 259, 378; William J., 241 

Balcom, Che.ster, 259; Edgar C, 79; La- 
fayette, Dr., 390 

Baldwin, Abel, 245; Anson, 272; James, 
268; Leonard, 377; M. W., 278; Phile- 
mon, 43, 177; Stephen A., 43; Stephen 
H., 240; Truman, Rev., 321 

Ball, John O., 357 

Ballard, James, 179, 181 

Ballou, D. W., 131; Schuyler S., 78; 
Stephen B., 132 

Balmer, Henry, 259; Richard D. , 256; 
Thomas 150', 293 

Bangham, Gaston J., 318 

Bank, Electric City. 224; Frontier, of 
Niagara, 226; Niagara County Sav- 
ings. 225 ; of Niagara, 224 ; Power City, 
225; of Suspension Bridge, 225 

Banks of Lockport, 126, 127; of Niagara 
Falls, 223-225; of North Tonawanda, 
353; of Suspension Bridge, 225, 226 

Banks, J. v., 190 

-Bar of Niagara county, list of members 
of, 375-378 

Barber, Edgar W., 288; Henry, 307 

Barker, Almeron, 259; David, 97, 316- 
318; Edward, 303; James. 123; Zenas, 99 

Barker (Somerset Station), 319 

Barlow, Benjamin, 269, 270; Benjamin, 
jr., 99; Henry E., 78 

Barnard, Abner, Dr., 388; Erastus, 306; 
J. H., Rev., 149 

Barnes, B. P., 374, 276; Charles A., 167, 
264; Eli Y., 241; Ezra, 322; L B., Dr., 
388; James, 245; James L., 241; 
Stephen, 246; Thomas, 97, 241 

Barnum, Abel, 250; Adele B., 195; E. J., 
Dr., 390; F. F. 308; Herman A., 340; 
Zebulon, 250 

Barrv, A. J., 264; Samuel, 318 

Bartlett, Carlton, 297 

Barto, Moses, 256 

Barton, Alexander 261 ; Benjamin, 43, 
44, 64, 65, 176, 240, 282, 286, 263-205, 
301, 363; E. F., 311; James L., 99; 
Samuel, 293; Samnel G., 277 
Bass, WiUiam, 111 
Batavia Preserving Co., 275 
Bateman, Calvin S., 318; Vernon, 318; 
Vernon D. , 316 



Bates John, 249; Orlando, 252; O. D., 

271; Willard W. , Lieut.-Col., 87 
Batt, Frank, 357 

Batten, George W., 384; Joseph, 384 
Battiu, Stephen H., 146 
Battery, Nineteenth Independent, Ar- 
tillery, 88; Twelfth, Artillery, 87; 

Twenty-third, Light Artillery, 79 
Battles of Chippewa and Lundy's Lane, 

56-62 
Baumann, Rudolph, 210 
Bayer, Jacob, 334 ; Jacob and Philip, 334 
Beaber, George, 246 ; William, 246 
Beach, Aaron, 42; Harvey, 97; Jesse, 

42, 44, 284; Jesse, John and Aaron, 

242; John, 282; Moses and David, 245; 

Philip, 42, 242 
Beals, Lewis C, 90. 259, 262,263 
Beardsley, F. T-, 358; John L , 250; John 

T., 297 
Bechtel, Philip. 288 
Beck, W. C, 89 

Becker, Jacob, 344; Tracey C, 186 
Bedenkapp, Wesley J., 297 
Beebe, William M., 335 
Beech Ridge. 335 
Beers, John F., 323; & Shaw, 328 
Behe, Andrew J., 271; Edward J., 268, 

271 ; Jacob, 268 
Beiter, Andrew, 334 
Belden, Francis C, 190, 225 
Belding, Silas, 245 
Bell, Jonathan. 256, 297 
Bellah, Joseph T., 118, 159, 162; J. T., 

Mrs., 158 
Bellevue Land Co., Suspension Bridge, 

215 
Bench and Bar, 360-384 
Benedict, Daniel, 269; George R., 271; 

Harry I., 375; Hiram, 90; Ira, 358; 

James, 257 
Benham, N, L., 194, 195 
Benjamin, John A., Dr., 389 
Bennett, Arthur M. and George W., 318; 

Arunah, 273, 280; George, 322; Joseph 

L., Rev., 130; Leonard. 294; W. H.. 

86 
Bennington, R. H., 271 
Benson, Benjamin H., 250; Jonathan, 172 
Bergholtz, 342-344 
Berner, Fred C, 271 
Berry, John, 126; John V., 294 
Besancou, Peter, 121 
Betts, [ames A., 340 
Betzler, Henry, 327, 329 
Beutel, William, 358 
Beverly, Ambrose J., 139; Ambrose S., 

114, 164, IttS 



22 I 



Bevier, Lewis, 24() 

Bewlev, Joseph, 138; Richard, 1:57 

Rick ford,' Elmer A.. 80S; John, 2S(I; J. 

W.. Dr., 391 
Riddick, J;, 15(1 
Bigger, Robert. 257 
Biggins, Jedediah, 80 
Bills, Thomas, 251 
Bingenheimer, Jacob, 22(1 
Rinkley, J., 191, 364 
Birdsail, Jesse, 250; John, 301: Josepli, 

251 ; , Judge, 294 

Rishop, D. F., Dr.' 158, 392; R. .S., Dr., 

392 
Ri.ssell, Amos A., 99; Edward, 130, 130, 

103, 164; Leverett, 130 
P.ixby, Chauncey C, 272; Iliel, 302; 

Simon, 271 
Rixler, George D., 250; Jacob and Moses, 

327 
Rlackman, Isaac B., 241 
Rlake, E. L., Lieut. -Col., 80, 87; T. A., 

303, 309 
Blakeman <!<: Pease, 277 
Blakslee, C. R., 155, 270 
Blaxall, Samuel, 157 
Blighton, W. V. R.. Dr., 357 
Bliss, Almon, 80; Jo.shua S., 353; J. .S. & 

Co., 350 
Blodgett, M. R., 86 
Blowers, William, 336 
Blum, Jacob, 334, 335; Jacob, sr., 334 
Boardman, Edward L., 159 
Boening, William, 357 
Bolard, Jacob, 108 
Bollier, John H.. 338, 346, 357 
Bolls & Gav, 181 
Bond, (ieorge A., 81; John G., 106; R. 

Hudson, 383; Stephen B., 138; William 

M., 107. 108, 362 
Boore, L. A.. 213 
Bordwell, Orville C, 99, 327 
Bos.serman, W. L., Dr., 392 
Bostwick, J. M., 192 
Boughton. George H., 98, 107, 138, 170, 

17*^1; Reuben, 282; Reuben H., 99, 

297; William D., 78 
Piounds, Levi F. , 118 
Bous, John, 137 
Bowen, Charles A., 89; Edward P., 95 

224; George W., 126, 166, 271, 374, 375 

Levi v., 92, 99, 166, 364, 369, 371, 373 

Philemon. 240; William and Franklin 

318 
Bowers, John, 271; John M., 2(t(); Xiclio 

las. 271" 
Bowker, Calvin, 308; X. J., 220 
Bowles, Nathaniel, 1><(I 



Bovce, A. A., 36;!; J. B., 96 

Bovle, John, Rev., 231 

Bovntou. Edward IL, 139 

Brackenridge, W. A.. 147, 211, 230 

Brackett Rutus S., 271 

Bradley, Alvin C.,383; Artemas A., 375; 
Daniel, 259; George H., 94, 96;(Jeorge 
H., Frank M. and Lewis A., 31H; 
Smith, 259; W. W., Dr.. 391 

Bradner, John, 181 ; William, 180, 190 

Bradshaw, William, 327 

Bragden, Rldward, 81 

Bra'mley Brothers, 168 

Brant's raid in Schoharie county, 38 

Brath, James. 276 

Brauus, F. W., Rev., 130 

Brav, Timothv, 274 

Brazee, Andrew W., 78, 114. 374, 383 

Brebouf and Chaumonot, Fathers, 8 

Brewer, Clark I)., 270; lohn. 45, 323, 
325 

Brewster. John C, 213 

Brevfogle. J. L., 92. 99. 114, 158 

Briggs, James, 358; Rufus W., 268; 
Thomas, 320; Wesley C, 334 

Brigham, John, 318 

Brighton, Thomas, 151 

Brim, William W., 375 

Bristol, Leverett. 256, 203; L. A., 328; L. 
W., 94, 118 

British raid in Niagara county in 1813, 
51-55 

Britton, Will-am, 302 

Brock, Isaac, (ien., 48 

Brockway, Frank, Dr., 391 ; Nathaniel 
and David S. , 246 

Brong, Daniel E., 97, 375 

Bronson, Amos, 271 ;. Ira & Son, 169; 
Jane, 237; Peter O., 237 

Brooks, A. R., 116; C. D., Rev., 132; 
Noah, 267; Russell, Rev., 336 

Brookins, Elmer E. . 256; Samuel, 259 

Brothers, David. 274 

Brougham. Thomas P., Rev., 254 

Broughton, Enos, 44, 177 

Brown, Albert, 114; Amos A., 334; An- 
drew, 268,308 309,314; Andrew and 
Amos, 277; Asa B., Dr.. 388; Daniel, 
250,251; David. Rev., 134, 135; Esek, 
105, 106; Fayette S. 86,87; Francis, 
113; George' W. 327; Gilbert, 308; 
Jacob, Gen., 48, 5(i, 57, 59, 60-63; John, 
255, 257; John P., 94, 208; Jonas W., 
99; J. G. () , 95, 312; James G O., and 
William, 309; (Oliver, 278; Oliver R., 
268; Samuel, 383; Samuel C, 330; 
Thomas, 250, 256; W. H. H., 86; Will- 
iam O., 94; , Dr., 318 



222 



Brovvnell, B. F., 271; Elislia, 'Sol 

Brownson, Amos, 249 

Bruce, David R., 171; Eli, 170, 180, 245, 

384; Oliver J., 172 
Bruudage, Ebenezer, 178; Frank, 37:3, 

375 
Brush, Harlan W., 355; Walter S., 355, 

35G 
Bryant, Walter, 201 

Buchanan, W. G., 216; William O., 217 
Buck, Alva, 104, 173; Alvin, 324, 329; 

Champlain F., Dr., 392; E. M., 83; 

John H., 94, 114, 383; John L., 374; 

sketch of, 381; William A., Rev., 266; 

W. D., Rev.. 330 
Buckley, James, 288, 293; James W., 190 
Budd, Gilbert, 246 
Buell, A. C, 228 
Bugbee, Caleb, 245; George, 271 ; Henry 

H., 271; H. S., 96; Stephen, 2fc'8, 269 
Bulger, William J., 374, 383 
Buliard, L. B., 358 
Bulleu, Aaron, 318; Josiah, 316 
Burch, Martin, 325, 329 
Burdick, Seth L., 182 
Burge, David, 261, 263, 265 
Burger, George, 190; George N., 338 
Burgess, Arthur T., 318; C. H., Dr., 389- 

David, 302; J. S., 310 
Burmaster, William N., 256 
Burnett, James, 245 
Burns, Romeo G., 86; Samuel, 288 
Burr, B. F., Rev., 314; & Belden, 294 
Burrell, Mvron L., 375 
Burroughs; B., 120 
Burrowes, Decimus R. , 148 
Burrows, G. Sherman, Rev., 137 
Burtch, Lewis, 246, 247 
Burton, Erwin, Hiram K. , and William, 

308 
Bush, Benjamin and John, 334; Brewing- 
Co., 353; Gorman, 172, 318; J. T., 185; 

John T. and William, 357; Warren A., 

303, 310 ; W. W. , Capt. , 78, 97 
Butler, A. S., Dr., 389; M. B., 190, 194, 

230 ; William O. , 84 
Butterfield, Alexander, Dr., 322, 325, 328, 

388; Alexander H., Dr., 387; Franklin, 

Dr., 249, 387, 388; W. C, 156 
Butterv, Priscilla, Mrs., 155 
Button Arnold, 271 ; Frank, 318 

Cadwallader, M., 122 
Cady, Henry F., 118, 165, 171 
Caldwell, Joseph W., 87 
Calkins & Co., 350 
Callaghan, Jeremiah, 234 
Callahan, John P., 190 



Calvert, Edward, 95, 259 

Cambria, town of, 240-248; churches of, 
247, 248; first town meeting in, 240; 
list of supervisors of, 241 ; pioneers of, 
242-246 ; schools of, 247 ; the first town 
meeting in the original town of, 43; 
when the county was formed, the only 
town, 43 

Camp, Charles W., Rev., 135, 139; Will- 
iam S., 164, 168 

Campaign of 1755, 20, 21 ; of 1756, 22; of 
1757, 23; of 1758, 23, 24; of 1759, 24; of 
1812, 48, 49; of 1813, 49-56; of 1814, 
56-63 

Campaigns of 1776, 1777, 1778, 1779, 36 

Campbell, Alexander, 94, 322; D. S.. Dr., 
391; Ezekiel, 245; Harvev W., 108; 
Henrv W. , 170 ; Jeremiah G^, 287 ; John, 
121; John, Dr., 388; Joshua, 245; Lev- 
erett A., 171 ; Nathan, 271 ; Oliver M., 
87; Ransom, 246 ;R. N., 378; William, 
190, 244, 245 

Canavan, C. T., 190; J. W., 190 

Canfield, Davton G., 182; Isaac, 245; Os- 
born, 182 " 

Cannon, John, 239, 240; Patrick, Rev., 
231, 232; P. J., Rev., 130 

Capen, Alvin and Fernando, 327 

Carey Brothers, 274; Edwin W. , 167; 
Michael E., 276 

Carl, Isaac, 344 

Carlton, David, 113; David and Joseph, 
104; Thomas, 172 

Carmer, F. T., Dr., 392 

Carmon, John W., Dr., 391 

Carnall, Charles E., 118, 119 

Carney, James, 338,340, 345; John and 
William, 245 

Carpenter, Benjamin, 91, 92, 99, 114, 118, 
171; Hiram, 86 

Carr, James J., 334; William E., 377 

Carrington, Asa, 271 ; John E. , 86 

Carroll, Daniel C, 100 

Carson, Samuel, 96 

Carter-Crume Company, 228 

Carter, Daniel, 308; Edwin S., 256, 259; 
George M., 262; Henry A., 374; James, 
97, 150; John, 266, 297, 302, 307 

Cartier, Jacques, 8 

Cartwright, Minor T. and William, 318 

Carv, Eugene, 196, 225, 228, 377 

Case, Cyrus, 314; W. H., 94 

Castle, Oliver, 250 

Cataract Construction Co., 208; Ice Com- 
pany, 229: Milling Company, 227 

C. M. B. A., of Niagara Falls, the, 234 

Catlin, Henry, 100; Thomas G., Dr., 388 

Caverno, Sullivan, 94, 138, 159, 160, 383 



223 



Cazenove, Theophilus, 41 

Celeron, Sieur de, 18, 1J> 

Central Milling Company, 227 

Centre, Joseph, 383 

Chadrick, John. 358 

Chaffee, Lafayette. 383; Warren, 240 

Chamberlain, . Dr., 391 

Chamberlin, Jonas, 245, 295; Rhoda A.. 
237 

Chambers, William, 45, 323, 325 

Champlain, Samuel de. 8 

Champlin. Calvin F. . 337 

Chandler, David, 332 

Changes, important, during the first 
quarter of the present century, 46 

Chapin, Cvrenius, 384; Dewitt,'383: J. P. 
214; Theodore, 3(51 ; Thomas, 143, 182; 
tK: Swallow, 181 

Chaplin, Daniel, 249 

Chapman, David, 190; D. & S., 181 ; Har, 
rison S., 127. 1G7; Josiah, 327; R. B. , 
Capt., 76; Stephen. 143; Thomas M. ; 
354; William, 178;<S: Litchards. 311 ; 
& Warner, 354 

Charlotte (Newfane post-office), 328 

Charlton, 1- & T., 350, 351 

Chase, Albert J., 250 ; Alexander R., Dr., 
388; Arthur L., 86, 87; Edward I., 
138; George, 327; John S.. 253; John 
L., 95, 250. Jonathan. Dr., 388; Will- 
iam H., 97, 271 

Chatterton. Jacob, Dr., 388 

Chauncey, Isaac, Com., 50 

Chemical Construction Co.. 229 

Chesbrough. A.. 201; A. M., 240 

Chester, George T., 163 

Chestnut Ridge, 172 

Child, R. F., Capt., 7(5 

Childs. Aaron, 44. 54, 180. 237, 282, 285, 
292, 301 ; B. F. 185; Chauncey, 271 ; Or- 
son, 215; Stephen, 180; W. H., 55 

Chipman, John M., 383 

Chormann. Frederick. 377 

Christgau. John P.. 357 

Christman, Jacob, 332 

Chrysler, Jacob M., 99 

Chubbuck, Samuel, 293 

Church, John B., 85; Loren, 316, 318; 
Nathaniel, 824, 327 

Churches of Hartland. 156. 253. 254; of 
Lewiston. 140. 300, 301 ; of Lockport, 
127-140, 172-174; of Niagara Falls. 
143-147, 152-155, 230-239; of Pendle- 
ton, 335. 336; of Porter. 149-152, 265, 
266; of Royalton, 141-143. 155-156. 
279-281 ; of Somerset. 320. 321 ; of Ton- 
awanda, 147-149; of Wheatfield. 343, 
3.58-360; of Wilson, 313-315 



Civil list, 98-100 

Claims for reimbursement for damages 

occasioned by tlie British raid. 65 
Clap, Edwin M., 245 
Cla'pp. A. G., 87; Elisha, 97. 99, 384 
Clapsaddle, C. C. 264; John. Joseph, 

Robert and William. 259; Rudolpli. 

257; William and John, 258 
Clark. Archibald. 241 ; Charles, 182; Eli. 

Dr., 276; Enos. ISl; Ensign M., 225; 

Gardner. Dr., 391; Gaylord J., 98, 122; 

(ieorge. 250; George E.. 327; Henrv, 

239; Henry W., 182, 184, 190, 191.239; 

Jesse H., 137; J. B., 259; John H.,99; 

Joseph M., Rev.. 145, 148; Lot, 97, 109. 

136. 217; M. H.. 378; Nathan M.. 375; 

Orange. Rev., 135; Racine C. 268; S. 

H., 275; Svlvester Pendleton, 333 335; 

S. T., Dr.,'390; Willett, 336; Wilham. 

358; W. D.. 262; William P., 171; 

Dr.. 389 
Clarke. Arbhibald S. . 98. 99 
Clary. T. F. C. , 377 
Cleghorn. A., Rev., 237; John, 293; [ohn 

A.. 288 
Clement, S. M.. 225 
Clemmons, John, 257 
Cleveland, H. L.. 118. 119; James H., 

84 
Cliff Paper Company. 227 
Cluck. Alva, 182, 214, 224 
Coates, Asa, 329; John and Samuel. 318; 

Zebulon, 255, 322 
Cobb, Willard A., 98, 123, 124 
Cochran. James, 168 
Cocker, William, 167 
Coe. Philemon E.. Rev., 142 
Coffin, Ralph, 178 
Coggswell, William, 257, 260 
Cohler. John D.. 326 
Cohn. jr., Morris, 190,377 
Colby. Jesse. 820 
Cold storage business, the, 16!) 
Cole, Electus. Dr., 389; James, 304, 308; 

Levi. 270. 273; M. H.. Dr.. 391, 392 
Coleman, Aaron, 318; Asa. 317; Samuel, 

315. 317 
Coller. Joshua D., 302 
Collett, Sarah. 237 
Collier, Jason. 167, Joshua, 127 
Collins, Cornelius. 3.50; Patrick, 334; 

Peter. .327; Sylvester, 173; Thomas, 

358; Thomas C. 338; William, 326 
Colpoys, G. J., 227 
Colt. Asahel, 97; Hetzel, 287; I.saac. 177. 

285. 292; Block Company, 229 
Colton, Isaac, 159; Isaac C. 217. 38:'.; 

Samuel, 253 



224 



Colvin, Ziba, 294; Zina H., 861, 874 

Cohvell, Alfred, 268. 277 

Compton, James, 100, 272; James P., 
274; James R., 127; Lee, 274; & Ben- 
nett, 274, 819 

Comstock, Artemus W. , 99, 241; Darius, 
111; Jared, 245; Jared, Darins and 
Joseph, 106; John, 105; Nathan, 105, 
108, 113, 170, 264, 268, 868; Zeuo, 105, 
106, 118, 164 

Conger, (xeorge. I)r., 389; Gennett, Dr., 
182, 184 

Conkey, James, 105, 118 

Conlin, M. C, 171 

Connan, John W. , 884 

Cook, Bates, 54. 64, 65, 98, 241, 284, 294, 
295; Edwin, Dr., 182, 837, 888; Elliott 
W., Capt., 78; Hiram A., 100; Ira, 181, 
182, 287; Isaac, 90, 284; Isaac C, 282; 
Lemuel, Capt., 43, 44, 240,284; Loth- 
rop, 54,65, 282, 284, 295, 297, 362; Na- 
thaniel. 242, 246; R. D., 152; William 
J., 282; , Dr., 391 

Coomer, Benjamin, 824; Jonathan, 322, 
324. 327 

Coomer (post-office), 828 

Coon, Edward, 818; F. A., 157; F. S. A., 
268 

Cooney, J., 8() 

Cooper, David G., 350; James A., 884; 
James I)., 824, 825, 327, 830; ]. E., 
275; James W., Rev., 180; William D., 
325; W. H., & Co., 850 

Cope, David, 168 

Copeiand, John, 172, 248; John, Rev., 
280 

Cordley, Henry G., 167 

Corey, Nathaniel, 880 

Corliss, (Gardner, 88 

Cornell, Benjamin, 250; Daniel, 253; Job, 
86; John, 97; Nelson, 79, 298, 294, 297 

Cornes, J., 156; W. H., 155 

Cornwell, William, C, 224 

Correspondence of Governor Burnet and 
the Marquis de Beauharnois, 17; of 
Governors Burnet and Yaudreuil, 16, 
17 

Corwiu, Phineas H., 94, 828; P. II. and 
William V., 327; William V., 94, 823; 
& Hubbell, 264 

Cosford, T. B., Dr., 391 

Cotes, John R., Dr., 83 

Cothran, George W., CujJt., 80, 388 

Cotton, Isaac C. , 171 

Coulter, John, 95, 827 

Coulton, 1). C, 121 

Councils with the Indians at Albanv and 
Alexandria, 20 



County, subdivisions of the, 100-103; 

seat, locating of, 862 
Court of Appeals, 367-869 ; County and 

Common Pleas, 371-378; Justice's, 474; 

Supreme, 369-871 ; Surrogate's, 373, 

874 
Court house, dedication exercises of the 

new, 364-366; the first, 361 
Court houses, the .second and third, 868, 

364 
Couteulx, Louis le, 99 
Cove, Nathan, Dr., 892 
Cowan, Peter, 180 
Cowell, Joshua, 245 ; Philo, 245 
Cowing, James, 178 
Cowles Electric Smelting and Aluminum 

Co., 168 
Cox, E. H., 246 
Coxe, Arthur C, Rev., 138, 146, 150, 151, 

153, 155, 156 
Craig, John, 278 
Craine, John, 187 
Cramp, J. H., 152 
Crandall, David S., 100, 122, 132 
Crane, Asa, Dr., 251, 388 
Crapsey, Daniel W., 271; M. C, 98 
Cressey, Ebenezer H., Rev., 135, 141 
Crocker, Luther, 104; William, 277 
Cromley, Charles E., 377 
Cronin, Patrick, Rev., 359 
Cronk, James, 884 
Cronkhite, James, 318; John, 246 
Crosby, David D., 127 
Crosier, William and William H., 246; 

William H., 247; & Parish, 298 
Cross, Daniel, 245; Luther, Dr., 888; 

Washington H., 96 
Grossman, Abner, 802, 305 
Crouse, George, 156 
Crowlev, Richard, 98, 116, 117, 875; W. 

H. , 86 
Crozier, William D., 241 
Cuddeback, A. T., 225; (irant, 30S; 

Harvey, 256; John and J. S., 804; J. S., 

97; Richard, 256 
Culver, David C. , 267; James, 27s 
Cummings, Horace, 105, 172; J., 217 
Currier, Nathan P., 164 
Curry, William, Rev., 180 
Curtis, Bailey, 382 ; Warren, 256 ; Worthy, 

182 
Curtiss Brothers, 264 ; (rideon, 258; Gil- 

bert W., Capt., 258 
Cushing, John J., 808 
Cutler, John W., 187; O. W., 116, 122, 

187, 191 

Daggett, Eleazer, 282; Lewis, 241 



225 



Dailev, James O., 121; William, 309; 
William S., 327 

Dale, Martin J.. 271 

Dallion, Father, 8 

Daly, James D., 297 

Damon, Oeorge H., 8.")() 

Danforth, Louisa, Miss, 1!»;3; F. L., :5r)2 

Daniels, Samuel R., 114; S. Rollin, 171; 
Willard J.. 112; W. P., 112 

Danna, Jacob, 336 

Danser, Earl G., Dr., 391 

Darcy, M. J.. Rev., 130 

Darling, Smith, 249 

Darrison. John T., 94, 114, 116, 439 

Dart. Catherine, 237; William B., 237 

Davenport, B. S., 108; Grandus, 268 

Davis, Bradley D., 71; Bradley D. and 
Nelson R., 261 ; B. D., Jason and Nel- 
son R., 262; Cyrus E., 373; sketch of, 
382; David H., 312; George R.. 828, 
330; George W., 138; Gordon, 261, 
265; Henrv M., 375; Jason, 261; John 
W. , 252 ; Nelson R. , 263 ; Robert, Rev. , 
140 

Davison, James F. , 346; Norton E., 272: 
Rexford, Dr., 389 

Daw, James, 182 

Day^ Albert, 274 

Davton, Lewis P., 190; Nathan, 100, 136, 
159. 371, 373 

Dean, Hiram G., 251 

Dearborn, Benjamin, 303, 310; Henrv, 
Gen., 50 

Dee, Francis ()., 150 

Deglow, William, 358 

De'Graff, James H., 353, 357 

Deitz, Charles, 303 

De Kleist, Eugene, 342 

De la Barre, Le Febvre, 1 1 

De Lancey, William H., Rev., 133, 136. 
137, 138, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 147, 
152, 196 

Delano, Averv S., 155, 271 276; A. S., 
Mrs., 156; B. L., Dr., 169.223,224, 
387; EzraB., 156, 2-'6; F. R., 214, 224, 
225 

Delmage, Henry J.. 190 

Delong, James B. N., 82 

De Lude, Charles C. , 375 

Demorest, David, 327 

Dempsey, M., 118; S. Wallace, 375 

Denison, George, Rev., 135; H. C. , 248 

Dennis, James H., Rev., 156, 275 

Denniston, James, 137 

De Nonville, Marquis, 12, 13 

Densmore. Jay, 354 

Denton, Edwin O.. George W., Henrv 
W.. and John K., 318 



Depue, William, 271 

Dershaw, Solomon, 173 

Description of frontier in 1792, 40 

Deuel. Alfred, 156; Robert. 253 

Devantier, WilHam, 358 

De Veaux, Samuel, 99, 143-145, 196, 217, 

237. 362, 383; College. 196, 197 
Devil's Hole, the massacre at, 31, 32 
Devine, Joseph P., 229 
Devlin, S. J., 226 
Dewe\', W'ilHam, 371 
Dewhurst, John, 250 
Dick, Thomas, Capt., 76 
Dickerson, Orlando E. , 81; Alexander, 

190, 282, 300. 362 
Dickersonville, 300 
Dickey, John H., 109 
Dickinson, James, 327 
Dickson, Ira, 329; John R., lUO 
Dietrick, Daniel, 181 
Dillon, M. J., 355 
District attorneys, 374 
Dittman, Paul, 'Rev., 359 
Diver, John M., 229 
Dix, Daniel, 327; P. T., 327 
Dobbie, Archibald, 229; John, 229; Foun- 
dry and Machine Co., 229 
Dobbins, Thomas, 271 
Dobbmeyer, M. E., 274 
Dodge, Elijah. 88, 89; & Bliss Co.. 350, 

351 
Dole Isaac. 118 
Donnell, Frank, Mathias, Joseph and 

Peter, 334; Mathias, 335 
Donnelly, Dudley, 118; Jo.seph, 375 
Dornfeld, Albert, 340, 342, 357; Christian 

341 ; Wilhelm, 340, 342 
Doty, Alanson, 271; Edwin A., 171; 

Elijah, 257; John, 182; Reuben M.. 293; 

William, 256 
Douglas, Alexander 1)., 302; Asa, 325, 

326; Asa W., 171 ; Asa W. and George 

W., 107; Benjamin, 308; & Jackson, 

163 
Dowding, John, 323, 327 
Downer. Erastus, 259, 293; Roswell, ".1 6, 

318; Ziba A., 288 
Downey. E. L., 275; William J., 195 
Doyle, W. H., 261, 263 
Drainage of lands, 90 
Drake, George, 120 
Draper, A. L., 163; Benjamin, 162; Luke, 

109; W. Levell, Dr., 392 
Drew, John, 137 
Driess, Jacob A., 99. 171, 383 
Driscoll. Joshua. 118; Joshua G.. 109 
Duboc. Henrv A., Rev., 149 
Dudlev, Frank A., 99, 224, 230, 377 



226 



Duff, J. M.. Dr., 390 

Dumville, Joseph, 137; Joseph, jr., 127 

Dunbar, George. 271 

Dunigan, John, 249 

Duncan, C. R., 274 

Dunkley, J. W., 152 

Dunkleberger, Chauncev E. , 170, 374, 
375; John, 173, 256 

Dunlap, Myron E., 84; Robert, 99; 
Thomas, 273; W.E.,377; WiniamJ.,99 

Dunn, David, Dr., 386; Jeptha, 250, 251, 
John 43. 240, 249; John, 2d, 249; John 
M., 276 

Dunton, Austin, 171 

Durand, Horace Munson, 259 ;0. P., Dr., 
392 

Durfee, Paul, 263 

Durk, Henry, 224 

Durkee, Rodney, 152, 22] 

Durnin, Daniel, 196 

Dutcher, Simeon, Rev., 254 

Dutton, E. M., 328; James, 246; John, 
299 ; Leander, 259 

Dwight, A. N., 311 ; Daniel, 308 

Dysinger, 278; Aaron W., Henry, Chaun- 
cev A. and William, 271; Harvey M., 
171; Henry, 271; Samuel A., 171. 

Eaman, George I., 264 

Eames, F. E., 190 

Earl, Richard, 251 

Earle, Herman S., 327; W. C, Dr., 390, 

392 
Early political affairs, 65; settlements 

and settlers, 44, 45 
Easterbrooks, F. A., Rev.. 157 
Eastman, Abial, 132; Alexander, 118; 

An.son, 244, 246, 247; John, 303, 304; 

John M., 244. 246 
East Wilson, 313 
Eaton, A. Judson, 96, 256,259; Bennett, 

316; Stephen, 259 
Eaves, Cephas, 309 
Echota village, 211 

Edenmueller, , Dr., 389 

Eddy, Alfred, 246; Carl E., 344; George 

P., sr., 294; G. P., Dr.. 388, 391 ; George 

P., jr., Dr.. 294; G. W., 157, 276; John, 

325 
Edmunds, Eliphalet, 269; James, 252-254; 

Robert, 249 
Edwards, B.M., 97; John R., 171 ; Joseph, 

172; Loyal E.. 337; Robert, 306; T. C, 

86; William C, 214; 
Eggleston, George B., 80; George W., 

271; John W.. 96, 311 
Ehrenstroem, Rev. Mr., 343 
Eighme, Albert G., 247 



Einstein, Moses, 224, 225 

Electric City Brewing Co., 228 

ElHcott, Joseph, 41. 42. 101 

Elliott, E. H., Dr., 390; R. M., Dr., 392; 

& Robinson, 164 
Ellis. Alexander H., 334; Levi, 326; & 

Graff, 335 
Ellsworth, Harry, 249; Henry, 267, 271; 

Timothy E., 98. 126, 127, 168, 375 
Elton, Theron S., 241 ; William, 246 
Ely, Foster, Rev., 135. 139; P. L., 94; 

W. Caryl, 147, 213, 225, 230, 377 
limerson, Alfred, 261, 263; Jerome E., 

96, 127; William, Col.. 83 
Emmons, Epaphroditus, 180 
Empire Manufacturing Co., 167 
Enderton, Charles E., 323 
Ensign. Nathan D.. 384 
Erie Canal, the, 64, 67 
Ernest, Henry, 271 ; John, 271 ; S<>!(Mnon, 

94 
Eshelman, Samuel B., 191 
Estis, Andrew, Capt., 76 
Evans, Asher B.. Prof., 160; A. T-. Dr., 

392; Charles, 171, 2l7; Edward. 353. 

357; John, Capt., 76; John, Rev., 141, 

151; Karl, 265; Morrison W., 99, 158; 

William F., 182, 214; & Liddle, 168 
Everett, Ebenezer, Rev., 313; Lewis S.. 

Rev.. 280 
Evershed, Thomas 207, 208 
Evringham, Adoniram, 177; James, 

177 
Ewing, Elijah, 88; Isaac N., 271 ; Will- 
iam, 271 
Expedition of Cols. Van Schaick and 

Marinus Willett against the Ononda 

gas, 36 
Export Lumber Co., 350 

Faber, William F., Rev., 135 

Fairbanks, Joshua, 41. 177, 282; state- 
ment of about his journey and arrival, 
285; 293; 295; & Thompson, 293 

Fairchilds, John, 184 

Faling, Cornelius, Dr., 388; Peter, Dr., 
271, 389 

Falkner, J. W., Dr., 391 

Families, the Carney, Defoe. Springsteen, 
Bliss. Earl, Bridge, Balmer, Wilson, 
and Pletcher, 293; of Doty. Hopkins. 
Little. Cogswell. Meade, Cotton, Kemj), 
45 ; the jSIcKie and Patterson. 324 ; the 
Norton, Williams, Harrington, Croker, 
Weaver, 113 

Fanning, Thomas W., 180 

Farley, Andrew A., 293; Benjamin, 94, 
99, 302, 308, 384; Frank, B.,309 



227 



I'armeis Mutual Insurance of Orleans 

and Niagara counties, 96 
Farnell, William S., 388 
Farnsworth, Hunt, 246; Ira, 97, )71; 

John, 241 
Fassett, A. K., 182; David S., Dr., 387; 

F. S., 845; Henry J. }.. 88; &• Bellinger, 

8o0 
Faulkner, G. L., 357 
Faxon, Samuel, 245, 
Fay. Thomas M., Major, 83 
Feagles, R. A., 375 
Fedespiel, Matthies, 233, 234 
Feeley. T. T., 126 
F'ellows, Lathrop, 138 
Felton, Beuiamiu F., 95, 345,352, 356-358 
Fenn, D. S.", 268, Ethan, 268; Titus, 249; 

William S., 99, 156, 268. 274 
Ferguson, Andrew K., Dr., 389; Bar- 

temus, 107, 120, 297; Frederick. 329; 

F. H., 329 
Ferrin, J. Charles, 170; Kimball, 332; 

Brothers Co., 169 
Ferris, Orsemus, 302, 308; R. A., 308 
Pick, Louis. 353 
Field, Eldad, 178; James, 44, 178. 183, 

190, 362; Spencer. 178; Wilham P., 167; 

Force Pump Co., 167 
Fields, George. 136 
Filer, Alexander P., Prof., 358 
l-'inancial crises of 1836-7 and 1857, 71 
Finch, Hiram, 164 

Finch, David 105, 108; Konrad. 190, 225 
Fish, Joshua, 178; Lebbeus, 106; Nor- 
man B., 377 
Fisher, J. A. L. , 355 
Fisk Carrington, 269. 272; James, 271; 

John, 221 ; John, Col., 81 ; Orrin, 97, 108, 

334 
Fitch, Enoch, 308; William, 299 
Fithian. Freeman J., 383 
Fitts, Hardy and John, 318; Jacob, 45, 

316; James Franklin, Major, 364, 383; 

Loren, 97, 318; Philip, 316, 317 
Fitzgerald, Matthew, 318 
Fitzpatrick. Patrick, 263 
Flagler, Benjamin, 89, 98, 224, 225, 230; 

Charles, 82, 94; H. H., 127; Sylvester, 

172; Thomas T., 91, 92, 99, 112, 122, 

127. 162. 166, 171 
Flanders, Albert, 94, 247; Hiram, 246; 

John, 244 
Fleming, John, 294; Robert, 52, 295. 362, 

363, 373; Robert, jr., 99 
Fletcher, Benjamin, 171; Benjamin, F., 

99; B. H., 91, 92, 118 
Flood, A. H.. Dr., 390 
Flynn, Stephen, 80 



Fogal, 1-. II., 126 

Foley, Charles F., 119 

Folger, Charles E., 167; P. W., 309 

P'ollett, Amelia, 328 

P'oote, Benjamin F.. Capt.. 80; Erastus 
B., Rev.. 135; E. J., Dr., 391; Israel. 
Rev., 135, 152 197; John, Dr., 384, 
389; R. C, Rev., 334; R. C, jr., 334; 
Seneca B. , 94 

Force, David, 258 

Ford, Elijah, 197; F. C, 182; WilliauJltTT 
131, 171 

Forsyth, E. H., 96; John, 45, 243; Luther, 
171 

Fort, building of the first at the mouth 
of the Niagara, 13 

Fort Erie, siege of, 62, 63 

Fort Niagara, building of, opposed by 
the English, 12; destroyed by De Non- 
ville and the fort abandoned, 13; as 
seen by Captain Snyder in 1780, 38; 
erection of, by the French in 1726,17; 
from 1738 to 1744, 17, 18; siege and 
capture of, by the English, 24-28; 
strengthening of by the French, in 
1755, 21; under Captain Pouchot, 22, 
23, 264 

Fort Schlosser, 29 

Fosdick, Samuel, 263 

Foster, James, 85; James M., 256. 259; 
John. Rev., 358; Lemuel, 271 

Fowler, James L., 256; Thomas, 172 
245; & Harwick, 264 

Fox, Charles J., 122; George and Pren- 
tice, 318; Morris L., 182; Prentice, 316 

Francis, Charles H., 271, 275, 276- 
Harvev, 274; H. A., 228; Manufactur- 
ing Co., 228; & Ward, 186 

Franklin Milling Company, 164 

Eraser, Hugh, 294 

Frazer. Donald G., 272 

Frazier, George, 81 

Freeborn, Charles, 113 

Freeman, Alexander, 104. 113, 245- 
Asher, 267, 268; Asher, sr., 269, 270- 
Benjamin F. , 276; B. F., James and 
John, 271 ; John. 257; John G., 94, 116, 
123. 171, 241, 246; Linus S., 274, 275- 
Philip. 278 

l-'reer, George L. , 241 ; George S., 247 

French and English, contention of, over 
the frontier. 11; and English discov- 
eries and claims. 6-20; and PvCglish 
intriguing for Iroquois fealtv, 20; and 
English retaliation. 16; fort above the 
falls. 19; invasion of the Seneca coun- 
try, 12; occupation, increase in, after 
the treaty of Aix-laChapelle. 19; 



228 



power, expansion of, 14; power, ex- 
tinction of, in America, 28 

French, Edgar B., 274 

Frick. G. Oliver, 262 

Frink, Charles, 88; David. 164 

Frisbie, Gideon, Dr., 294, 362, 387 

Fritz, Christian, 338, 342; William, 271, 
358; William F., 342 

Frontier, importance of the, to the 
French and English, 11 

Frost, Henry H., 316; Henry H. & Son, 
319; Hiram and Isaac J., 313; Rider 
& Frost, 350; Seneca H., 171, S. W., 
316 

Fryer, Robert L., 200 

Fuller, L. G., 353, 357; LudolphusW., 
78; Reuben, 335 

Fulmer, John and Adam, 332 

Fulsom, Ezekiel, 170 

Fur trade, the, about 1762, 30 

Furbish, Edward B., Rev., 130 

Furgason, Albert R., 171, ;;64; B. J., 
169 

Furrow, Peter, 308 

Fursman, William H., 114 

Gage, George W., 100 

Gallagher, Francis W., Dr., 391 

Gallup, Nathan, 308 

Galusha, Elon. Rev., 129 

Gambol, William, 284 

Gantt, E. W., Dr., 94, 126 

Garbut, John, 250 

Garden Foundry Co., 169 

Gardiner, C. , 86 

Gardner, Alexander, Capt. , 87; Amos 
H., 375; Anna S., 158; David, 274, 321 ; 
Emmor K.. 316; Hiram 98 99, 107, 
108, 112, 158, 159, 170, 361, 373, 374, 
379; I. J., 318; N. W., 109; William, 
86; William B., 271 

Garland, W. H.,274 

Garlock, C. M., Dr., 391 

Garnsey. John, 99, 268 

Garrett, William, 181 

Gaskill, Benjamin F., 94, 127; Charles 
B., 194, 196, 201, 207, 222, 225-227; F., 
Dr., 391; Joshua, 374, 375; Varnev, 
268 

Gaskin, Thomas, 191, 225 

Gasport, 276, 277 

Gassier, William F., 225 

Gatchell, Alonzo U., 256, 264. 364 

Gatley, H. S., Rev., 157 

Gaunt, Jacob, 171 

Gavin, Patrick, 235 

Gay, Aden, 180; Ziba, 181, 237 

Geagan, John, 182 



Geddes, James, 67 

Gentle. William T.. 264 

Gentz, Frederick. 358 

George, William, 86 

Gerington, Lorin, 143 

Getz, Franklin. 353 

Geyer. Sebastian. 233, 235 

Gibbs, Elijah. 172; Rufus, 171 

Gibson. Arnold & Little, 163; John, 104; 

Oliver C, 171 
Gifford, Hiram, 308; Jerome, 312; Mar- 
tin S., 303 
Gilbert. Charles G., Rev., 135; Nathan 

S., 171; Silas, 252; Solomon, 285 
Gilchrist, C. H., 227 
Gillett, J. A., Dr., 390 
Gillette family, 287; Levi Parsons, tO; 

Solomon, 53, 54, 290 
Gilliat, Rev., Dr., 139 
Gillie, Godard & Co., 357; William M.. 

346 
Gillis, Hugh, Dr., 387 
Gilman, Edward W., Rev., 130 
Gladden, George W., 87 
Gladding, Jesse, 156 
Glenny, H, H., 352 
Glover, Lewis E. , 221 
Godard, Lewis, 118 
Godfrey, Reuben, 330 
Godkin, John, 350 

Goerss. Christian F., 90, 338, 340, 357 
Goff, Charles, 180 
Gombert, William, 345 
Good, George W., 272; George W. and 

Washington, 271; J. A., 268 
Goodenough, Hiram H., 308 
Goodfellow, William, 309 
Goodian, Henry W., 334 
Gooding, A. Stewart, 116; George S. , 

125; John, 108, 170 
Goodman, Robert E., 265 
Goodridge, Lyman, 334 
Gordon, Frank M., 347; Lewis P., 99, 

116, 117. 375 
Gould. C.W.. Dr., 275, 390; David, 245, 

246; George W., 241; John, 40. 44, 95. 

99. 243-245, 256, 285, 362; John, jr., 

241 ; John B., 244; Theodore P., Capt., 

78; William B., Dr., 387, 388 
Goundry, George, 347 
(joutermout. Louis, 253 
(irabau J. An. A., Rev., 343 
Grace. Oliver. 65, 100. 121, 282, 295, 297, 

362 
Graf, Charles A. , 342 
Graham, William E., 268, 272 
Gratwick. W. H., & Co., 351 
Grauer, D., 238 



!29 



Graves. Edward C, 388; Eliliii P.. '^IT), 

221 ; George W., Dr., 388; Joseph, 180; 

Seidell E., 375 
Gray, Arthur. 282; Arthur, jr., 282; 

Matthew, 337 
(ireber, John, 80 
(ireeu. Andrew H., 2U0; (jeorge C, 127; 

Stephen, 278; William, 261 
Greene. Charles H., 388; George C, 

383; William, Dr., 389; William C, 375 
(Greenwood, Samuel A., 18") 
(Gregory, Henrv, Rev., 170, 190; Henry 

E'. 200; Ira, '240 
(ireiner, Peter, 337 
Greusit, Robert, 203 
Grey, John, 340, 341 
Grithu, Eliza, Mrs.. 154; George L., 300, 

312- Harmon G., 344; H. H., 338 
••Griffin." the. 10, 11 
(Griffith. Hiram E., 224; II. N.. 191, 377; 

Thomas M., 290; William, 182 
Grigg Brothers & Ellis, 103; Henrv, 127, 

225, 227 
Griswold, Eben, 109; Guv, 317; Je.sse, 

104; John, 207, 209 
Gross. L. W. , Rev. . 320 
(irosskopf, Charles, 342; Fred, 340 
(hosvenor, J. W., Dr., 390 
Grout. William P., 309, 310 
Gruhler, Joseph C. 194, 190 
Gustin, John (J., 108, 118 

Habacker, Franklin D., 241; F. 1). and 
B. A.. 358 

Hackett, Justus W., 303, 309-311 

Hackstaff, George H., 180; N. '!\, 222 

Haeberle, George, 191 

Hagen, Charles, 338, 357 

Hague, John S. and Sanford, 309 

Haight, David, 321; Jacob S., Albert H. 
and Joshua J., 318; William H., 327 

Haines, Calvin, Mrs., 158; (ieorge S., 
224; Jesse, 90; Jesse P., 104, 113; Reu- 
ben, 105, 113 

Hale, Benjamin. 208, 271, 279 

Hall, Barnett D, 127; Edward G.. 250, 
202; Henry, 358; Henry D., 78; Jacob, 
108- Lambert, 203; Levi, 251 ; Richard, 
240; Silas, 333, 335, 336; S. C, Prof., 
312; Thomas, 158; Tiras A., 167; 
Titus, 172; Iron Works. 109 

Halsted, Benjamin, 324, 325; Charles, 
329; Irving, Morris and Oliver. 327; 
Ransom, 329 

Hamblin, Andrew, 90; John A., 309; 
William, 91, 303, 30.s 

Hamilton, John, Mrs., 294; Robert. 81; 
William, 200 



Hamlin, Gi^orge E., 182; George W.. 

106; John D.. 182. 223; Samuel D., 

182. 185 
Hammond, Charles, 158; Charles, Rev., 

132; Eliakim, 241,245 
Hancock, J. M., 190 
Hand, Sarah, 231 
Hanrahan, Kate F. , 195 
Hard, Wallace B., 87 
Hardy, Benjamin, Dr., 388 
Harmony, Edward, 241, 247 
Harpuder, Max, 274 
Harrington, D. W., Dr., 390; Edward 

B., 377; James J.. 312; H. Nelson, 31K; 

William, 319; William, Rev., 254 
Harris, George S. , 89; James, 108 
Harri.son, James, 43, 240; Jonas, 285,. 

294; & Mack, 297 
Hart, Demas, 207; E. C, 375; Seth C, 

383 
Hartigan, Richard, 194, 19() 
Hartland Corners, 252; Paper Co., 274 
Hartland, town of, 248-254; churches of, 

150, 253, 254; first town meeting in, 

249; list of supervisors of, 249; pioneers 

of, 250-252; schools of, 253 
Hartman, Frederick, 190 
Hart well. J. B., Dr., 390; J. W., Dr., 

392: Oramel, 302 
Harwood, Edward, Rey., 279; Ezra, 267; 

I. Marville, 99, 323; L. C, 86; Marvin, 

268, 270 
Haskell, John A., 262; John W., 89, 250; 

Nelson D., 99, 250, 259, 262 
Haskin, Alexander. 43, 240 
Hastings. Albert M., 318; Arthur C. 190, 

227, 228 
Hatch, Charles W.. 97, 169. 171; Enoch. 

244; Junius H., 362. 363 
Hathaway. Elijah, 255; Otis, 105, 106, 

162; Otis and S. R., 109; William G.. 

245 
Hattau, William, 129 
Haven, G. M., Rev., 150; J. H., Rev., 

141 
Hawbecker, Jo.seph, 337 
Hawkes, John, 114, 137, 171 
Hawkins, Rufus, Capt., 70; William J., 

Capt., 80, 87 
Hawlev, James C, 332; Jesse, 106. 362 
Haves,' F. M., Dr., 360; James E. , 107; 

L'emuel. 318; Otis B.,'78, 252; Reu- 
ben, 267 
Hays, (ieorge B., 352; Orlin S., 79; 

S'tephen, 322, 324 
Havward, Edward, Prof., 100; Hatnall, 

94 ; S. O. , 353 
Haze, John, 307. 314 



230 



Healy, Samuel, 314 

Heap, G. P., 152 

Heath, Willard, 89 

Hecker, Anthony W., 152 

Heim, Peter, 338, 358 

Heland, John, 352 

Helmer, A. M., Dr., 389; Josiah H., 92; 

J. H., Dr., 389; J. W., 91, 158 
Helms, H., 2.")(J; Michael, 256, 258 
Hellwig, Jacob E., Dr., 392 
Henderson, B., Dr., 388; James, 332; 

Robert, Dr., 388; Robert H., 267, 278; 

William, 330; William, Dr., 388; W. 

H., Dr., 388 
Hennepin, Louis, 9-11 
Henoessy, Ed. M., Rev., 231 
Henning, Amos W. R.. 89, 100; Janette, 

Miss, 331; John, 322, 327 
Henry, L. Eugene, 310-312; W. W., 116; 

Zeba, 256 
Hepworth, John T., 357 
Heroy, John B., 383; William, 172 
Herrington, Joel, 170 
Herschell, Allan and George C, !i52 
Hersey, Solomon, 293 
Hershey, Peter D. , 346 
Hertel, Herman C, 214 
Hess, James, 315, 324; Marvin S., 318; 

Peter, 316, 317, 322, 324 
Hewitt, Benjamin, 282; Joseph, 43, 240- 

242, 285, 293. 342 ; Joseph P. , 287 
Hickey, Charles, 373-375 
Hick&x, Burton H., Rev., 133 
Higgins, Joseph W. , 99 
Higgs, Charles E. and George, 318 
Hildreth. G. W., & Co., 169; Marks, 

Keep cK: Hitchins, 167 
Hill, Alvah, 384; Caleb, Dr., 38S; Charles, 

334, 335; Ezekiel, 178, 183; Henry H., 

180; Hezekiah, 245; H. C. Dr., 86,391; 

John, 308; John M., 81; L. H., 94; O., 

Dr., 388; Walter S., 327; William, 256 
Hills, John, 241, 245 
Hinchey, Ferdinand, 274; W. John, 274, 

275 
Hinman, A. G., 256; A. J., 262; , 

Dr., 390 
Hitchcock, Enoch, 43, 240, 249; Harvev, 

245; John, 245; Samuel, Col., 276 
Hixson, DumontA., 97; L. J., Dr., 391 
Hoag, Charles A., 127; Harvey, 253; 

Hiram, 253; H. C, & Son, 169; Ira T., 

171; Leman, 97; Philip and Thomas, 

318; Richard B., 114, 171; Stephen, 113 
Hobart, John Henry, Rev., 133, 143 
Hobbie, George S., 355 
Hodge, John, 92, 94, 118, 122, 127, 158, 

169, 224; John, Dr., 392; William, Dr., 

392 



Hodgeville, 335 

Hodson, W. H., Dr., 392 

Hoepsal, John, Mrs., 273 

HolTman, Adam, 334; Matthias, 88; Nich- 
olas and Frank, 259; William P., 316 

Hotfman (station), 335 

Hogan, James, 191 

Hogeboom, Abraham, Dr., 388 

Holcomb, Origen P., Rev., 135 

Holden, Enos S., 256 

Holdridge, George B., 268, 271 

Holland Company Purchase, the, 41, 42, 101 

Holland, George, 182; Lewis, 344 

Hollenbeck, Solomon, 271 

Holley, George W., 99,145. 182, 191- 
Montford C. , 375 

Hollingsworth, John H., 226 

Hollister Brothers, Ltd., 350 

Holloway, William, Dr., 389 

Holly, Birdsall, 166; Frank W., 166; Man- 
ufacturing Co., 166; Steam Combina- 
tion Co., 166 

Holmes, Alfred, 364, 373, 374; sketch of, 
380; Burroughs, 267; Daniel, 302, 308, 
313; John, 313; J. W., Capt, 86; Rich- 
ard, 97, 308; Richard C, 303; William 
H., 303,309 

Holsev, A., Rev., 97 

Holt, Daniel P., 319; Elijah Adams, 94 
99, 171 

Homeyer, Henr}', 357 

Honeywell, Charles E., 311 

Hood," George B., 316; George K. 316 

Hooker, Christiance, 143; Christiance, 
2d, 143 ; John C. , 297 ; J. O. , 288 ; Rach- 
el, 143; Samuel, 143 

Hoover, Dennis G., 858; M. H., 169 

Hopkins, Abner T., 375; Ephraim, 257- 
Henry K. , 1 18, 283 ; Henry R. , 109 ; J. C. ,' 
308; J. S., 98; Mark, 383; Obadiah 
257; Peter, 257, 323; Samuel, 257; Silas 
40, 43, 64, 65, 183, 190, 240, 241, 243, 
257, 284; reminiscences of, 287, 293, 
361, 362, 373; sketch of, 381; Silas S., 
282; Stephen, 43, 112, 177, 240 

Home, Walter P., 99, 225 

Horton, JohnT., 229 

Hosmer, Qustavus P., 158; John, 309; 
Sylvester, 314;Timothv. 256 

Hotchkiss, A. V. E., 296; Calvin, 246, 
293, 295, 296; Charles and George, 288; 
Enoch, 244; F. }.. 294; George C., 263: 
William, 64, 282, 294, 295, 297, 360, 374 
William, jr., 294 

Hough, Henry, 284 

House & Boughton, 106 

Houstatter, Adam, 244; A. H., 246 

Hovey, Ebenezer, 183, 190; Jacob, 177; 
W. Scott, 89 



231 



Howard, Ethan H.. 324; Cleorge J., 224; 

Henry C, 94, 224, 22r). 265 
Howder, Christopher, 244 
Howe, Wilhani S. , 24(5 
Howell, Charles A., 297; Joseph, 177; 

Joseph and John, 284; Nathaniel W., 

241 ; WiUiam, 177, 242 
Howes, W. H., 168 
Hover, John R, Dr., 275, 391 
Ilovt. (ieorge A , Capt., 87; S., 353; T. 

Webster, 323; William D., 274 
Hudnut, Orrin L., 268 
Hudson Brothers, 300; Henrv, 8; James, 

250 
HueshofF, Henry, 116 
Huff, Andrew, 180; David C, 114; James 

B., 350 
Huggins. W. O., Dr., 390 
Hulett, Theodore G., 89, 182; descrip- 
tion of building the Suspension bridge 

bv, 217-220; Walter E., 145. 182, 184. 
Hull, Abner, 183; Lewis, W., 288 
Humbert, C. S.. 230 
Humphrev, Guy C, 99, 316; Guy C. and 

Simeon N., 318; Pixley M., 316 
Hungerford Andrew, 318 
Hunt, Marv H., Mrs., 137, 164; Romiro 

E., 276; 'Washington, 93, 98, 112, 136, 

163, 164, 166, 217, 343, 373; sketch of, 

378 
Hunter, Francis, 268 
Hunting, Ben J., 375, 383; M. S., 375 
Huntington, David, George A., Albert 

and Gurdon, 318 ;H. S., Rev., 154 
Ilurd, Davis, 98, 99; David, 268; Eli, Dr,, 

386-388; Reuben, 45, 245; W. S., Dr., 

392 
Huron Lumber Co., 350 
Hustlebv, H. C.,312 
Hustler," 43, 240, 284, 293 
Huston, W. E.,97 

Hutchings, Abram, 308; J. Harvey. 308 
Hutchins, Abraham, 307; Jacob. 271 
Hutchinson. John. 259; Michael, 78; 

William A., 262 
Hyatt, T. H., 121 
Hvde, Almeron, Dr., 388; Frederick, S. , 

Rev., 135, 137; John A., Dr.. 256, 261, 

265, 388; William H., 318; William 

Henry and David H., 318 
Hvdraulic Canal at Niagara Falls, 201, 

202 

Improvements in agricultural methods, 
92 

Indian attack upon Montreal, 14; occu- 
pation, 5, 6; trails, 6, 7; afliliation with 
the British during the Revolution. 35 



Indians attitude of the, in the war of 
1812, 48, trouble with, in 1772, 31 

Ingalls, John, 113; Jonathan, 94 

Ingersoll. Edward. Rev., 146; John, 245 

Ingraham. D. B., 131 

Innes. Frank H.. 377 

International Suspension Bridge Co., 217 

Irish, Jacob D.. 303 

Isaacs, David, 185, 224 

Isdell, Samuel O.. 3(»3. 313 

Ivins, A. H., 139; Augustus H., 139, 166, 
168, 375 

Jack, Isaac, N., 288; John, 168 

Jackson, Charles and John J., 271 ; Hugh. 
Jesse and William, 251; James, 114, 
171; James, jr., 92. 99, 118, 122, 168; 
John, 106, 107, 171; J. Carl, 92, 164; 
Thomas W., 157, 276 

Jacobs, Ansel B., 181 ; Calvin, 358; Daniel 
C, 337; Stephen, 338 

Jacobus, John, si 

Jaenecke, Ernest G. and John G., 342 

James. A. R.. 227 

Jamieson, A. H., 249, 253 

Jaques. M. H., 327 

Jarvis, W. O. , Rev., 145 

Jayne, C. E., 171 

Jeffers, David, 245 

Jeffery, David O., 302 

Jeffrey, D. Elwood and Edwin L. , 375 

Jeffords familv, the, 259 

Jenkins, John'B., Rev., 336 

Jenks, Jerrv S., 333, 335, 362; Samuel, 
249; Wiliam B., 335 

Jenney, John, 118; Justu.s, 108;AVilliam 
E., Dr., 118, 171 

Jennings, Samuel, 107; Truman, 276 

Jenss, J. W., 126 

Jerauld, Dexter R., 146, 182, 214 

jermain, George W., 99 

}esson Brothers, 319 

Jessup, Major, 60, 61 

Jewell, James A., 83 . 

Jewett, S. S., 352 / ^ / 

Johnson, Asahel, 100,J249; Charles, 161 
C. W.. 378; David, 259; Elmer E., 303 
310, 313; Frank E. ,225; Guv. Col., 35 
Halrvey N., 91 ; Henrv. 3y0;'Henry N. 
:!02, Sn. James, 288;' Jay K., 303. 311 
John, Sir, 35; John, and sons Joseph 
F., Levi L. and Harvev N. 30^; Kath- 
erine F.. 195; Martin,' Dr., 3S6. 387; 
Morgan. 9fK; M. A., Rev., 145. 146; 
(^ramel and Lucien, 182; Ravmond C, 
^161 ; Selden (i.', 356; Timothv, Dr., 388. 
William. Sir. 18-20. 25-28.'30, 32-35; 
175; W. C. 207; William W.. 268 



Johnson's Creek, 173, 252 

Joncaire, Chabert, 15, 25 

Joncaire's trading post at Lewiston, 15-17 

Jones, E. A. , Mrs., 311 ; James, 85 ; James 

H., 216; John, 246; Jonathan, 257; 

Joseph H., 239: J. T., 226 
Jovce, John T., 171; Robert, 233, 235 
Judd, Garwood Leverett. 99, US, 149, 

356, 357, 377; Thomas C, 246; William 

A., 170 
Judson, George, 253; George D., 275; 

George W., 378; Nancy, 253 

Kage, William J., 357 

Kaiser, John, 346 

Kaltenbach, Andrew, 225 

Kammerer, Adam, 191 

Kandt, Charles, 338; Charles W., 344 

Kaner, P. J., Dr., 389 

Kaufman, H., Rev., 359 

Kavanaugh, Patrick V., Rev., 298 

Kearns. Eugene, 126, 171 

Keep, Charles, 166; Wallace I., 139, 168; 

William, 98, 162 
Keller, H. A., 222 

Kelley, Daniel, 256; D. M., 226; Fred- 
erick, 256; James, 288; & McBeau Co.. 

226 
Kelly, John, 237; J. W. H., 297 
Kelsey, George, 334; L. A., Lumber Co., 

350; Roswell, 274; Thomas, 293; & 

Gillespie, 350 
Kemp, Benjamin, 255; Burgoyne, 302, 

323, 325, 326; David, 322, 324; Samuel, 

318, 319 
Kendall, Charles A., 250,251; Eber, 250, 

251 
Kennedy, William, 107, 111 
Kent, Abatus, Rev., 128; Alexander (i., 

344, 345; John, 240 
Kenyon, John, 252 
Kessler, W. H., & Son, 350 
Ketchani, Cornelius and James R., 271 
Keyes, Henry, 332 
Keyser, Abraham, 362, 363; Conrad, 113, 

245 
Kidder, Amos M., 282; Isaac, Dr., 389 
Kilborne, Horatio, 158, 171 
K\]], Ruthven, 99, 268, 271 
Kimball, Roswell, Dr., 388 
Kimberly, H., & Co., 107 
King, Francis, 336; James B.. 191 ; James 

O., 171; Michael J., 252; Patrick F.. 

375, 376 ; William, 99 
Kinne, Amos and S. B., 105, 172; Anson, 

334; James, 173; Robert B., 173 
Kinney, John F., 384 
Kinsella, Michael, 327 



Kin.sler, James T., Dr., 390 

Kirkpatrick, J. G., 377 

Kittenger. F. A., Dr., 392; George, Rev., 

301; Joseph, 79; Martin S., Dr., 170, 

389; Samuel, 79, 241 
Klemer, Martin, 358 
Knapp, Franklin, 278; F. L., Dr., 392; 

George W., Rev., 141, 151, 154; J. D., 

Rev., 239; O. P., 94 
Knowles, Richard and William. 307; 

William A., and son Richard, 308 
Knox, George W., 378 
Koch, W. C, Rev., 359 
Koepfinger, John Adam, 334, 336 
Kohler, Charles, 338; Charles H., 346 
Koon, A. H., Dr., 392 
Kopp, Frederick and Martin, 357 ; & Co. , 

357 
Krakoski, Julius, 191 
Krauss, A. & E. M., 357 
KruU, Christian George, 358; William, 

357; William C, 344 
Krupp, Peter and Henrv, 327 
Kyte, Francis, 256, 259,' William, 259 

Labar, John W., 99; John W., jr., 271 

Lackor, Charles B. , 86 

Ladner, Absalom, 252 

Lafferty, Alexander, 270 

Larier, Burt, 243 

Lahey. E. F., 274 

Laird, A. K. 274 

Lake commerce, beginnings of, 46; of 

the first half of the present century, 75, 

76 
Lambert, William, 171 
Lammerts, John C, 99, 194, 225, 228,230 
Lamont, George D., 98, 371, 373, 374; 

sketch of, 380 
Lampkins, A. D. , 152 
Landers, Daniel, 318; Jefferson B., 250 
Landon, Joseph, 361 
Lane, Alexander, 262; A. T., 330; Charles 

B., 316; Calvert G., 148; Francis B., 

270, 273, 280; Jason, 245; Jonas P., 

274; , Dr., 391 

Lang, Ferdinand, 358; M. L., Dr., 390 

Lange, August, 344 

Lanigan, Francis P. , 235 ; James A. , Rev. , 

235 
Lansing, Garrett G., 376 
Lardner, John, 171 
Large, Thomas R., 171 
Larned, Samuel, 108 
La Salle, first vovage of, 9; village of, 

239, 240 
Laskey, C. M., 378; C. W., 276 
Latta, John, 44, 287 ; Walter, 287 



233 



Laughlin, Benjamin S., '.V22 

Laurier, Eugene, 195, 196 

Lawrence, Tames S. , 150; Spencer I., 

Laydin, Thomas, 171 

Lay ton, Job, 108 

Leach, John. 25:5 

Ivearned, Samuel, lOK 

Le Blonde, Frank, 192 

Lee, Albert H., 82:5, ;^27; R(.bert, 4:5, 240 

Leet, James M., Dr., 86 

Leffman, Lewis, 150, 151 

Legg-, William, 288 

Leggett, John H., :576 

Legislative acts of 182:^, 64 

Lehon, William, ;358; & Warren, :357 

Leland, Herman J., ;5:54, 864; Luther, 
■.V3-S- Otis, 252, 254 

Lentz, Jacob, ;^27 

Leonard, A. A., Dr., 8:^; Alexander C, 
2:59; Alfred M., Dr., :389; Allen T., 
Dr., 892; Captain, 52; Chauncev, 94, 
108; Harvey, ;361 ; Levi. 271; Nathan- 
iel, 64, 282 ; Samuel, 129 ; Samuel, Rev. , 
:5;56; Thomas, :58:5 

Letts, William, 267 

Le Valley, Holden, 254 

Levan, Abram K. , 241, 247; Edwin, 171 ; 
William, 78; Willis A., :«4; & Grit- 
man, 166 

Lewis, Albert, Rev., 1:55; A. B., 95; A. 
C. Rev., 137; Alfred J., 276; Cyrus A., 
251; Eldridge, :516; Elliott, 106, 108; 
(reorge C. , ;^76 ; George W. , 271 ; James 
C, 100, 249, 2.52; Joseph, 374; Levi, 
:«;5; Oliver, :530; Reuben, 54, 291; S. 
Clark, 171, 384; S. Curt, 99, 127; Will- 
iam B. , 333 

Lewistou and Junction Horse Railroad, 
295; and Youngstown Frontier Rail- 
way Co., 265; suspension bridge, 296 

Lewiston, town of, 281-302; churches of , 
140, ;30O, :301 ; during the war of 1812, 
288-292; dwellers in, in 1800, 42; elec- 
tric railways of, 297 ; first town meet- 
ing of, 282; list of supervisors of, 282; 
newspapers of, 297 ; pioneers of, 284- 
288; schools of, 294, 295; settlers of, 
after the war of 1812, 292-294; Tusca- 
rora Re.servation in, 283; village after 
the war, 293; village, incorporation of, 
297 

Liddell. James, 31S 

Liddle, James S. , 114 

Lignerv, M. de, 26 

Lillis, John E., 376 

Lindsay, Charles W., 'd2: ; r)avid, 17S 

Liscomb. Lyman, li:^ 



Liscom, A. G., 222 

Little, John F., 99, 171 ; John F., &■ Son, 
274; Joseph W., 171 

Lloyd, John, 45 

Lobbett, James, 156 

Lochuer, William E. , 376 

Lockport, city and town of, 103-174; 
churches in, 172-174; description <>( 
early mail facilities of (extract), 115; 
origin of name of, 105 

Lockport city, banks of, 126, 127; begin- 
ningsof, 105-107; churches of, 137-140; 
completion of the "big bridge" at, 116, 
117; [ire department, 117-119; first 
newspaper in, 107; flouring mills of, 
162-164; incorporation, etc., of, 103, 
incorporation of, 114; list of supervis- 
ors of, 171; manufactures of, 164-169; 
newspapers of, 120-126; opening of the 
Erie Canal through, 108; schools r)f, 
158-161; street car system, 161 ; Upper 
and Lower Towns of, 108, 109; water 
supply of, 120 

Lockport town, first town meeting in, 
170; geology of 103; list of supervisors 
of, 171; pioneers of, 104, 105; post- 
ofhces in, 104; villages and hamlets in, 
162-174; early mail service at, 115; ef- 
fect of railroad upon, 113; description 
of from 18:58 to 1848, 109-111; incorp- 
oration of, 109; increase in population 
of. 111; manufacturing interests of, in 
1835, li:'; sale of surplus canal water 
in, 111 

Lockport Business Men's Association, 
169, 170; Exempt Firemen's Associa- 
tion of, 119; Felt Co., 168, 328; (ias 
and Electric Light Co., 161; Glass 
Works, 166; Home for the l'>iendless, 
158; Hydraulic Company, 112; Manu- 
facturer.s' Building Conipanv of, 112; 
Pulp Co., 168; Paper Co., 'l68; Saw 
Works, 167 

Lockwood. Henrv, 'M)2, 803; Lsaac, 319; 
James D., 323; James D., William H.. 
and Jesse O., :«7 ; Samuel, 'd'SO 

Lombard, George F., and Charles L., 
:528 

Long, B. H , :557; Charles B.. 119; Dan- 
iel and Reuben, 271 ; Michael, 88; Sam- 
uel, Dr., 391 

Loomis, Eugene, :509; (niv W., :^.0S; W. 
H.. Dr., 392 

Loucks, Jacob, 104; Peter F., 246 

Love. William T.. 300 

Lovelace, F. L., 147, 228 

Loveland, Joseph D., 99, 338, :55S 

Lovell, T. B., 195 



234 



Low, James, 86, 99, 325, 230 

Lowe, Thomas, Capt., 79, 87 

Loys, Andrew, 307 

Luck man, William, 271, 278 

Lum, Curtis G., 316; Silas, 318 

Lumber firms of North Tonawanda, i:)ast 

and present, 350, 351 ; receipts and 

shipments at North Tonawanda, 348- 

350 
Lureman, Charles. 334 
Lutts, Jonathan, 257; Jonathan. Jacob, 

and Michael, 45; Michael, 257 
Lutz, Henry, 259 
Lyman, James, 249, 267 
Lynch, J. J., Rev.. 297 
Lyon, Minerva, 287; Seth, 299 
Lyscomb, Lyman, 159 

McBaiu, Alexander, 345; James, 246 

McBean, George, 346; H. W., 226 

McBnde. Henry, 233; John, 257; Will- 
iam, 257 

McHurney, Samuel, Rev.. 140 

McChesney, H. S., Dr., 309, 389; O, S., 
303; Robert L., 302; Walter, Dr., 391 

McClean, Henry, jr., 276 

McClew, Charles and Eugene, 327 ; James. 
824 

McClure, Colonel, 51. 52 

McCollum. Charles S., 322; Hn-am, 171; 
James A.. 95, 323; J. A , and Charles 
S,327; Joel, 108 109, 118, 130, 136; 
Tohn, 90, 322; Madison, 259; Peter, 
322; William, Dr.. 294. 388; W. S., 288 

McComb. William E.. 126 

McConnell, Charles. 288. 293 

McCormick. George C. 256, 259; F. D., 
264; Nathaniel, 255; William C. 259 

McCoy, George N., 88 

McCracken, Richard, 259;, S. D., 264; 
, Dr., 386 

McCue, John, 171 

McCullum, Joseph. 258 

McDaniels, Archibald. 317 

McDonald, Archibald, 322, 325; David 
H., 308; E. C, 345; Horace J., 86; J., 
131; James, 80; John. 182; John K.. 
83; Patrick, 334; & Ebersole. 353 

McDonough, John, 376 

McDowell, Thomas, 228 

McEwen, Willard F., 241 

Mcl*\idden, James R., Dr.. 390 

McCTinnis, fames, Capt., 86, 87; Rev. 
Father, 233 

McGarigle, Thomas E.. 229 

McGrath, E. J., 169; Thomas M., 116. 
171 

McGraw, Peter. 88; & Co., 351 



McGregor, Hugh, Dr., 81 

McHale, P., Rev., 298 

Mclntire, J. J., 226, 230 

Mclntyre, James, 216; Thaddeus, 255; 

& Miller, 353 
McKee, Anthony, 327; Colonel, 60; T. J., 

McKeen, Albert E., 345, 357 

McKenna, James, 234 

McKenzie, A. H.. Dr.. 388; James Capt.. 
76; Perry, 80 

McKie, Anthony, 323; Chauncey, 269 

McKinney, James. 302. 330; J. B.. 190 

McKuight, Frank A.. 327; John, 322; 
John B. , 322 ; Robert, 262, 322 

McKoon, D. D , 226 

McKown, James, 362, 363 

McLaren, William, 353 

McLean, John G., 81; Sherman, Dr., 3.S7 

McLeland, Richard J., 271 

McLeod, Norman, 33 

McLoth. John, Dr., 270, 278 

McLoughlin, John, 258 

McMaster. T. James, 119; ^^'illiam (t. , 
159 

McNair, Caleb C, 268, 277 

McNall, John, 268, 269, 271 

McNall's Corners, 277 

McNamara, Alexander, Dr.. 392 

McNeil. Henry. 95. 99; Hiram. 99, 241, 
245, 374; Hiram D., 114, US 

McNeill. Major, 58 

McNitt, Benjamin, 337; John, 316; Syl- 
vester, 387 

McParlin, Lawrence, 376 

Mabee, John, 270; Jonathan, 277; Mar- 
cus, 268 

Mace, Isaac, 113 

Mack, John, 271; John E.. 118 

Mackay, John, 225; W. J., 191 

Mackenna, Edward J., 224, 225; Frank- 
lin J., 377 

Mackenzie, W. H., 125 

Macker, John. 274 

;\Iackey. "Richard. 271 

Mackie. Andrew, Rev., 135 

Mackin. Samuel, 294 

Macklem. John S.. 147, 225, 228 

Madden, Robert, 118 

Maginnis, Ed., Rev., 231 

Mahanev, John R., 119 

Mahar, John. 346 

Mahoney. J., 190; J. J., 190 

Maid of the Mist Steamboat Co.. 192; 
run through the rapids. 216 

Mallory. Elijah, 307; William S., 71 

Maloney, John, 235; M. P., 190 

Manchester, E. B., Dr., 891 



^[alHlevi^e, J. H., 329 

.Manu, George, 327; George, Dr., 38!t; 
George W., 119; Oscar E., 31f>, :51>^, 
384; Willis T., 318 

Manning, Charles W. , 96; Edward, 9(), 
241 ; Lewis B.. 79 

Manslield, Alonzo T-, 107, 173; A. I., 
Mrs., ir)8; Orange", K)."), 172 

Manske, Augustus, 342 

Manufacturing establishments of Lock- 
port, tabulated list of. 165 

Mapes, William H. H., Capt., 78, 81, 82 

Maple Street. 313 

Mapleton, 335 

March, Rav, 43, 240; Thomas, 54 

Ma rev, William L., 112 

Mark'le. Charles N., 303, 310-312 

iMarks, Silas, 94; Silas H., 112. 159, lt)2, 
16(1 

Maroney, Frank, 171; William, Capt., 85 

Marsh, Clinton S., Prof., 358; Joseph, 
313; L. (r.. Rev., 301; Thomas, 291; 
W. E. , & Co. . 350 

Marshall, C. K., 213; John E., 99; O. H., 7 

Martin, Charles, Dr., 388; Christ, 342; 
Evan H., Rev., 149; James A., 323; 
John, 255; Marshall, 335; Thomas T., 
310; Walter L., 86 

Martinsville, 341, 342 

Martins. Carl, 272 

Marvin, E. P., Rev., 132 

Mason, Charles, 328; James F., 100, 107- 
109, 118, 170, 361; John, 239; S. R., 
Rev., 129; & Son, 274 

Masonrv, :i93-402 ; Ames Chapter No. 
88, 394; Bruce Council No. 15, 397; 
Cataract Lodge No. 295, 396; Frontier 
Lodge No. 132, 393; (iasport Lodge 
No. 787, 400; Genesee Commanderv 
No. 10, 395; Hartland Lodge, No. 2ls, 
395; Lock City Lodge of Perfection, 
399; Lockport Chapter No. 73, Order 
of the Eastern Star, 399; Lockport 
Lodge No. 73, 394; Masonic Board of 
Trustees, 401 ; Masonic Veterans As- 
sociation, 399; Niagara Chapter No. 
200, 398; Niagara Commandery No. 
64, 400; Niagara Lodge No. 345, 393; 
Niagara Lodge No. 375, 396 ; Niagara 
River Lodge 785, 399; Ontario Lodge 
No. 376, 396; Ransoniville Lodge No. 
551, 397; Red Jacket Lodge No. 646. 
398; Somerset Lodge No. 639. 397; 
Tonawauda Chapter No. 278, 401 ; 
Tonawanda Lodge No. 247, 401 

Mather, Gad, 273; G. and E., 274; L. T., 
274 

Mathieson Alkali Works. 228 



•i-i t ; 



Harvey 
James, 



173; Duncan 
, 108, 386-388 



Matson, Rev. Dr., 139, William A., Rev. 

135 
Matteson, John H., 250 
Matthews, (ieorge B., 

97; James, 317-319, 

319; R. M.. 327 
Mauth, William, 358 
Mavis, William, 358 
Maxwell, David, 104, 

328, 364; Henry, Dr. 
May, James C, Dr., 389 
Maj berry, Thomas, 84 
Mayer, Martin, 334; Michael, 336 
Mayle, L. F. 225 
Mavnard, John S., 271 
Mayne. H. H., Dr., 392 
Mead, Helam and Hiram, 104; Solomon, 

267 
Meade, Ezra, 317; Ezra C, 317; Homer 

D. , William A. C. , Harvev and 

Stephen, 318; Silas, 318, 329 
Medical profession, the, 384-392 
Meeker, James, 307 
Mentz. William P., 96, 282, 288 
Mendham, William. 150 
Merchant, George W., 136, 169 
Meredith, Stephen, 162 
Merrill, Frederick, 99 
Merriman & Merriman, 350 
Merritt, I. E., 168; John A., 

364, 376; Machinery Co., 161 

253; Shubal S.. 326, 329; Thomas R. 

192; William H., 217 
Merrv. Marv, 143 
MervUle, William H., SO 
Merwin, Samuel R., 302, 314; Talcott. 

330 
Meseroll, Philip H., 327 
Mesler & Pease, 277 
Metz, Charles D., 383 
Meyer, Anthony, 334 
Michel, Arthur, Rev., 

Middaugh, -, 284 

Middleport, 274-276; 

276 ; incorporation 

Association, 275; newspapers of, 

275; Union School, 275 
Mighells, Thomas, 104; Thomas 

Nelson T. . 246 
Miles, John, 245 
Millar, David, 96. 139, 373, 376 
Millard, Almon H., 105. 249, 267, 

3S4, 387; Oliver L., 104 
Miller, August H., 357; Blaise, 171; C. 

J., 328; Galen, 282; George O.. 357; 

Harvev. 340, 358; Henrvand Peter 1)., 

327; Henrv B., 316; Jacob, 271 ; James, 

Gen., 60. 62; John, 334; John C. 303; 



100. 1<)6. 
Shubal. 



132 

fire department, 
of, 276 ; Library 
" 275; 

and 



268, 



^^36 



Joseph, 246; J. F. H., 94; Oliver and 

John, :5r)8; PhiHp, 335; Sewall B., 

Capt.. 308; Wilham 177, 28'2; WilHam 

H.. 308 
Milhken, Asa, 333, 334 
Mihiman, Edward A., 338, 357; Stewart, 

337 
Mills, Henry, 284; M. M., Dr., 389 
Minor, Marvin, 252 
Mitchell, Aimer W., 171; CorneHus, 84; 

George, 271; Lewis A., Rev., 237; 

Peter M. T., Capt, 84; Uriah H., 271 
Mix, Edward A., 323 
Mock, Cornelius, 278 
Model City, 300 
Moll, Frederick, 342; Frederick and 

Christian, 272 
Molyneaux, Charles. 241, 376; William, 

241 ; William, and sons, 243 
Molvneaux's Corners, 242, 243 
Mon'roe, R. B., 152; & McLean. 350 
Monttjomerv, Frederick R.. 250 
MoodV, Elisha, 91, 92, 94,99, 114; (George 

H.,'l27; Martin, Rev., 135 
Moore, A. N. Dr., 391; B. C, 163; B & 

N. E., 164; F. W., 300; Henry H., 88; 

N. E., 171; Thomas, 311; Uriah D., 

253; W. K.. 164; & Willey, 164 
Moote, George L., 94, 100, 259 
Moran, T. F., 171 

Morehouse, Samuel B., 249, 251-253 
.Morgan. Alfred. 171, 364; Andrew C, 

377; Brothers. 168; John C. 186. 225, 

227, 230; William, 97, 99, 250; William, 

affair, the, 68, 69 
Morris, Augustus, 376; Robert, Purchase. 

the, 101;' Sarah, Dr., 392; Stephen H.. 

264, 309 
Morrissey. Michael, 318 
Morrison, John and David. 250 
Morse, Charles A., 112; David, 313; 

James M.. 308. 309; Joseph C, 374, 

383; Sherman, 186; Solomon, 318 
Mosher, William, 316 
Moss, Abijah H., 99, 100, 171; Charles 

H., Capt., 78, 79; (xeorge (t., 94. 168; 

Jonathan, 259; Solomon, 99, 256; Will- 
iam J.. 282 
Mott, Freeman, H., 114 
Mountain Ridge Cemeterv Association, 

Middleport. 278 
Mountpleasant, John, 283 
Mower, John, 30"0 
Moyer, Fred D., 376 
Movnihan, John, Rev., 331; Patrick, 

Rev.. 232-234 
Mudge, Seward. 250; William H., :!(»s 
jVIudgett, Truman and David. 316 



Mueller, Gabriel A.. Rev.. 154 

Mullaney, Patrick Thomas, Rev., 301 

Mundie & McCay, 357 

Munns. Ehzabeth. 237; Hard, 237 

Muroy, Asel, 244 

Murphy, Charles A., 78; D. H., Dr., 389; 
Eugene, Mrs.. 294; George P., Dr., 
389 ; Peter P.. 97, 98, 268 ; Peter P.. Dr. . 
270, 272, 387, 388; Timothy J., 262; & 
Townsend, 294 

Murrav, Andrew. 182; David, 312; Hen- 
ry, 8'6; James. 177, 362; JohnT.. 171. 
374,376; J. W., 288; Rufus, Rev.. 140. 
144, 150; S. Cady, 246, 294, 383; S. T., 
89, 215 

Myers, L. A., 323; M. F. & G. F., 357 

Myrick, F. A., 350 

Naismith, John B., 171 

Nearpass, Peter, 244 

Neilson, Hans, 147. 192, 194-196. 225 

Nellis. William, 346 

Nelson, Alexander W.. 171; Delos. 309; 
John, 311 

Newcomb, Alonzo W. , 268; Simon, jr., 
322 

Newell, Charles H., 88; Hiram, 356 , 

Newfane Basket Manufacturing Co., 328 ; 
Station, 329 

Newfane, town of 322-331 ; churches of. 
329; early mills in, 326; early roads in 
324; first town meeting in. 322; in the 
war of 1812. 323; list of supervisors of, 
322; pioneers of, 323-327 ; schools of, 923 

Newman, Charles, 327; Elisha and Al- 
meron, 324, 327; James M., Capt., 97, 
308; John D., Major, 81 

Newspaj>ers of Lewiston, 297; of Lock- 
port. 107; of Lockport, 120-126; of 
Middleport, 275; of Niagara Falls vil- 
lage, 185-187; of North Tonawanda, 
353-356; of Porter, 262; of Somerset, 
319; of Suspension Bridge, 222; of 
Wilson, 311 

New Walmore, 344 

Niagara Canal Co., the, 64; Cotton Fiat- 
ting Co., 168 

Niagara county and vicinity in 1800, 42; 
as at present bounded, first officers of, 
362; between 1825 and the Civil war, 
66-77; early judicial jurisdiction of, 
360; early lawyers of, 361; effort to 
divide, 249; erection of, 1, 43; geology of, 
2; in the Civil war, 77-89; increase in 
population in. 66; population of 4; pro- 
duction of apples in, 4; rivers and 
streams of, 3; soil of. 3; topography of 
1.2; Agricultural Society, 92-95; Ang- 



'■?>7 



lers" Club, %; Fruit Co.. Kli); Pioneer 
Association, 97 

Xiai(ara Developmeut Co. , 211; Kiectro 
Chemical Co., 32!S 

Niagara Falls Citv, banking interests of, 
•223-'225; churches of, 280-2:59; fire de- 
])artmenL, 214; Free Public Library of, 
19."); future prospects of, 230; incor- 
poration of, 187; list of mayors and 
aldermen of, 190; list of supervisors of , 
191 ; manufacturing industries of, 226- 
229; miscellaneous manufactures of, 
228,229; schools of 198-196; street rail- 
ways of, 212, 218; wards of, 188, 
189 

Niagara Falls town, churches of 148-147; 
churches of, 153-155; first written de- 
scription of, 9; improvements at, 191, 
192; after the war of 1812, 179; first 
town meetings in, 183; later town meet- 
ings in 188, 184; list of supervisors of, 
190; natural characteristics of, 174; 
pioneers of. 175-181; schools of, 192; 
the "cold summer" of 1816 at, 176 

Niagara Falls village, early mail facili- 
ties of. 185; early settlers and business 
men of, 181-1N3; hotels of, 184, 185; 
incorporation of, 184; newspapers of, 
185-187; .slow growth of, up to 1890, 
184 

Niagara P" alls Brewing Co. , 229; Cham- 
ber of Commerce, 229; Distilling and 
Chemical Company, 229; Electric 
Light and Power Co., 214; Gas Co., 
213; Hydraulic Power and Manufac- 
turing Co., 201-207; Paper Manufac- 
turing Co., 226; Paper Co., 227; Power 
Co., 207-212; Suspension Bridge Co., 
192; Tower Co., 229; Water Works 
Co., 214 

Niagara Flouring Mill, 237; Frontier 
Police, 90; frontier, changes on, soon 
after the close of the Revolution, 39; 
Junction Railway Co., 212; Lockport 
and Ontario Power Co., 170; Portage 
Company, the, 75; pronunciation and 
orthography of the names of, 1 ; River 
Ijridge Co., 221; River Iron Co., 852; 
River, the water power of, 200-212; 
second occupation of, by the French, 
15; ship canal project, the, 74 ; Surface 
Coating Co., 228; University, 297-299 

Nice & Hinkev, 357 

Nichols, Charles L., 376; Eli S., 86; 
George N., 94; G. P., 293; Hezekiah 
A., 240; Hezekiah W., 241; Luman 
H.. 883; Mark A., 94; Robert and 
A. J., 288; Truman. 335 



Niles, Addison, Dr., 389 

Nixon, Joseph, 287 

Noble, Marcus, 820; Silas, 328 

N.ibles, Romvne W., 818 

Noblett, T- E., 190 

Norman," J. G.. 171; William, 187; 8c 
Evans. 165, 168 

North Tonavvanda, 344-357; banks of, 
353; bridges at, 356; Business Men's 
Association, 852; Cemetery Associa- 
tion, 356; city of, incorporation of, 
845; city, civil departments of, 346; 
Land Co., 857; lumber interests of, 
347-352; newspapers of, 358-356; vil- 
lage, incorporation of, 844; village, 
list of presidents of, 345 

North Hartland, 253 

Northam, James, 270. 278 

Northrup, Beardslev, Rev., 185 

Norton, Henry, 95, '99, 170, 171; Joseph 
A., 294 

Noxen John O., 127 

Noyes, P. H., 228 

Nye, David, 158; Henry F., Rev., 153 

O' Boyle, M. W., 228 

(Mell, Alanson T.,£78; Daniel T., 827; 

E., 27S; Elijah C, 90 
O'Donnell, Thomas J., 225 
Oelkers, C. F.. 857; John E., 845, 357 
Oille & McKeen, 850 
Olcott, village of, 327 
Oldach, Wilhelm H., 238 
Olmsted, C. A., 171; Charles G., 374; 

George W., 227; H. W.. 86; Silas. 334; 

W. C, 116; W. D.,207; William L., 

376 
Olney, S., 268; Samuel J., Rev., 265 
Oliver, Daniel P., 245; Fred R., 119; F. 

W. , 22S; John, William, Thomas and 

George, 168; Pomeroy, 245; Thomas, 

114 
O'Malley, John, 319 
Onderdonk, Benjamin T. , Rev, 138, 184, 

143; D. W.. Dr.. 83; John, 809 
Oneida Community, 228 
Orangeport, 278 
O'Regan, John, 854 
O'Reillv, Thomas, 190 
Orton, Charles S.. 377; Mvron, Dr., 245, 

298 862, 387, 388 
Ortt, Edward D., 241; Henry, LSI 
Osborn, Arab, 180 
(Osgood, Norman E., 195; Silas, 127 
O'Shaughnessey, Michael, 276 
Ostrander, George P., 874, 876 
Oswald, J., 217 
Otswald, William, 846 



238 



Oswego, capture of, by Moutcalm, 2:5; 

establishment of a fortified fort at, by 

the English, 16 
Otis, Joseph, 105, 113; Joseph H., 271 
Outwater, George, 87; Tunis, 302 
Overbury, Frederick, 329 
Owen, C. N.. 185 
Owens, John E., 86 

Packard, Benjamin H., 267, 278; S. S., 

353; , Dr., 386 

Page, David, Rev., 321; R. O., Rev., 

150; Timothy Y. G., Dr., 277 
Paige, H. H., Capt., 78; James H., 294; 

Timothv, 271 
Paine, Robert T., Dr., 81, 391 
Palmatier, Frederick F. , 79 
Palmer, Christopher, 308; C. N., Dr., 

390; George P., Dr., 388; George W., 

Dr., 386; Henry, 97; John, 316; Nobel, 

Rev.. 157; Reuben, 309; Samuel, 315- 

317, 319; W. E., Col., 116 
Parish of St. Marv's of the Cataract, 

230-237 
Park, Amos, 183 
Parker, Amos, 79; Edward G., 376; 

Elijah, 246; George, 256, 259; George 

T., 308; J. H.'; 246; Miles, 288; 

Ouincy G. T. , 125, 376; Spencer B., 

377 
Parks, Elias, 337; Erastus, 177, 301; 

Hiram. 337; Joel M., 170 
Parmcle, Solomon, 98, 138, 171 
Parmelee, E., Dr., 389 
Parsons, Charles, 181; Fiederick vS., 334; 

(ieorge W., 213; Horaticj A., Rev., 

180, 237; Silas. Rev., 247; Sylvester, 

jr., 309, 310, 312. 383; William', 93, 94, 

108; William & Co., 107 
Passage, J. Elmer, 196 
•■ Patriot war," the, 72, 73 
Patterson, Arthur, 328; Charles, 237; G. 

H., Rev., 154; John, 183; N. Z., 86; 

Robert, 150; William, 288; Zachariah, 

316 
Patton, John K., 377 
Paul, C. F., 156 

Paulding, , Dr.. 391 

Payne. Lewis S., 91, 92, 97-100, 148,149, 

337, 338, 347; Lewis T., 357, 377 
Peabody, James H , 80 
Peacock, Henry F., 318; Wallace E., 

316 
}*earce, Everett A., 276; Robert, 157, 

271, 274 
Pearson, George T., 95 
Pease. Adam, 97. 317; A. Douglas, 95, 

303; B. S., 118; Enoch, 308; George C, 



252; John, 324; John N., 319; John U., 
322; Joseph, 255; Joseph, Mrs., 323; 
Nathaniel and Enoch, 330; Rachel, 253; 
Seth, 42 

Peck, Linus J., 99, 334 

Peckham, Stephen, 319; Stej^hen T. , 316 

Pekin, 246, 300 

Pendergast, Robert, 297 

Pendleton Center, 335 

Pendleton, town of, 331-336; churches of, 
335, 336; first town meeting in, 332; 
list of supervisors of, 334 ; pioneers of, 
332-334; schools of. 335; village, 334 

Penfield Block Works, 167 

Penfield, Charles R., 167 

Pennell, George, Rev., 148 

Perkins, Edward, Rev., 130; John H., 
Rev., 135 

Perrigo, (jeorge W., 310; L. A. & S. A., 
311 

Perrv, Abijah, 45, 257; Elmer. 316; 
Henry, 312; Philetus R., 90; Richard 
A., 89; Sylvester. 80; Wilhams, 257 

Peterson, B. V., Dr. 388; Charles, 114, 
137; Jesse, 95, 167; JosiasT., 246; Wal- 
ter V., 241, 247 ^ 

Pettebone Cataract Paper Co., 326; L. 
W., 147, 225, 226; Stoughton, 213, 214, 
224, 326 

Pettit, Alexander, 303; Clinton, George, 
John and Thomas, 309; Curtis, 302; 
Curtis and Alexander, 308; G. J., Dr., 
392; Joshua, 183,338; L. W., 318; Sam- 
uel H., 100, 303, 311 ; Wilson M., Dr., 
392; William O.. 308 

Pfuhl, WilHam, 358 

Phelps & Gorham Purchase, the, 100; C. 
R., 185 

Phillips, Abram, 330; David, 190, 234, 
225; E. A., 275; John, 384; Peter, 327 

Philpott & Leuppie, 229 

Pickard, Albert H., 99, 333, 334, 374; 
Hartman, and son Lawrence, 332; 
Lawrence, 333, 334; L. A., 334 

Pierce, Aratus F., 88, 156; A. H., 276; 
A. L., 300; Elias F.. 107; Fred L, 325; 
Gad, 143, 177, 183, 190; Horace, 156. 
376; Henry F., 81, 84. 191 ; James 180; 
MiloD., 353; William S., 336; &- Mc- 
Lean, 374 

Pierson, Robert F., 368 

Pike, Frederick, 250; L. B., &- Son, 300; 
William S., 86, 338 

Piper, Charles H., sr., 183, 383 ; C. H., jr., 
377; Sherburne B.,98, 99,383, 294, 374; 
sketch of, 382 

Pitcher, D. L., 86 

Pitts, Joseph, 345 



'■39 



Pittsburgh Reduction Cc, 229 

Pixlev. George W., 78; Margaret, '2'iS 

Piatt,' Charles H., Rev., 13.1, 138; Henrv, 
240 

Platts, C. W. , 274 

Pletcher, Franklin, 5)0; Jolm, 24r> 

I'lumsttel. Gillespie & Himes, 3o(> 

Pollard, John, 313 

Pomerov, Truman E., 201 

Pomrov", A. C, 94; Daniel, 93, 241; 
David, 104, 113, 170; Hiram. 334; H. 
C.,114; Tabez, 93, 111; Solon S.,93, 94, 
99, 122. "123, 222 

Pond, Nathaniel, jr., 31"), 318 

Pool, Achish, 44. 293; Achish, and sons 
Thomas and William, 287; Alfred, Dr., 
333, 392; James A., 241; Thomas F., 
45, 53; WilberT., 282 ; William, 99, 182.' 
1,*^, 193, 194, 300; William II., 45 

Poorhou.se, County, and Farm, 95 

Pope, Cr. W.. Dr., 3S8 

Port of entrv removed to Lewiston, 45 

Porter, Albert H.. 176, 177, 191, 232; Al- 
exander J., 191, 225, 226; Augustus, 44, 
45, 65, 75, 101, 176; and sons. 177; 181, 
183. 185. 190, 191, 200. 201, 237. 301. 
360; Augustus S.. 177, 184, 191 ; Barton 
& Co. , 176 ; David, 255 ; 1 )e Forest, 383 ; 
Don A.. 383; Elizabeth, Miss. 144; 
Frank B. and George W.. 318; George 
M.. 183; George S., Rev., 144, 147; 
Isaac N.. 78; James G., 161. 162; John, 
71, 2.56; Lavinia E.. Miss. '/37; Peter 
B.. Gen., 44, .50, .56-.)8, 61-63. 75, 85. 
87. 98. 99, 147. 176, 182. 183. 185. 186. 
191. 195, 196.224. 225,241; Peter A., 
ir., 183; Peter B . jr.. 99, 177; William 
J., 80 ;& Clark, 181 

Porter, town of. 25.5-266; churches of, 
149-152, 265, 266; first town meeting 
in, 255; list of supervisors of, 256; 
newspapers of, 262; pioneers of, 257- 
2.59 ; schools of, 265 

I'otter, Alvan K.. 364, 373. 37(>; Hemau 
B., 374; J. D.. Rev . 130; Stephen W., 
Dr., 386. 387 

Pouchot, Captain. 22-26 

Pound, Cuthbert W.. 9.s, 376; George W. , 
376; John E.. 94. 99. 114, 126, 139, 170, 
171. 366. 375. 376; Joseph and John, 
108 

Powell & Welch, 294 

Power City Lumber Co., 229 

Powley. John, 259 

Praker, Edward C. :>57 

Pratt, Calvin, and son Lorenzo, 308; 
David. Rev., 321; Francis O., 99, 318, 
319; George L., 96; Heman, 316, 317, 



322; John, 334; Josiah, 246; Levi B., 
170; Lorenzo. 312; Nathan, 307; Pascal 
P., 3.52; Rufus, 309; Samuel, jr.. 384; 
, Dr.. 389 

Premus, Augustus F. , 346. 357. 377 

Prentice. Alonzo T., 108. 171 

Prentiss. A. S.. 121 

Prey, William. 246 

Prideaux. John. Gen , 25 

Pringle, Benjamin, 71 

Printup, William, 31 

Public improvements since llie Civil war, 
90-92 

Pullman, R. II.. Rev., 330 

Pulver, John W., 322 

Purdy, Gilbert, 303. 306 

Pyle. E. A.. Dr., 390; Lyman A., 86 

Pj'ne, Charles M., 1.50 

Ouade, Charles, 259; Christopher, 259 
Oueen Anne's war, 14 
Quick. L. J., 239 
Quigley, John 1'.. 227 
Quinlan, W. J., 119 

Race. Ira. 256. 261. 263 

Radlaff, Christ, 358 

Ragueneau, Father. 9 

Raikes, F. W.. Rev., 148. 154 

Railroad extension since the Civil war, 
91 

Railroads in the county, 69-71 

Raines, George, 200 

Rainor, Joseph, 116 

Ralston, Alexander, 138 

Ramming, Conrad and Christopher, 271 

Rand, Benjamin L., 3.53;(7eorge B., 224; 
George F., 3.53; James IL. 353,357, 3.58 

Randolph, B. H.. 187; Reuben M., 171 

Rankin, Delancey, 224 

Rankine, Richard F., 147, 186; William 
B., 215, 230 

Ransom, Alfred, Capt., 79.384; Asa, 384; 
Clark, 264, 344;Elias, 99, 107, 361. 373; 
Elias, jr , 138. 374; Elijah. 301; Elton 
T.. 99, 2,56, 263; Frank A., 376. 383; I. 
B.. 327; Jehiel C. S., 256. 2.59, 263; 
lohn, 222; Walter T., Dr., 390; Wash- 
ington H.. 171, 376; W. H. H.. 263; W. 
H^ H., & Son. 264; W. J., 96, 97; Will- 
ard T., 127. 171 

Ransomville, 263, 264 

Rausomville Basket Manufacturing Co., 
264 

Rapids, village of. 172 

Rathbun, Benjamin. 72. 1S5 

Ray. Richard. 316 

Rayers, George W., 171 



240 



Rayment, Edward and William, 297 

Raymond, Caleb W.. 287; Charles T., 
112, 165, 166, 168; Edward, 104; Ed- 
ward W., 136, 138; W. C, Dr., 390 

Raymond (post oi^ce), 178 

Raze, Reuben, 320 

Read, Alexander, 300; W. W., 190 

Reade, Ezra, 315 

Ready, John, Dr., 392 

Reardon, John E.. 256, 259: John S., 191 

Rector, George W., 86, 87 

Redfield, JohnR., 126 

Redigan, H. P., 171 

Redman, S. D., 328 

Reed, Amos, Elder, 330; A. H., 311; 
Charles A., Dr., 391; Sylvester, Rev., 
145; William, 329; & Cartwright, 319 

Reese, George, 122 

Regan, M. P., Dr.. 389 

Regan ville, Sieur de, 17 

Regiment, Third. Cavalry, 81 ; Eighth, 
Cavalry, 80; Pifteenth," Cavalry, 81; 
Eighth, Heavy Artillery, 85; 'Pirst, 
I^ight ArtiUerj', 80; Twenty-second, 
Mounted Rifles, 81 ; Twenty-eighth, 
Volunteers, 78; Forty-ninth, Volun- 
teers, 78; Seventy-eighth, Volunteers, 
84; One Hundred and Pifth, 85; One 
Hundred and Fifty-first, Volunteers, 82 

Regiments, miscellaneous, containing 
Niagara county men, 85 

Reisterer, Martin, 358 

Remington, Cyrus Kingsbury, 10; Dan- 
iel, 180 

Renwald, G. , 343 

Retzloff. Albert, 273; August, 344 

Reyuale, George, 95, 161, 162, 277, 384; 
William H., Dr., 387 

Reynale's Basin, 277; Academy, 272 

Reynolds, A. E., 94; George, 252; Guy, 
294; Henry, 328; Henry " A., 322, 324; 
James, 235, 309 ; Reuben, 282 ; Schuyler, 
383 

Revolution, close of the, 39 

Revolutionary war, Niagara in the, 35-39 

Rhinehart, W. H., 268, 273 

Rhodes, Benjamin, 214; Joseph,* 273 

Rice, Aaron, 245; Amanda, 159; F. A., 
Dr., 391 ; Jerome B. , 224; Robert E. V.. 
Rev., 299; William B., Dr., 391, 392 

Rich, A. D., 274 

Richards, Gilbert C, 95, 334; James, 88; 
Linus J. P., 334; Russell, 332 

Richardson, Ephraim D., 241, 362; 
George, 107; G. P., Dr., 391; Hugh, 
Capt., 76; H. Gardiner, 376; Josiah, 
104; Moses C, 98, 116, 117, 122, 123, 
Solomon, 267; W., 312; Ziba, 322 



Richmond, James, 167; Manufacturing 

Co., 167; William, 114, 167, 170 
Rickard, Conrad, 332; Hartman, 334; 

Henry, 333; Joseph C. and Mathias 

L., 334 
Ridge Road (post-oftice), 329 
Ridge road, the, 43 
Riegel, Andrew, 300 
Riggs, Jedediah, 250 
Ring, C. A., Dr., 392 
Ringueberg, Eugene N. S., Dr., 384, 392 
Riplev, General, 56-63 
Ripso'n, Charles, 263; Julius, 262; Peter, 

257; William, 151 
Rising, Ely C, 318; Samuel S., 316 
Ritter, Washington, Dr., 388 
Rivers and streams, 3 
Robb, Alexander, 86 
Robbins, Luther S., Dr., 388 
Roberts, Edmund, Rev. , 145; Prank. 241 ; 

James A., 168; Nathan, 74; Potter, 313; 

Seth P., 337; Tamerlane, T. , 334; 

Thomas, 271 
Robertson, Frederick, & Co., 353; John, 

259; J. M., Rev., 140; & Doebler, 

350 
Robeson, John B., 252 
Robinson, Andrew, 282; Brothers & Co., 

Ltd., 350; Charles K , 383; David, 344; 

Joel, R., 182, 216: John, 44, 54, 282, 284, 

292; Milton, Dr., 2^2, 294; N. W., 191 ; 

Russell, 302; WiUiam, 94; Wilson, 100; 

W. R., 262 
Robson, George, 252 
Roche, James J., Rev., 275, 280 
Rock, James E., 194, 196, 
Rockwell, John M., 345 
Roeder, Adam, 173 
Rogge, Charles, 342, 358 
Rogers, Edward W., Capt., 88, 114; )■:. 

W., & vSon, 166; P. E., 171; (reorge, 

362; George W., 106, 109, 118; Jabez. 

245; Nathan B., 105; Nathan B. and 

George W., 107; William A., 352; Will- 
iam 0.,246 
Rommel, Gottlieb, 238 
Rood, Andrew H. and Charles, 327 
Root, Benjamin M., 150; Curtis, 250; 

Elias, 383; Evans, 362; PL C, 262; 

John, Dr., 86, 389; Miranda, 336; 

Thomas, 241, 246, 247 
Rose, Elias, 244; George P., 245; (leorge 

W., 246; Jairus, 245,293 
Rosebrook, Herman, 338 
Rosenkrans, Warren, 267 
Rosenmiller, George P., Rev., 146, 1-17 
Rosevelt, W., Rev., 130 
Roskopf, Anthony, 335 



241 



Ross, Samuel Z.. 268; T., Dr., 388; Will- 
iam W., 271 
Rossman, Peter, 172 
Rounds, Levi E., 109 
Routes to Niagara in 1800, 42 
Rovve, Gordon, 364; James S.. 250. 253 
Roy, James, Rev., 141, 151, 155 
Royalton Center, 272; Door Company, 

274 
Royalton, town of, 267-281 ; churches of, 
141-143, 155, 15G, 279-281; first physi- 
cians in, 270; first town meeting in, 
267 ; list of supervisors of, 268 ; pioneers 
of, 268-271 ; prominent Indian trail 
through, 269; prominent present resi- 
dents of, 271 ; schools of, 278; villages 
of, 272-278 
Rovce, Roderick, 245 
Rug, Abel, 332 

Rumbold & Alliger, 350 ; & Bellinger, 350 
Rummer}', Jonathan, 113; Moses, 172 
Runisey, Laurence D., 265 
Rundel, George, 335 
Ru.shmore. Joseph V., Capt., 81 
Russ, L. \V., Rev., 140, 150; Samuel B., 

288 
Russell, Edward E., 191; Phalarius, 267 
Rvan, John, 346; Michael, 192, 223, 234, 
235; Rt. Rev. Bishop, 232,233; Will- 
iam A., Rev., 231 

Sackett, O. R., 194, 196 

Sack, Carl, 341 

Sadler, Warren, 108, 183 

Saddleson, George H., Dr., 391 ; Ransom, 
247; Samuel, Christopher and Ransom, 
246 

Safford, Elias, 271, 383 

Sage, Asahelr 44, 284; reminiscences of, 
287, 362; Clinton A., Dr., 390; Spar- 
row S.. 241, 246, 292, 383; William, 79 

St. John, John R.. 94 

St. Johnsburg, 344 

Salingre, John. 343 

Samways, William, 89 

Sanborn, Charles G., 300; Enoch, 309; 
E. C, Rev., 299; Lee R., 99, 299; vil- 
lage, 299 

Sanford, Hervey, 311, 312 

Sanger, Dwight, 264 

Saraw, William M., 376 

Saulsburv, Guy U. and Perry W., 309 

Sawyer, John P., 94, 271; Paul, 267; 
William A., 95, 318; W. H. Lumber 
Co., 350, 351; W. P., Dr., 392 

Saxton, Arthur, 245; Asher, 241 ; Charles 
T., 79; Edwin, 80; Frederick, 245; S. 
Burt, 163; & Thomson, 163 



Sayers, George, 268 

Sayre, Benjamin, Dr., 388; Jonathan, 
Dr., 389 

Schenck, George and Joseph, 358 

Schimp, Joseph, 334 

Schmeck, Pennel, 338 

Schmidt, C. C, Dr., 391; William, 358 

Schnell, John H. and William, 358 

Schoellkopf, Alfred. 225; Arthur, 190, 
207, 224, 226, 227, 229; Jacob, 201; 
Jacob F. , 207, 224, 225,227 ; & Matthews, 
227 

Schreiber, Adam, 173 

Schubel, Charles W., 268 

Schulmeister, Christian, 357; John, 357 

Schuyler, John, 332 

Schwinger, C, 353 

Scott, A.sa, 270; A. P.. 96; Ransom, 127; 
Russell, 245; William, 183, 241, 244, 
245; Winfield, Gen., 49, 50, 56, 57, 58, 
59, 60, 61, 73, 113; W. R., 119 

Scovel], John, 251; J. Boardman 378 
Leander K., 282, 288; Oliver P., 99 
Seymour, 106, 109, 136, 282, 295, 296 
Thomas, 94, 115, 171; Thomas P., 121, 
282 

Scripture, Henry D., 374, 383 

Seager, S. Olin, 97 

Seaman, Daniel, 249, 251; Edward O., 
156. 250; Milton, 276, 883 

Sears, Roland, 93, 94 

Secor, Andrew J., 97; John, 252 

Seeley, Ebenezer, 253; Hezekiah, 310; 
Vincent, 91, 310, 312; William H.. 85 

Seibold, John S., Rev., 141, 151 

Selsmer, John, Rev., 132 

Seneca hostility to the Engli.sh, 29, 30 

Senecas, the, and the English, 29-34 ; 
treaty with, in 1764, 32-34 

Servoss, H. S , 116 

Shafer, John W.. 278 

Shaffer, William E., 97 

Shaft. Henry, 94; Henry E., 122 

Sharkey, Patrick. 171 

Sharp, Royal, Dr.. 388 

Sharpsteen, William, 252 

Shaver, Franklin and Homer D. . 327; 
Philip. 245 

Shaw, Charles F., 328; Daniel. 330; Da- 
rius. Dr.. 241. 387, 388; Eunice M., 
195 ; George, 323 ; James, 250 ; Timothy, 
182. 341. 344; Walter. 88. 322. 330; 
William, 323 

Shawnee, 344 

Shehan, Thomas, Rev., 254, 331 

Sheldon, Chauncey, 268; Daniel and 
George, 307; George, 305; H. H., 191, 
378 ; John L. , 268 ; John L. and Joseph, 



242 



371; Simon, 308. 309; Smith, 303; Ste- 
phen, 303 
Shelley, Chester F., 384; Samuel, 257 
Shelton, WiUiam, Rev. Dr., 144, 196 
Shepard, Edwin, 100; George G., 196, 
224; Harvey and Leonard, 294; Josiah, 

293, 301; Leonard, 295; & Towner, 

106 
Shepardson, Daniel, Rev., 129, 320 
Sheriffs, 383 
Sherman, Eldridge F., Capt, 87; George 

W., 148, 149, 337, 338, 344; Oscar T., 

Dr., 390 
Sherwood, Arza G., 268; Benjamin F. 

and John, 318; John, 315-318; Lock- 
wood S., 89; Mastin, 317, 320; Nathan, 

308; William, 318 
Shimer, Jacob, 171, 172 
Shipman, George, 180 
Shippy, Jo.seph, 293 
Shirley, Gov., William, 20-22 
Shockey, George W. , 297 
Shuler, J. D., 94; John S., Dr., 138, 387, 

388 
Shurtliff, Jonathan M., 318 
Sibley, William, 272 
Siegler, Henry, 268 
Silberberg, Louis S. , 225 
Silby, C. D., 252 
Sill, Nathaniel, 384 
Silly, Benjamin and Suchel, 244 
Silsby, Jay, 78 ; Seth, 95 
Silverthorne, A. K. & W. E., 350 
Sim, Stephen H., 86 
Simmons, Edward, 94; Peter, 256; Philip, 

80 
Simons, Austin, 333, 335 
Simpson, John, 186, 356 
Sims, John, 177, 183, 359 
Simson, Volney, 383; W. Byron, 383 
Skeels, Christopher H., 99, 249, 251; C. 

L., 122; Ransom M., 99, 122 
Skillings, Whitneys & Barnes, 350, 351 
Skmner, Allen, 107; A. G.,Dr., 263, 392; 

G. M., Rev., 150; Josiah K., Dr., 136, 

374, 386-388 
Skutt, Austin, 319 
Slaton, Joshua, 268; Joshua and John, 

278 
Slattery, John, 250 
Slay ton, Thomas, 43, 240, 268 
Sleeper, Benjamin F. , 186 
Slocum, William T., 88 
Smith, Abraham, 327; A. A., Prof., 191; 

Albert R., 377; Alfred J., and Pitt H., 

271; Asahel, 105, 113; Bezaleel, 329; 

Burt A., 376; Charles, 104; C. C, Dr., 

357; Charles H., 184; Christopher H., 



143, 181; Cvrus F., 145; Daniel, 105, 

113, 193; David M., Rev., 128, 180. 
237, 247, 295, 301, 313; Edward, Dr., 
294; Elijah, 245; E. Achlev, 127; E. 
L. and I. W.. 319; F. De W., 192; F. 
E., 190; F. M., 274; Fassett & Co., 
350; George, 243; George T., 116; 
George L., 171; George P., 346, 347, 
350, 355, 357; Griffin, Rev., 299; Henry 
P., 99, 347; Hezekiah H., 262, 265; 
Hiram B., 271; Horace C, 327; Ira, 
129. 245; Isaac, 180, 237; Isaac H., 
336, 337; I. P., Rev., 360; Isaac W., 
Dr., 104, 105, 386, 388; John 113, 143; 
John M., 126; J. Frank, 376; Laban, 
129; Lloyd, Dr., 386, 387, 388; Lucius, 
Rev., 134; Oked, 245; Richard, 119; 
Sidnev, 319; SMney and Thomas, 107; 
Thomas F., 276; W^ alter W., 81; Wil- 
lard, 374; Willail-d, Dr., 285, 294, 387, 
388; William, 24-9, 251, 253, 267, 268, 
270, 279; William M., 80; & Calkins, 
274 

Smithson, William, 259 

Smvth, Alexander, Gen., 49, 50; C. H., 
192 

Snyder, Henry, 241 

Soldiers' Monument Society, 89 

Somerset, town of, 315-321 ; churches of, 
320, 321; first town meeting of, 315; 
list of supervisors of, 316 ; newspapers 
of, 319; pioneers of, 316-319; reminis- 
cences of, 317; schools of, 320 

Somerset Corners, 317, 319 

Sommer, Fred, 345, 357 

South Wilson, 313 

Southwell, George W., Rev., 135, 137, 
155-157; Isaac, 250 

Southvvorth, Charles M., 376; E. H., 
376; Isaac, Dr., 107, 388; Mortimer M., 

114, 374, 375 

Spalding, C. J., 327; Franklin, 94, 214, 
225, 282, 384; Lewis H., 274, 276; 
Linus, 250, 274; Lyman A., 107, 108, 
111, 112, 117, 118, 120, 130, 159, 102; 
L. Austin, 165; N. M.. 94; Rufus, 64, 
65, 241, 282, 301, 362 374; S. N., 274; 
Volney, 341, 344; William, 114, 116, 
118, 161; William F., 86 

Spickerman, Peter, 293 

Spooner, J. J. B., 328 

Sprague, Daniel F. , 255; Dexter P., 
249-251, 306 

Springsteen, Henry, 245 

Sprout, George W. , 79 

Staats, William, 327; William H., 96 

Stacey, Edward and Wilbur C. , 309 

Staebel, John, 336 



243 



Stage Hues, 68 

Stahl. John, 164; William, Capt., «S 

Stainthorpe, Thomas, ;5S4 

Standard (ias Co., North Tonawanda, 

346 
Stanley, Geors^e, 345; Henry, Rev., 185; 

L. G. , 357 
Starbuck, Isaac, 319; Stephen B., 3U» 
Starck, Max, 118 

Starkev, Orlando F., Rev., 135, 136. 145 
Starr, John, 299 
State Reservation, the, at Niagara Falls, 

19T-200 
Steadmau, Harry, 243 
Steamboat, the first, on Lake Ontario, 

75 
Stearns, Henry, 84 
Stebbins, Henry (i., Capt., 81. 82 
Stedman, John, 7, 21; claim of, to lands 

on Niagara River, 175; John, Philij) 

and William. 175 
Steele, Frank C, 262, 263; George, 330; 

John W., 112, 171; Rollin G., 88; W. 

Wallace, 171 
Steig, Herman F., 340 
Stephens, W. C, Rev., 301 
Sterrett, R. J., 120; William J.. 157, 274- 

276 
Stevens, Albert, 383; D. F., 116; Doty 

& Pease, 165; Elisha, 302; Frederick 

R. , 275; James, 315; Lawrence S. , 

Rev., 135, 139; Nelson B., 171; Robert 

127, 171, 374, 383; Samuel C, 132; 

William C, Rev., 231 
Stevenson, Martin L., 137 
Stewart, Homer H., 383; H. S., 152; 

Thomas R., 252 
Stewart-Jones, E., Rev., 141, 151 
Stockwell, Burt G., 376; Ralph, 302, 303. 

309 
Stocum, Hector M., 346 
Stoddard, James, Rev., 154 
Stone, John W., 271; Nathan, 279; 

Theodore, 172, 384 
Storck, Charles, Dr. , 389 
Storrs, Charles O., 310, 311; Juba, 99; 

Origen, 114, 171; William W., 376 
Stoughton, John M., 177; John W., 183 
Stout, Benjamin, 97, 324, 329, 330; 

Martin V. and Dolphin E.. 327 
Stow, Horatio G., 294 
Stowe, Horatio S. , 383 
Stowell, Irving W., 334 
Strayer, John E., 300 
Street, John, 40; Thomas C, 217 
Streeter, Reuben, 313 
Strieker, J. C, 190 
Stuart, Charles B., 217 



Sturdy, Joseph, 147; William, 182 
Sturgess, Thaddeus N., 2.55 
Subberra. William D., 300 
Suffering of the inhabitants after the 

British raid of 1813, 55, 56 
Sullivan, P. M., 378 
Sullivan's expedition against the Sene- 

cas, 36, 37 
Sully, Samuel, 86 
Suspension Bridge Cold Storage Co., 

229 
Suspension Bridge village, 215-223; 

banks of, 225, 226; development of, 

221; fire department, 222; incorpora- 
tion of, 221 ; newspapers of, 222; water 

works of, 222 
Sutherland, Andrew, Col., 45, 245, 362; 

Benjamin. 309, 313; Ehrick, 272; 

Thomas Jeffer.son, 72 
Sutliff, C. G., 139, 164 
Swain, Eliphalet, 311 ; George, 256, 262, 

263,384; George M.. 97, 99, 316, 319; 

Isaac, 177, 178, 2.56, 257, 262 
Swallow. Abel M., 143, 145, 182 
Swan, H. R., 86, 87 
Swarthout, Mortimer C, 327 
Swartwout, Nathaniel, 327 
Sweeney, James, 99, 148, 149, 337, 339, 

347, 3.50; James, jr., 357; John, 99, 

337, 347. 3.50 
Sweet, Charles, 245; Fred K., 97; Will- 
iam J., 2.56 
Swick, Augustus W., Harvey P., Homer, 

Herbert (t. , Arthur E. and C. F^dgar, 

309 ; Tohn K. , 79 
Swift, Elisha B., 247, 334; Fred J., 96; 

George D., 271; Severus, 269 
Swigert, John (r., 329 
Sy, Daniel, 338, 358; John, 342 
Sybrandt, Leroy, 271 
Sykes, Alanson, 332; Nathaniel, 332, 

334; Willard, 332 
Symonds, Charles H., 100, Jesse, LSI, 

182 

Tabor, Fred M., 311; H. B.. Dr., 392 

Talbot, Simon H., 80; , Dr., 390, 

391 

Taylor, Abram, 2.50; A. G., 274; A. 
H., Dr., 389; C. B.. 274; Charles L.. 
262; Charles N., 316; Cortez. 271; Ed- 
ward J., 376; Francis S., 276; George 
B., 2.50; George B., sr. , 253; George 
B.. jr., 2.50; Henry, 252; Jay L., 319; 
Joash, 242; John, 345; Josephus, 246; 
J. J., Capt.. 76; Levi 109. 118; Milton 
W., Dr., 388; R. A., 195; William. 273 

Tefft, Joseph M.. Dr., 389 



244 



Telyea, John, 145 

Terry, Abijah, 280; Daniel, 314; Frank, 
271; Frank H., 95 

Thacher, Horvice, 382 

Thayer, Jonathan, Dr., 309; Lyman E., 
332, 334; W. W., 357 

Thebadean, Augustus, 230, 377 

Thomas, Ambrose, Dr., 143, 180, 294, 
388; David, C7; D. H., 152; Hezekiah. 
138; W. H., Dr., 388 

Thompson, Aaron D. , 331; Alexander 
and Charles, 309; Asa, 288; A. B., & 
Sons, 264; Calvin, 246; F. C, 262; 
George F., 268, 275; G. W., 378; Hub- 
man & Fisher, 350; James, 336; James 
S., 345, 353, 357; John W., 263; Joseph, 
256; LydiaB., 195; Robert, 235 

Thomson, George B , 163; Milling Com- 
pany. 163 

Thorn, John, 267; Webster, 105, 113 

Thorne, S. S , Dr., 389 

Thornton, Henry, 164; & Chester, 163 

Thresher, Benjamm, 246 

Throop, H. N., Capt., 76 

Thurber, D., 131 

Tice David, 376; James A., 327 

Tiebout, Norton, 294 

Tierney, John, 126 

Timber and lumber trade, the, 76 

Timmerman, John, 271 

Timon, John, Rt. Rev., 231 

Timons, John H., 196 

Timothv, Charles D., 246; H. B., 259 

Tindall,' William, 78 

'J'inker, Ezra, Rev., 130 

Titus, Isaac, 113; Theodore M., 329 

Todd, John, 276; William and Kelsev, 
271 

Tompkins, Cornelius, 98; C. B., 323; 
H. S., 191. 239; Ira, 99, 324, 326; 
James S., 95, 358; Samuel, 179, 239, 
240; William, 338, 357; W. W.. 96, 
191 

Tonawanda Iron and Steel Co., 352; 
Lighting and Power Co., 346; Lumber 
and Saw Mill Co., 350; Street Railroad 
Co., 347 

Tong, George W., 355 

Tonti, Henri de, 9, 10 

Tower, Frank H., Salem and Peter, 309; 
George P., 259; H. B., 259; Otis, 258; 
Peter. 97, 258, 260; Peter S., 96, 256, 
259; Stephen, John and David, 307 

Town, Joseph B. , 241 ; Salem L., 241 

Town meeting, the first in the countv, 
43 

Townsend, Bronson & Co., 293; Daniel 
J., 146, 182; George B., 94; Jacob, 



64, 282, 295; John P., 319; Samuel, 

95; Sheldon C, 282, 300, 301; W. A., 

Dr. 93; William C, 282 
Towsley, William, 337 
Tracy, A. H., 359; Jerry, 274 
Traders' Paper Co., 168 
Travel, means of, in 1824. 65 
Traverse, Samuel, 87 
Treadway, A. C, Rev., 140, 144, 150 
Treadwell, Varnum, 268 
Treat, Cornelius, 318 
Treat\r of Ryswick, results of, 14 
Treichler, Daniel, 358; Henrv, 358; 

Samuel, 288 
Trevor, Frank N., 97, 112, 139. 167; 

Joseph, 167; J. B., 167; Manufacturing 

Co., 167; W. W., 167 
Tripp, Abial, 253; Cyrus, 267; Henrv, 

333; Henrv, 2d, 334; James, 334 
Trott, James" F., 94, 182, 191, 193-196, 213 
Trowbridge, Charles, 245 
Trude, Atf red S. , 383 
Tryon, Amos, 293; Amos S., 295; A. W., 

Dr., 390; Joseph, 294; N. & Co., 294 
Tucker, Carl, 377; Morris, H., 106, 107, 

169-171 
Tufford, Philip, 179 
Tugby, Thomas, 182 
Tullv, Thomas H., 357 
Tunis, W., 186 
Tuohey, Patrick H., 171, 384 
Tupper, Samuel, 360, 361 
Turner, August, 263; C, Dr., 390; E. J., 

376; Jeremiah, 252, 271 ; Joseph W., jr., 

171 ; C)rsamu.s, 107, 108, 121, 170 
Turrell, Peter T., 268; William, 271 
Tu.scarora Reservation, 283 
Tuttle, Edward, J., 276; George M., 377; 

William E., 116, 187; WiUiam G., 143, 

181, 182 
Tyler, Harrison W.,350; Jared, 104 
Tyrrill, C. C, Dr., 389 

Udall* Oliver, 178 

Underwood, Cornelius, 122; Spellman, 

271 
United Indurated Fibre Co., 167 
Upson, Homer. D. , 125; Homer J., 377; 

William H., 171 
Uptold, John, 128 
Upton, T. T., 308 
Utley, G. H.. 105, 172 

Valentine, William, 177 

Van Brocklin, David, 274; John, 274; 

W. J., 274 
VanBuren, W. W., Dr.. 389 
Van Cleef, Lawrence, 190 



H5 



Van Cleve. James, Capt., 10, OS, 75, -iVH. 

296 
Vandervoorte. J. J)., 344; Levant, R., 

345, 357; William, 98, 337, 338. 341, 347, 

358 
Van Dewater, R. J., Capt., 7G 
\'an Duzen, Charles H.. 100, William, 

170 
Vaney, William, 233 
Van (lautzhorne, W., Rev., 134 
Van Horn, Burt. 99, 213; Cornelius, 322, 

324; Daniel, 97, 249-252; Henrv. 377; 

James, 45. 90, 252; 322. 324-326, 328, 

362; James, jr. 99. 322. 327; ]nhn. 98- 

100. 114; Willis, 229 
Van Husen. N. K.. 223 
Van Norman, William, 178 
\"an Rensselaer. Rensselaer, 72 ; Stephen, 

Gen., 48, 49; Rev. Dr., 153 
Van Shuler D., 127 
\'an Slyke, Alvin, :!34 ; (iarret, James 

and JIartin, 332 
Van Valkenburgh. Charles M., 126, 187, 

139; Daniel, 171; D. A., 94, 112. 127, 

133. 138; Thomas N.. 99. 127 
Van Voast. James, Rev., 154 
Van Wagner. Almon, 86 
Van Wagoner, Albert, 318; Alfred, 99; 

Morgan, 316, 318; Theodore, 272 
Vaughn, Daniel, 271 
Vedder, James, 221; Thomas, 155 
Vicarv, William H., 377 
Vickers, William H., 148 
Viedt, Louis, 94 
Vogt, (ieorge, 221 ; Jacob, 153; Jacob H., 

225; Jacob J., 225, 238 
Voght, Martin, 180 
Voke, Edward, 127 
Volmer, M. J., 96 
Von Rohr, Henrv, Rev. ,343 
Vosburgh. Abram, 310; O.E., 310, S., 31?J 
Vrooman, John, 258 

Wadhams, Perry G., 171 
Wadsworth, William, Gen.. 48 
Wagenschuetz. Frederick P., 346; Fred 

F. , & Co. , 357 
Wagner. Henry. 358; John. lOi) 
Waite, Maria, 237 
Wakeman, Alfred, 86; K. A., 108; E. 

J., 99; Harvev, 329; Stephen. 104. 249; 

Stephen C, 303. 309 
Walbridge Henrv. 13(), 163, 164, 169; 

Mrs., 137 
Waldo, Ephraim, 249 
Walk, Albert, August, Christopher and 

Gottlieb, 358 
Walker. William D.. Rev., 133 



Wallace. B. P.. 377; Marietta, Mrs., 155; 

N. L.. 276; W. C, 377 
Walsh, Michael. 145, 182; N., 213; W. 

W., Rev., 153, 154 
Walter. Frederick, 272; Peter D., 94, 

100, 114 
Wands, Ernest H.. 186 
War of 1744-48. 19; War of 1756-1763, 

20-29; of 1812 after the, 64; of 1812, 

causes of, 47 
Ward, James, 180; Joseph A., 92, 116, 

123, 124, 126, 17(t; N. M., 190. 337; 

Rensselaer. 256 
Warden. L. B., 337; William L., 80 
Ware, Henrv S.. 225; Je.sse. 177; Samuel 

L.. 182 
Warner, Gad, 249; Henry E., 99. 357, 

378; John, 322; lohn. Dr., 387, 388; 

Ralph G., 246; Thomas E., 345, 354 
Warren. Asa, 330; Benjamin C, 327; 

Charles A., 94. 171 ; Edwin, 172; Ezra, 

105, 159, 172, 244. 248; Franklin, 345 

356; George, 354; George M., 358 

Isaac, 172; James, 259; John. Dr., 328 

Josiah, 172i W. H., 319; William P., 

Capt., 81 :& O' Regan. 354 
Warren's Corners. 172. 243. 244 
Washburn. Daniel. 99, 105, 170, 171, 268; 

Marcellus, 322 
Waterhouse, John, 257; Rol^ert, 303 
Waters, David, 244 
Watkins, C. W., 345 
Watson, Charles V., Dr., 389; W. A., 

Rev., 155; William S.. Di:, 191, 390 
Watt, William. 358 
Wattengel, Andrew J., 190, 191; Louis 

J., 346 
Watters, Fowler, Dr., 392 
Watts, John C. 253 
Wav, Nathan. Dr.. 388 
Ways. Joseph E.. 296 
Weatherby. Ira, 271 
Weaver. Erastus, 246; Francis P., 139, 

171 ; Richard, Col., 250; Russell, 245 
Webb, Andrew R.. 319; Ezekiel, Dr.. 

104; James, 267; , Dr., 386 

Webster, Thomas M.. 374 

Weed. Thurlow, 69 

Weeks, George S. , Capt., 76 

Wehner. Adam J.. 334 

Weinback, W., Rev., 343 

Weinheimer, Fred, 358 

Welch, Almira, 312; A. L., 310; James. 

253; Thomas v.. 89, 99. 187. 191. 195, 

200, 225, 233, 234 
Weld, Willard, 93, 94; William. 171 
Welland, Frederick. 271 
Welles, E. R., Rev., 135, 152 



246 



Wells, Edmund S., 197; David J., 334 

Wendel, Martin and Mathias, 334 

Wendelville, 335 

Wendt, August M., 357; William, 358 

Wentworth, Ezra P., 112 

Werth, August and Charles, 358 

VV'^est, jr., Charles H., 87; Joseph, Dr., 
386; W. J., Rev., 238 

Westcott, Asa, 271 

Westerman, ir., George W., i)7 ; & Co., 
164 

Western Block Company, 169; Inland 
Lock Navigation Company, 67 

Westgate. Jeremiah, 271 

Weston, A., & Co., 350 

Wetmore, Walter E., 303 

Weyand, John, 271 

Wheattield, town of, 337-360; churches 
of, 147-149, 343, 358-360; tirst town 
meeting in, 337; pioneers of, 338-341; 
Prussian settlers in, 341 ; schools of, 
358; village of Niagara in, in 1824, 339 

Wheeler, Noah, 271; Ru.ssell, Rev., 135; 
William, Dr., 250, 389, 390 

Whipple, Jeremiah, 302, 308 

Whitbeck, H. M., 163; John, 241 

White, Abel, 293; Andrew, 239; A. G., 
108 ;B. H.. 182; Francis B.. 171 : Hollis, 
99, 145; James G., 246; Robert, 118, 
171; Samuel, 267; Sanford, 293, 294; 
Stephen, 351 ; & Hecker, 223 

Whitefield, William and John, 259 

Whitman, George H., 85; Jcrlm L., 282, 
294 

Whitmore, Charles, 171 

Whitney, Barnabas, 313; C. C, 294; 
Chauncey H., 142; John, 95; Joseph, 
Capt., 76; Parkhur.st, 93, 94, 178, 181, 
183-185. 190, 191; S. M. N., 146, 147, 
225; Theodore, 180; Theodore S., 182 

Whiton, Alpha, 80 

Whitlam, John, 319 

Whittaker, Lyman, 259 

Whittleton, Edward, 310 

Whitton, Archibald, 316 

Wicker, H. K., 118, 119; Hiram H., 
171 

Wickham, G. A., 274, 275 

Wichterman, Chauncey, 338, 358 

Wiedman, Leonard, 346 

VVilber, Joshua, 94 

Wilbur, Charles, 43, 104, 240; Sidney, 
Rev., 154 

Wilcox, Benjamin, 312; Charles, 182, 
274; Charles W., 316, 319; Elisha, 309; 
F. U., 215; Oliver L., 271 

Wilkeson, Samuel, 360 

Wilkins, William, Dr., 389 



Wilkinson. James, Gen., 51, 286; Rens- 
selaer S., 162, 171 

Willard, Oliver L., 170 

W^illett, James, M.. Major, 87, 89; Jona- 
than, 170 

Willey, W. E., 378 

Williams, Allen, 267, 278; August, Gus- 
tav H. and William, 358; Charles, 252 
383; Cyrus F., 334; Edward T., 222 
319 ; Erastus L., 271 ; F. C, 246 ; Henry 
84; James, 280: James, jr., 267; John 
122, 170, 246, 342; JohnS.,383; Jonas 
361; Joshua, 302, 307; J. M., 272; Le 
Rav, 87; William, Capt., 76; William 
A., '127, 139; W. G.. Capt., 74 

Willie, Charles G., 259 

Wilhs, Joseph, 190; Joseph H., 154 

Willoughbv & Hathaway, 350 

Wilmot, H. A., Dr , 157, 275 

Wilson, Calvin, 245; Charles A., Frank 
and Benjamin, 309; Charles L., 277; 
Daniel, Edward, Robert D., Stephen 
S., and William T., 327; Frank E.. 
239; George B., 86, 99; H. A., Dr., 
390; H. McG., Dr., 390; John, 257; 
John H., 95; John S., 311; Lorenzo S.. 
311; Luren D., 309; Luther, 99, 302, 
305, 308-310, 312-314; Reuben, 65, 248, 
256, 302-304, 308, 309, 313, 386; Reuben 
F., 99, 302, 309, 310; R. Baldwin, 86; 
R. C, 126; R. D., 328; R. L., 158; 
Stephen, 97; William T., 323 

Wilson Collegiate Institute, 312; Cream- 
ery, Co., 311 ; Harbor Co., 90 

Wilson, town of, 302-315; churches of, 
313-315 ; earlv roads in, 305 ; first town 
meeting in , 302 ; house, burning of the, 
by the British, 305; list of supervisors 
of, 302; newspapers of, 311; pioneers 
of, 303-309; schools of, 311, 312; village, 
309-313 

Windsor, Lloyd, Rev., 135 

Winegar, C. E., 80 

Winslow, Miriam, Mrs., 321 

Winter, Conrad J., 338. 346 

Winters, Daniel, Dr., 390 

Wire, Emery W., 334; Morris, 334, 336 

Wisconsin Lumber Co., 350 

Wisner, David, 249; James, 249, 315. 316, 
322, 323, 325; Jehiel, Elder, 330; Sam- 
uel, 383; William, 328; William C, 
Rev., 128 

Witbeck, H. P., 221 

Witmer, Abram, 183; Christoper H., 179, 
221; John, 45. 178, 183. 200 

Witterman, G. D., 271 

Wolcott, Anson, 272; JohnS., 159 

Wolcottsville, 272 



247 



Wolf, Christian, 343; N. H., 163 
Wollaber, E. A., Dr., 393 
Wolsely, Robert B., Rev., 146 
Woock, Philip, 334; Martin, 334-336 
Wood, Albert, Rev., 149, 156; Harlow 

v., 132; Major, 60; W. C, Dr., 391 
Woodbury, John D., 80; W. H., 191 
Woodcock, Edward M., 303; William, 313 
Woodford, Henry E., 221, 225; H. E., 

Mrs., 155 
Woodhull, Caleb J., 201 
Woodman, Frederick, 284 
Woodruff, L. C, 181, 226; L. & A., 294; 

Richard H . 145, 196; Sally, Mrs.. 143; 

Stillman C, 346 
Woods, Jonathan L., 159, 373, 374; 

Wakefield, 243; William, 334 
Woodworth, Elijah H., 156, 268; John, 

271; Luke, Dr., 387 
Wool, John E., Capt., 49 
Woolever, Philip, 332 
Worden, Paul B., 247 
Works, J. W., 355; Samuel, 98, 159, 171 
Worthington, George, Rev., 154 
Wright, F. A., 250; George W., 190; 



John L., 115; Oraon P., 319; R. G.. 
Dr., 357; Solomon, 104, 173; Solomon 
C, 322, 324, 329; Walter P., 87; Will- 
iam S., 100 

Wright's Corners. 173, 329 

Wurl, Erdman, 341; Frederick, 358; 
Martin, 346 

Wurtenberter, John, 335 

Wyllys, Lvman, 377 

Wyner, John, 293 

Young, Charles, 95; Charles and Joseph, 
247; Christian, 178; C. M., 225; Isaac 
L., 337; John, 45. 178. 260; Men's 
Christian Association of North Tona- 
wanda, 360; Oliver M., 214; Samuel, 

178; Samuel and Christian, 193; , 

Dr., 389 

Youngstown village, 260-263; incorpora- 
tion and officers of, 263 

Zeiger, Daniel, 191 

Ziehl, Ferdinand, 342 

Zimmerman, Nelson, 340; Samuel, 217 

Zittle, Conrad, 255-257 

Zoss, Charles and S. E., 319 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 



Allen, W. L., Dr., 438, Part H 
Angevine, Jackson, 438, Part H 
Babcock, Isaac H., 416, Part II 
Baker, Flavins J., Dr., 440, Part II 
Barnard. Thomas P. C. Dr., 437, Part II 
Bentley, F. W., Dr., 437, Part II 
Brush, Harlan W., 355, Part I 
Brush. Walter S., 356, Part I 
Chapman, Thomas M., 354, Part 1 
Cobb, Willard A., 124, Part I 
Corson, Fred W., 445, Part II 
Crowley, Richard. 427, Part II 
Cutler, John. W., 447, Part II 
De Kleist, Eugene Fr. T., 429. Part II 
Dornfeld, Albert, 431. Part Part II 
D wight, A. N., 436, Part II 
Felton, Benjamin Franklin, 420, Part II 
Flagler, Thomas T., 409, Part II 
Gaskill, Joshua, 425, Part II 
Hickey, Charles, 414, Part II 
Hodge, John. 417, Part II 
Honeywell, Charles E., 311. Part I 
Kaltenbach, Andrew, 425, Part II 
La Bar. John W., 436, Part II 
Landreth, William. 435, Part II 
Lehon, William S., jr., 439, Part II 
Leo-Wolf. Carl G.. Dr., 434, Part II 



McKeen, Albert E., 430. Part II 
Me-seroll. Philip H., 441, Part II 
Millar, David, 413, Part II 
Mullaney, Patrick T.. Rev.. 426, Part II 
Palmer, Charles Newell, Dr., 423. Part II 
Payne, Lewis S., Col., 410, Part II 
Peterson, Charles, 418, Part II 
Philpott, William A., jr., 442, Part II 
Pierce, Henry F. , Maj., 415, Part II 
Pool, Wilber T.. 434, Part II 
Pool, William, 432, Part II 
Potter, Alvah K., 414. Part II 
Richardson. Moses Crandall, 440, Part II 
Rieger. Frank, 439. Part II 
Schoellkopf, Arthur. 423. Part II 
Shafer. John W., 443, Part II 
Spalding, Linus, 412, Part II 
Sterritt, William J.. 431. Part II 
Trott. James Fullerton, 421. Part II 
Vogt, Jacob J.. 444. Part II 
Wands, Ernest H.. 444, Part II 
Ward. Joseph A., 445, Part II 
Warner, Thomas E.. 354, Part I 
Whitnev. Parkhurst, Gen.. 405. Part II 
Whitnev. Solon JI. N.. 408, Part II 
William's, Edward T.. 222, Part I 
Witmer. Joseph. 443, Part II 



248 

PART III. 



Acheson, Edward G., 103 
Ackerman, Arthur A., 167 
Adams, Samuel, 121 
Albert, John, 53 
Allan, William, 9 
Allen, Arthur N., 155 

I. N., 167 

Norman O., 13 
Angevine, feremv, 167 
Arisen, William H., 31 
Arkush, Solomon F., 21 
Armitage-Herschell & Co., 103 
Armitage, James, 103 
Armstrong, Andrew M., 198 

Seiner E., 36 
Arnold, Henry F., 166 

John B., 102 
Atwater, James, 103 
Austin, Ansel P., 167 

Babcock, Edward O., 26 
Bachelder, Ozro, 107 
Baer, John G., 140 
Bailey, Perrin C, 199 
Bangham, Gaston J., 118 
Barnum, Elizabeth, Mrs. 105 
Barr, Robert. 108 
Barrally, T. W., 183 
Batt, Frank, 183 

J. B., 13 

Michael, 144 
Batten, George W., 107 
Beccue, August J., 182 
3Bedenkapp, W. J., 136 
Belden, Francis C, 104 

George D., 52 
Bellinger, W. H., 152 
Benedict, Henry L., 107 
Bendinger. Louis, 106 
Benham, Nathaniel L., 21 
Bennett, Arthur M., 140 
Bentley, Delevan F., 147 
Berger, Herman U., 32 
Bierstadt, Charles, 26 
Biggins, Jesse G., 217 
Binkley, Uriah, 104 
Bissell, Mina C, 106 
Bixby, Chauncey E., 182 
Blackley, William J., 107 
Blake, T. A., 37 
Bliss. J. S., 184 
Blum, Jacob, 127 
Boore, Lewis A., 57 
Bowen, Edward P., 184 
Bower, John, 182 



Bowers, Joseph, 181 

Bowles, George Charles, Dr., 105 

Boyd, James H., 117 

Braas, Charles F., 108 

Nicholas D., 108 
Brackenridge, William A., 155 
Bradley, Artemas A., 192 

Daniel, 130 

G. H., 37 
Briggs, F. C. H.. 184 

Warren C, 127 
Brigham, John, 117 
Brighton, Thomas, 182 
Broecker, E. W., 183 
Brong, Daniel E., 106 
Bronson, Noah Lee. 218 
Brooks, Frederick, 28 
Brookins, Samuel W., 126 
Brophy, Thomas, 5 
Brown, Frederick J., 38 

James G. O., 37 

Wesley P., 19 
Brundage, James T., 51 
Buck, Champlin Fletcher, Dr., 191 
Buckley, James, 106 
Burgess, A. F., 183 

Arthur T., 181 
Burke, Michael, 182 
Burns. W. I., Dr., 184 

W. R., 142 
Burtch, Lewis. 123 
Butler, Mighells B.. Capt., 215 
Buttery Family, the, 208 
Button, Frank E., 38 

Campbell, Emmett, 110 

Nathan, 131 
Canavan, Cornelius T., 5 

James W., 53 
Cantield, Betsev D., Mrs., 30 
Cannon, Elijah' H,, 150 
Carey. M. E., Ill 
Carr, William, 8 

William L, 8 
Carroll, Daniel C, 109 
Carter, El win S., 61 
Carver, William H., 176 
Cary, Eugene, 108 
Cassidy, Michael E., Ill 
Chapman, David, 176 

Harrison S., Ill 
Charlton, Thomas, 4 
ChikLs, James H., 60 
Christgau, J. P., 5 
Clark, Thomas E., 112 



>49 



Clark. Thomas F., Rev., 152 
Clary. Thomas F. C, 61 
Cleveland. Henry T., Dr.. 177 
Clench. R. J., 177 
Clendenan, C. W.. Dr., 178 
Cliffoi-d, James, jr.. 190 

Martin, 190 
Coates, E. A., 175 

Samuel, 176 
Cocker, William, 109 
Collins, Peter, 110 
Colpoys, Henry L. , 124 
Compton, James, 187 
Comstock, E. T., 14 
Cooke, W. J., 197 
Cooley, Mark O., 54 
Cornell, H. G., 177 
Corwin, Phineas H., 202 

& Hubble, 109 
Cowdrick. William J. S., 178 
Cramer, J. A., 110 
Cromley, Charles E., 178 
Crosier, W. D., 110 
Crowe, Michael J., 143 
Croy, Peter R.. Ill 
Cumro, William C, 151 
Curtis, W. J., 177 
Cushmg, Sarah L., Dr., 15 

Damon, Ephraim, 112 
Daniels, Willard J., 191 
Darcy, Matthew J., Rev., KiO 
Darrison, John T., 199 
Davis, E. W., 160 

John W., 35 
Davison, Norton E., 15 
Dav, Emenson, 112 
Dean, Frederick E., 207 

Wilham H., 22 
De Graff, James H., 95 
Delano, Ezra B. , 159 
Delmage, Henry J., 94 
Denham. B. O., Rev., 19 
Denison, Byron B. , 156 
Devereaux, John E. , 93 

Patrick, 93 
Devlin, Samuel J., 9<i 
Dick, George, 90 
Dickey. Andrew, 150 
Dickinson, James A., 187 
Dinan, jr., William, 18 
Diver, John M., 96 
Dix, P. T., 94 
Dobbie, John, 25 
Doebler, Charles G., S 
Donaby, Richard. 31 
Donahue. Michael, 94 
Douglass, Jay C, 35 
ft- 



Dowding, John, 94 
Draper, W. Levell, Dr., 199 
Dudley, Frank Alonzo, 130 
Dunkleberger, Solomon B., 112 
Dutton, E. M., 16 
Dysinger, Samuel A., 159 

Earl, Herman S., 125 
Edwards, William C, 97 
Eighme. A. G., 137 
Ellis, Joseph E., 140 
Elton. Theron S., 97 
Emerson, Joseph, 97 
Enright, John P., 98 
Eshelman, Samuel B., 133 
Esslie, Adam, 24 
Evans, Edward, 193 

Fales, Henry M. , Capt. , 59 
Faling, Peter, Dr., 35 
Farley, Francis B., 162 
Fassett, H. V. S., 17 
Ferguson, Fred H. , 188 
Fermoile, P. J., 163 
Ferrin, Charles J., 99 
Fink, Konrad, 57 
Finnell, John H., 122 
Flagler, Benjamin, Gen., 28 

'Charles W., 99 
Flanders, Albert, 163 
Folger, Charles E., 100 

P. W., 113 
Foote, John, Dr., 98 

jr., Reuben C, 100 
Forsyth, E. Holden, 99 

Luther, 99 
Foster, James M., 98 
Fowler, William C, 18 
Frazer, John J., 164 

Washington A., 58 
Freer, George S., 135 
French. E. B., 163 
Fritz, William F., 163 
Frost, Solomon W. , 162 

Gagnon, Andrew Loyst, Dr., 139 
(rardner, Hiram, 190 
Gaskill, Jedediah, Dr., 41 
Gassier, William F., 21 
(Tentle, W. T., 144 
(rentz, John, 15 
(ietz, Franklin, 170 
(jille.spie, James, 151 
Gillie. William M.. 154 
Gluck, Alva. 212 
Goerss. C. F., 170 
Gold. William J.. 101 
Gombert, William, 101 



250 



Good, George W. , 42 
Goodfellow, William T., 42 
Gooding, Stephen F., 101 
Graf, C. A. , 9 
Granger, Harrison, 212 
Graves, Selden E., 170 
Gray, John, Dr., 56 
Grigg, Henry, 102 
Griswold. Jesse, 115 
Gruhler, Joseph C, 100 
Guillemont, Frank, Dr., 55 

Haeberle, George, 84 
Hagen, Charles, 87 
Hague, C. Frederick, 82 
Haight, Joshua J., 178 
Hale, Clinton E., 9 
Hall, Charles M., 56 
Halsey, Stephen H., IIG 
Halsted, Irving, 82 
Hamblin, John A., 38 

William, 88 
Hamlin, Frank J., 148 
Hancock, John M., 31 
Haner, Charles, 209 
Hannan, Thomas, 102 
Harmony, Edwin, 39 
Harrington, E. B., 59 

jr., Frank B., 124 
Hartmann, Frederick K., 88 
Harwick, L., 179 
Harvvood, Bert S., 84 
Hastings, Arthur C, 32 
Hatch, Charles W., 202 
Hathaway, A. J., 118 

Otis, '85 
Haynes, Edward P., 87 
Hays, Otis B., 189 
Healand, John, 122 
Heim, Eva E., Mrs., 186 
Helwig, Jacob E., Dr. ,4 
Henry, L. E., 83 
Hepworth, John T., 19 
Herschell, Allan, 207 

George C. , 208 
Higgs, William H. . 85 
Higgins, D. F., 180 
Highland, Henry, 39 
Hildreth, Charles G., 214 
Hill, Henry C, Dr., 180 
Hixon, D. A., 180 
Hixson, P. v., 39 
Hobbs, John W., 12 
Hodge, William H., Dr., 125 
Hogan, James, 87 
Holdridge, (leorge B., 179 
Holland, Lewis, 216 
Hollev, Montford C, 138 



Holly, Frank W. , 179 
Holman, Frank N., 20 
Holmes, William Howard, 40 
Holzer, Andrew, 196 
Homeyer, Henry, 59 
Hopkins, S. Silas, 134 

Willard, 146 
Home, Walter P. , 27 
Hotchkin, James H., 164 
Hotchkiss, Fred P., 211 

George A., 213 
Hough, Walter D., Dr., 55 
Howell, Daniel, 82 
Hoyer, J. B., Dr., 102 
Huff, James B., 156 
Huggins, William O., Dr., 212 
Hulett. Theodore G., 24 
Humbert, William S., 129 
Humphrey, S. N., 82 
Hungerford, Andrew H., 179 
Huntington, David, 118 
Hurd, S. Wright, Dr., 84 
Huss, Frank, 84 
Hyde William H. , 141 

lackson, A. W., Dr., 33 
Jacobs, Hiram M., 10 
Jaenecke, E. G., 17 

John G., 16 
Jameson, William Arthur, 23 
Tavne, A. W., Dr., 88 
Jeffery, D. Elwood, 195 
Jenny, John C, 147 
Johnson, Jay K. , 159 

Wallace C, 88 
Jones, Joseph H., 89 

Waller, 89 
Judd, Garwood, L., 5 
Jud.son, George D., 11 

Kanett, Charles W., 166 
Kelley, George H., 11 

James A. , 90 
Kelly, J. W. H., 166 
Kelsey, Charles L., 166 

W. E., 10 
Kenyon, Edgar E., 121 
Kerr, T. A., Dr., 42 

W. B., 50 
Kilborn, Horatio, 165 
Kill, Ruthven, 195 
Kimpel, Solomon, 91 
King, I. J. Forbe.s, 89 

James O., 3 

M. J., 165 

William H., 164 
Kinney, John F., 165 
Kinsella, Michael, 17 



251 



Kinvon, John, jr., 203 
Knapp, Edward, 165 

Franklin L., Dr., 91 
Knox, George W., 90 
Koetsch, Ernest A., 128 
Kohler, Charles, 138 
Kraus, Henry J., 141 
Krull, William, 59 

William C, 186 
Kyte, Francis, 42 

La Barr, jr., John, 75 
I.a Blond, Frank, 91 
Lahey, Richard, 171 
Lambert, John, 172 
Lange, August, 208 
Lanigan, John A., 146 
Lawrence, Spencer J., 115 
Lawson, Oliver, 172 
Lee, Albert H., 115-^ 
Leggett, John H., 93 
Lennon, John, 7 

Leonard, Allen T., Dr., 1.2 

Leonhardt, H. C.,Dr., 74 

LeVan, Abram K., 171 

Liddell, James, 142 

Lienz, Jacob, 92 

Lindsay, James P., 92 

Little, J, W..&SOU, 120 

Lovell, Thomas B., 25 

Luick, Leonard J., 54 

Lum, Silas, 92 

Lureman, Charles, 74 

Lutts, Henry, 172 ,, ^,,^ 

Lymburner, Hamilton M.,-ilti 

Lynch, Daniel M., 20 

Lyon, H. L. T., 91 

McBean, George, 20 
McBlain, Thomas J- l'^. 
McBrien, Frederick R., Dr., 1. 
McCarty, Owen E., 76 
McCollum, Abram M., 13o _ 

McCollum, James A., IdG 
McComb, George T., 215 
McCracken, Richard, 145 
McDonald, E. C, 75 
McEwen, William D., 54 
McHale, Patrick, Rev., 198 
McKee, Thomas J., 76 
McMullin, Rankin, 77 
McNair, C. C, 75 
McKenna, Franklin J., 114 

Joseph, 147 
Macpherson, James F., Dr., 161 
Malonev, Michael, 148 
Mann, Willis T., 201 
Mansfield, Alonzo J., 75 



Markle, Charles X., 124 
Mason, John C, 58 
Matthews, Richard, 192 
Meacham, George, 198 
Meehan, James Henry, Dr.. ..» 
Merritt, John A., 79 
Mesler, Charles V., Capt, 132 

M. A., 75 
Meyers, Hiram Benedict, 49 
Millar. David, 78 
Miller, Charles J., 78 
Galen, 76 
Isaac, 125 
George O., 152 
John, 13 
John C, 134 
Morgan, Andrew C, 33 

John C, 189 
Moore. Allen N., Dr., 131 
Donalds., 76 
J. O., 161 
William K., 191 
Moote, George L., 147 
Morris, Augustus, 128 

Stephen H., 160 
Morrissey, Michael, 33 
Mossell, Aaron, 161 
Mundie, John, 154 
Munson, Hiram D., 53 
Murphy, Edward, 78 
James F. , 77 
James P., 77 
Mvers, Ira G.. 139 
My rick, F. A., 18 

Nassoiy, Peter F., 80 
Neff, jr.. John F., 13 
Nellist. Mrs. Phebe, 158 
Nichols, E. S., 5 
Nielson, Hans, 196 
Noble, Romyne W., 79 
Noblett, JohnE., 149 

Odell, Charles W., 80 

James M., 80 
Oelkers. J., 186 
Oille, W. C.,4 
Oliver, William, 81 
Ostwald, William, 185 

Parish, George D., 64 
Parker, Edward G., 143 
George F., 62 
Quincy, G. T., 169 
Spencer B.. 55 
Parsons. T. U.. 145 
Payne, Lewis T., 169 
Pearce, John C, 10 



25; 



Pearce, Robert, 127 
I'earson. Albert, 128 

Robert T. , (55 

William, 81 
Pease, A. Douglas, Q;', 

William Bradford, lfi9 
Perrigo, George William, 123 
Peterson, Jesse, 62 

Walter V., 122 
Pettebone, Lauren W., Mai 81 
Pettit, Clinton, 63 

Enoch, 168 

George, 114 

John, 114 

Lauton, W., 64 

Samuel H.. 195 

Thomas, 63 

Wilson, M., Dr., 4T 
Pfohl, Peter P., 151 
Pitz, Philip F.,62 
Pierce Fred I., 81 

John S., 203 

Mail W., 168 
Pletcher, Franklin, 129 
Pool. W. T., 64 
Porter, Alexander J., 23 

Franklin, 36 
Potter, John. 65 
Pound, John E., 195 
Praker, August C, 169 

E. C, 8 
Pratt, Lorenzo N., 138 

Rufus W., 62 
Premus, A. F., 58 
Pringle, George W. , 127 
Prudden, Orrm D., 64 
Prudom, John H., 61 

Rabb, Peter J., 128 
Rand, James" H., 160 
Rankine, Richard F., 68 

William B., 34 
Ransom, Lewis, 68 

W. H. H., 66 

W. H. & P^. A. , 07 
Read, Willett W., 56 
Reardon, John S., 149 
Rech, William, 160 
Redpath, Philip E., 67 
Reed, Albert H., 65 
Rice, William B., Dr. 74 
Rich, A. D. , 66 
Richardson, G. L. , Dr., 157 

H. Gardiner, 192 
Richie, William F., 67 
Richmond, William, 54 
Rickard, M. L., 144 
Ripson, William, 201 



Robertson, W. W. , 66 
Robson, John B., 203 
Rock, James E., 11 
Rogge, Charles, 9 
Root, Thomas, 134 
Rosebrook, Herman, 188 
Rosenmiiller, George F., Rev 65 
Rowe, J. S., 217 
Rowen, Michael, 150 
Rumbold, J. H., 4 
Russell, Edward E., 30 

William P., Dr., 213 
Ryan, Thomas, 34 

Saddleson, Ransom, 216 
Sage, Franklin S. , 197 
Sandstrum, John, 175 
Sanford, Hervey, 117 
Sawyer, Fred Curtis, 121 

John P., 70 
Scanlon, P., 10 
Schneider, John C, 16 
Schulmeister, J., 157 
Schumacher, C. F., 10 
Schuyler, Robert A., 14 
Schwarm, Adam, jr., 173 
Schwartz, Daniel W., 19 
Scoby Arch C, 214 
Scott, Joseph C, 68 

Walter A. , Dr. , 29 
Scovell, J. Boardman, 214 

Oliver P., 129 
Seeley, Caroline A., Mrs., 69 
Shaeffer. Jesse, 69 
Sharpsteen, WilHam, 175 
.Shaver, Franklin, 71 

Homer, 69 
Shaw, Charles D., 144 

George E., 51 
Shelton, Edwin, 69 
Shepard, George G., 23 

William, 22 
Sherwood, A. S., 173 
Shimer, Jacob, 174 
Shine, P., 154 
Silsby, Charles D., 50 
Silverthorne, A. K. , 49 
Simmons, Edward, 70 
Skutt, Austin, 60 
Slocum, Hart, 70 
Smeaton, J. V., 175 
Smith, Albert R., 153 
George P., 175 
Horace C. , 6 
Mason M., 153 
Smoyer, Henry, Dr., 32 
Snow, J. B., 174 
Snyder" A. B. , 68 



253 



Southworth, Edmund Howard, 21' 

Spencer, Samuel B. , (iS 

Spilmau, John, 143 

Staats, William H., U 

Stac}', Edwin, (!(l 

Stanley. Lyman (i. , 11 

Steele, Frank C, 201 

\V. Wallace, 13 
Sleinbreuner, Carl, 148 
Stivers, Charles Gaskill, 2it 
Stockwell, Ralph, 11!) 
Slocum, Hector M., l!t:5 
Strieker, John C, 142 
Stumpf, C. F., 174 
Sullivan, P. M., 13.S 
Sutherland, J. Hanaur, Dr.,:! 
SutlilY, Calvin G., 174 
Swain, George M., 117 
Swan, Gay ton H., 150 
Sweeuev, James, jr., 194 
Swift, Elisha B., 50 
Swigert, John G., 172 
Sybrandt, Le Roy, 70 

Tabor. C. D., 158 
Talbott, Michael, Dr., 150 
Tallon, John M., 18 
Taylor, Cortez, 42 

Edward J., 72 

Reuben A., 73 
Terry, Frank H., 72 
Thorn, David, 86 
Thompson, George F., 137 

James S., 210 
Thorburn, Margaret, 34 
Tice, James A., 73 
Tompkins, Henry vS., 57 

James S., 194 

William, 141 
Topping, Michael, 27 
Tower, George P., 113 

Luke, 201 

Peter S. , 200 
Town, W. S., Dr., 157 
Townsend, John P., 158 
Trevor, Francis M., 72 

William W. , 72 
Tucker, Carl E., 71 
Tulley, Thomas H., 16 
Tuttle, Edward J., 158 

George M., 43 



Upson, William H. 
Utz, Otto F., 14 



126 



Van Cleef Lawrence, 53 
Vandervoort, Levant R., 217 
Van Horn, Theodore H., 171 



Van Pelt, John Grove, Dr., 2'.t 

\'an Shuler. Duane, 171 

Van Slyke, Alvin, 170 

Van Valkenburg, Daniel A., 13!) 

Vogt, Jacob B.,'24 

Vroman, Dow. 211 

Wadhams, Norman E. G., 48 
Wagenschuetz, Fred F., 7 
Wakeman, Edward A., 132 
Walck, Gottlieb, II 
Walker, Charles M., 205 
Wallace, William C, 44 
Ware, Cleland A. , 46 
Warner, Henry E., 45 
Warren, A. Frank, 12 

Charles A., 43 

Charles H., 216 
Watt, William W., 3 
Wattengel, M. J., 153 
Watters, Fowler A., Dr., 47 
Watts, J. C, 43 
Waud, Denbv, 20 
W^ebster, A. H., 152 
Weitzman, Joseph, 119 
Welch, James M., 57 

John H., 26 

John J., 149 

Thomas V., 27 
Wells, David M., 47 
Wendt, A. M., 206 

Fred E.,45 
Westra, John, 137 
Whitlam, John, 185 
Wichterman, Chauncey, 46 
Wiedman, Leonard, 216 
Wiehle, John, 151 
Wilcox, Elisha, 60 

Francis U., 32 

Thomas J., 113 

William W., 52 
Wilkeson, William, 205 
Williams, J. W., 206 

M. B., 153 

Roderick Norton, 206 

William A., 47 
Williamson, John T., 139 

jr., Richard, 119 

W. F., 207 
Willis, Joseph W., 14S 
Wilson, Charles, 205 

Frank E., 129 

John H., 206 

Joseph H., 142 

Robert D., 48 

S. S. , 204 

William T., 204 
Winslow, George C. , 43 



Witmer, Elias, 207 
Wolf, Tames F., 120 
Wood.'W. W., 6 
Woodford, Henry E., 45 
Wool worth, W. H., 44 
Worden, E. H., 47 

Paul B., 205 
Works, Samuel, 86 
Wynkoop, Charles, 44 



254 



Young, Charles, 116 
Henry C, 200 
Robert D., 156 



Zeiger, Charles, 48 

Daniel, 149 
Ziehl, Ferdinand, 162 
Zimmerman, N. B., 4'J 



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